CERT Training

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

Do you know how to assist your neighbors and co-workers in any emergency situation? Will you be able to help if Emergency Services are delayed? If your answer was not a resounding yes, then consider taking the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training course offered by Montgomery County.

Montgomery County’s enhanced Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course will prepare you for common emergencies situations and the hazards and disasters that may impact the DC Metro area.

Register for the Next Class

Do you know how to assist your neighbors and co-workers in any emergency? Will you be able to help if emergency services are delayed? If your answer was not a resounding “Yes!”, then consider taking the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course offered by Montgomery County, MD CERT Team.

Montgomery County’s enhanced Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course will prepare you for common emergency situations and the hazards and disasters that may impact the DC Metro area.

This course follows the FEMA CERT training curriculum.  Topics include fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster preparedness, wound care, disaster psychology, team organization and disaster response. Additionally, this course includes CPR/AED training.

The next CERT Basic Course will start October 16th, 2024. The course will take place on Wednesday evenings virtually and Saturday mornings in person for 5 weeks.

Registration will open on August 25th at 8:00 am .  Registration link is below. Please mark your calendars!

Thank you for your interest in the Montgomery County CERT Basic program. If you have additional questions, not covered above, please send an email to registrar@montgomerycert.org

What CERT Training Teaches

This course covers the FEMA CERT training course material which includes fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster response. Additionally, this course includes CPR/AED training and certification.

Other topics covered are:

  • Disaster Preparedness
  • First Aid, Personal Protection, and CPR /AED
  • Mass Casualty Response and Triage / Disaster Medical Operations
  • Two-Way Radio Use
  • Hazardous Materials Awareness
  • Incident Command System (NIMS)
  • Pet Safety
  • Damage Assessment
  • Terrorism Awareness
  • Team well-being and Disaster Psychology
  • … and more.

Frequently Asked Questions about CERT Training

Why CERT?
Following a major disaster, the first responders who we have come to rely upon to provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the entire community’s need for these services. Factors such as the number of victims, communication failures, or road blockages can prevent people from receiving emergency services they depend upon. People may have to rely on each other for help, in order to meet their immediate lifesaving and life sustaining needs.
How long does CERT Training last?

The initial CERT Training generally lasts for five weeks and equals approximately 32 hours of instruction and hands on exercises. Our typical five-week schedule consists of one two-hour weekday evening (usually Wednesday) and one four-hour weekend day (usually Saturday).

Who can take this training and what is the cost?

The CERT class is open to all residents of the county who are at least 18 years of age. Exception are made for people who work within Montgomery County boundaries.

All CERT trainings sponsored by MC CERT are at no cost to the participant other than the participant’s commitment and desire to learn.

When is the next CERT Training Class?

MC CERT plans on five training sessions per year, when possible. Please check the calendar{link} for the next available class.

How do I sign up for a CERT Training Class?

MC CERT uses Eventbrite for class registration. Simply click on the “register” link on the event page to sign up. You can find a list of all available trainings on the “Event and Training Calendar” (link)

What can I do to prepare for CERT class?

While you wait attending your first CERT Training Class, you can start the two CO-requisite classes needed to complete the CERT Training class— IS 100 and IS 700 . You are encouraged, but not required, take these online courses prior to the actual start of the CERT Training Class. The must be completed before you will be awarded your CERT completion certificate. At the completion of each class, you will receive a certificate – please a copy to registrar@montgomerycert.org so that it can be added to your class record.

You also download and read through the CERT Training Manual. It is recommended, but not required, that you print and bring it to class.

IS -100.b – (ICS 100) Introduction to Incident Command System

IS -700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction

Please direct your training questions to our Training Coordinator at training@montgomerycert.org.