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Your First Step to Certification Success

Earning your AEM or CEM certification is more than just an achievement—it’s a commitment to professionalism, leadership, and continuous growth in the field of emergency management. You are just a few steps away from earning one of these prestigious credentials!

Step 1: Enrollment & Payment

  1. Complete the Certification Enrollment Form.
  2. Determine which certification is being pursued.

  3. Pay the certification fee

    1. IAEM Members Certification Fee: $430
    2. Non-Members Certification Fee: $640

Important

  • The certification fee covers two attempts to take the exam and two attempts to have the application approved by the Certification Commission.
  • The certification fee does not need to be paid before creating a profile in the applicant portal and beginning to upload documentation. However, the fee must be paid before sitting for the certification exam or submitting the application in the applicant portal for review by the Commission.

Step 2: Exam & Application Submission

  1. Pass the IAEM Certification Exam.
  2. Upload and submit the application through the online applicant portal.

Important

  • Although it doesn’t matter which order the certification exam and certification application are completed, they must be completed within one year of each other.

Important Update Regarding the Application Portal

Starting on July 1, applicants will no longer be able to create new applications in the current certification portal. If you already have an open application, you may continue to complete and submit it as usual.

This change is due to our transition to an exciting new certification portal scheduled to launch in August. Once available, all new applications will be created and reviewed in the new system.

If you would like to be notified when the new portal is active, please fill out the notification form here. Thank you for your understanding during the transition!

Step 3: Commission Review

  • Once an applicant has submitted their full application, it undergoes a comprehensive review by the IAEM Certification Commission. The review ensures that documentation meets the AEM or CEM certification standards.
  • Applications are reviewed in odd-numbered months, and you will be notified if additional documentation is required. A schedule of important dates, including notification of the application review, can be found here.

Step 4: Notice Sent to Applicant

  • If approved and the applicant has also passed their exam, the applicant receives official notification of certification.
  • If additional information is needed, IAEM will provide feedback with instructions for resubmission.

Want to be Recognized at the IAEM Annual Conference Awards Banquet on November 19, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky?

Achieving your AEM or CEM certification is a significant milestone, and IAEM wants to celebrate your accomplishment! Certified professionals have the opportunity to be recognized during the IAEM Annual Conference Awards Banquet—a prestigious event honoring excellence in emergency management.

To be included in this year’s recognition ceremony:

  • Submit your completed application by August 31, 2025, and have it approved before or during the September review.
  • Pass the certification exam and have it processed by October 16, 2025.
  • Complete the awards ceremony participation survey sent in October.

This is your moment to be celebrated among peers and industry leaders. Take the final step and secure your place on stage! Need Help? Contact certificationinfo@iaem.com.