The International Association of Emergency Managers and the Certification Commissioners welcome you to the online Resource Center, an important section of the IAEM website for emergency management practitioners who are pursuing their Associate Emergency Manager or Certified Emergency Manager credential.

AEM/CEM Certification Exam Resources

Details about the exams can be found on the IAEM Exam page.

• AEM/CEM Updated Resource List (May 12, 2023) This version fixes broken links. The Emergency Planning Handbook was added to Australia's resource list.

Certification Guidebook

• Applicant Guidebook (Mar. 1, 2023)

Additional IAEM Resource Documents

• IAEM Certification Overview Presentation 
• Sample Training Allocation Tables
• IAEM Crosswalk for EMPP 
• Uniformed Service Guides
• IAEM Certification Exam Blueprint - This exam blueprint is an outline of the scope of practice for emergency management. It guided the development of test items and the overall construction of the exam. This ensures the exam is comprehensive and weighted in a manner that reflects the tasks, knowledge and skills required for emergency managers.
• Competencies for Emergency Management The CEM requirements are based on a job analysis and KSAs that IAEM produced independently in an effort that pre-dates the EMI version.
• ADA Policy for AEM/CEM Examinations 
• Readiness for AEM/CEM Self Assessment
• Mentoring Approval Request Form
• IAEM Exam Question Submission Form 
• AEM/CEM Brochure 

Online Certification Guides

• IAEM User Guide: AEM/CEM Online Application
• IAEM User Guide: Upgrade Online Application 
• IAEM User Guide: Completing the Lifetime CEM Nomination Form
• IAEM User Guide: CEM Recertification Online Application

CEM Corner

• CEM Corner. The CEM Corner is divided into components that mirror the requirements of the AEM/CEM credentials. By clicking on the link for the appropriate topic, the link will open up to a myriad of helpful information about that component of the AEM/CEM requirements. The CEM Corner includes articles that have been published in the IAEM Bulletin.

FEMA IS Courses

• FEMA IS Courses. FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses, a distance learning program, offers exceptional opportunities to meet the education requirements for Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification.
• Independent Study Program course certificates never expire. If a candidate wishes to refresh their skills, you may retake the exam; however, FEMA’s system will not re-score the exam and the original date of completion will remain on the candidate's certificate of completion.
• If a candidate is trying to submit an exam for a course that is required to be taken each year, please see the IS course list and look for courses with a yearly suffix. Example: IS-19.14 where .14 indicates 2014.

Partnerships with Colleges, Universities and Academies

In November 2017, the Certification Executive Committee approved a simplified memorandum of understanding to recognized interested academic institutions that value the IAEM Certification program. If you are interested in becoming a partner, contact Kate McClimans for further details.

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