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

The Montgomery County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program is now accepting registrations for the CERT Basic Course #23-02

Please read the following information and requirements CAREFULLY before you pre-register for the course. We will be following county and city guidelines to ensure the safety of all who attend.

  • In order to maximize class interaction, this course will be limited to the first 40 participants who register. Registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis. The course consists of 10 sessions: 5 Wednesdays (virtual) and 5 Sundays (in-person)
  • This is a Hybrid Course. Online learning will take place Wednesday evenings. The In-person portion will take place on Sundays at PSHQ 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878. Participants who complete/participate in all 10 sessions will receive a Montgomery County CERT Basic certificate.
  • We will be using the Zoom video conference platform for all Wednesday sessions. We may also use other technologies to enhance the course. Therefore, all participants need to have access to a laptop or tablet.  All Sunday sessions will be in person.
  • The initial session on October 4th, 2023 will include information for those new to the Zoom platform. However, we strongly recommend you download the zoom app if you are new to the technology. There are also great resources you can access by visiting the Zoom Website.
  • After you pre-register, you will receive a separate confirmation email with the details of the class.
  • If you have other members of your household who wish to attend, they must register separately.
  • Additional details with the Zoom meeting links will be provided once your registration has been confirmed.
  • Remember, class slots are limited. Therefore, please ensure that you can commit to all the dates and times prior to pre-registering for this class.

Here are the class dates for the online CERT Basic course #23-02. (Please do not pre-register if you cannot commit to attend during these dates and times). Note, we will not have class the week of October 16th:

  • Wednesday, October 4 (Virtual): 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, October 8 (In-Person): 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, October 11 (Virtual): 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, October 15 (In-Person): 1:00 pm– 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, October 25 (Virtual): 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, October 29 (In-Person): 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 1 (Virtual): 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, November 5 (In-Person): 1:00 pm– 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, November 8 (Virtual): 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • Sunday, November 12 (In-Person): 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 Registration opens August 15th

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.