By Daryl Lee Spiewak, CEM, TEM, Lead Trainer for the CEM Commission

Last month we briefly discussed two significant changes that occurred in the essay requirement. Since AEM and CEM candidates had questions on how to interpret the changes, we will be exploring the essay requirement in some detail through a series of articles. This first article focuses on the grading rubric used by the Commissioners.

The Essay

The first thing to know is that the essay is a written narrative response to a specified problem scenario. It is not a bullet listing or talking points. The Commissioners expect the essay to be a well-organized, well-developed and well-written narrative with a distinct beginning, middle, and end. According to the 2012 application packet, the Commissioners use the essay in lieu of a formal interview to “assess the candidate’s knowledge and abilities of disaster/emergency management and written communication skills.” As such, the essay is qualitative in nature. That is, the Commissioners assign a score to the essay following a strict grading rubric that ensures consistency and fairness.

Design Elements

The grading rubric is divided into three sections. The first section can earn a maximum of six points, with one point assigned to each of six different design elements. If a design element is addressed, the candidate earns one point. If a design element is not addressed, the candidate earns zero points. The six design elements are:

• Identify the problem to be solved.
• Identify the objective to be achieved.
• Describe the necessary actions to be taken in order to achieve the objective and the problem solution.
• Describe the intended outcome (behavioral, technical, equipment and/or supplies, financial, etc.) as a result of necessary actions.
• Describe the human resources utilized in the process.
• Describe the material and financial resources utilized in the process.

On their first pass, the Commissioners read the essay to determine if the candidate included each of the six design elements and assigns the appropriate number of points.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The second section of the grading rubric can earn a maximum of 18 points, with zero to two points assigned to each of nine knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). A candidate earns two points if the KSA is addressed in depth; earns one point if the KSA is minimally addressed; and earns zero points if a KSA is not addressed. The nine KSAs are:

• Demonstrated ability to develop a solution for the stated problem.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the prevention phase of disaster/emergency management and activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the mitigation phase of disaster/emergency management and activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the preparedness phase of disaster/emergency management and activity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the response phase of disaster/emergency management and activity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the recovery phase of disaster/emergency management and activity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the organization and the environment in which it operates.
• Demonstrated knowledge of codes, legislation, regulations, plans, policies or procedures which impact the disaster/emergency management function.
• Demonstrated skill in written communication as evidenced by the essay that demonstrated your ability to present information in a logical, clear manner.

On their second pass, the Commissioners reread the essay to determine if the candidate addressed each of the nine KSAs and how well each KSA was addressed.

Administrative Details

The third section is a “go/no go” determination consisting of two questions. The first question has to do with the independent work statement. Candidates are required to type and sign the following statement at the end of their essay: “I verify that I have independently completed this essay.” Failing to do so results in an incomplete, and a candidate must resubmit the essay.

The second question has to do with formatting. To properly format the essay, it must be prepared using a word processing program, with 12-point type, one inch/2.5 centimeters margins, and double-spaced. Failing to do so reduces the KSA number 9 score.

Passing Score

After multiple reviews, the Commissioners then add up the points. A candidate must earn a minimum of 18 out of 24 points (75%) to pass the essay requirement. Anything less results in an incomplete, and a candidate must resubmit the essay.

All Commissioners use the grading rubric with each essay. Ensure that your essay includes all the specified criteria, and you should earn enough points to pass. Next month’s article will address the new scenario and describe how candidates may choose to interpret it.

IAEM Bulletin, November 2012

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