Upcoming IAEM AEM/CEM Exam & Prep Course Dates and Locations

Stay informed about the latest opportunities to advance your emergency management credentials. Below is a list of upcoming Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) and Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) exam dates:

March 9, 2026, Certification Exam – College Station, TX

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1. Location: In conjunction with the 2026 EMAT Leadership Symposium, Hilton College Station and Conference Center, College Station, TX
2. Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT
3. Registration Deadline: February 23, 2026 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

March 31, 2026, Certification Exam – Anchorage, AK

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1. Location: Dena'ina Convention Center - 600 W 7th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501
2. Time: 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AKT
3. Registration Deadline: March 17, 2026 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

April 28, 2026, Certification Exam – Murfreesboro, TN

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1. Location: Rutherford County EOC, 1220 W College St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
2. Time: 8:00 a.m to 10:30 a.m. CDT
3. Registration Deadline: April 14, 2026 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

May 4, 2026, Certification Exam – Lake Charles, LA

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1. Location: In conjunction with the 2026 Louisiana Emergency Management Conference, Golden Nugget Lake Charles Resort & Casino, Lake Charles, LA
2. Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CDT
3. Registration Deadline: April 20, 2026 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

Additional Information: If you will only be taking the certification exam and NOT attending the IAEM-USA Region 6 Symposium itself:

• Select registration price type “Pre-Conf Exam Only-Select Exam Under Functions”
• In the function section select: “AEM / CEM Exam-Add'l. Certification Application Fee
• Proceed through the payment page to obtain a registration confirmation number

If you WILL BE attending the IAEM-USA Region 6 Symposium:

• Select your registration price type
• In the function section select: “AEM / CEM Exam-Add'l. Certification Application Fee
• Proceed through the payment page to obtain a registration confirmation number

May 26, 2026, Certification Exam – North Ocean City, MD

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1. Location: In conjunction with the Maryland Emergency Management Association Conference, Ashore Resort, 10100 Coastal Highway, MD 21842
2. Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
3. Registration Deadline: May 12, 2026 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

October 19, 2025, Certification Exam – Mescalero, NM

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1. Location: In conjunction with the New Mexico Emergency Management Symposium, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, Mescalero, NM
2. Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. MDT
3. Registration Deadline: October 10, 2025 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

November 13, 2026, Certification Exam – Sarasota, FL

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1. Location: Sarasota County Emergency Operations Center, Sarasota, FL
2. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. EST
3. Registration Deadline: October 30, 2026 (onsite registration is not available).
4. Additional Information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam for check-in and bring a photo ID.

Scheduling an Exam Near You

Applicants can request an individual exam offering by completing an Exam Request Form. If you have any issues, please email Sharon Kelly. Read more about proctors here.

Important Examination Notes

1. Certification Application Fee: Must be paid before sitting for the exam.
2. Registration: Onsite registration is not available. Please register online by the specified deadlines.
3. Identification: Bring a valid photo ID to the exam.

Retest Policy

If an applicant does not pass the exam:

1. First Retake: One additional attempt is allowed at no extra charge after a 60-day waiting period.
2. Subsequent Attempts: After two unsuccessful attempts, applicants must repay the certification fee to receive two more opportunities.

Also, see information about the retest policy and examination process here.

Need Assistance?

Contact IAEM at certificationinfo@iaem.com for support throughout your certification journey.