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Call for Commissioners

Commissioners Are Needed for the Class of 2029

The IAEM Certification Commission seeks dedicated emergency management professionals to serve as Certification Commissioners for the AEM/CEM Class of 2029. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the integrity and advancement of the Certification Program while shaping the future of emergency management certification.

Key Dates & Term of Service

  1. Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
  2. Term of Service: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2029

Why Serve as a Certification Commissioner?

Shape the Future of Certification – Play a key role in maintaining and improving the Certification Program.
Engage with Industry Leaders – Work alongside top professionals in the emergency management field.
Expand Your Professional Impact – Contribute to the credibility and high standards of IAEM certification.
Receive Recertification Benefits – Successfully completing a three-year term waives your next recertification fee (if not covered by your employer).
Make a Meaningful Contribution – Help uphold the highest professional standards for emergency managers worldwide.

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Candidate Qualifications

To be eligible, candidates must:

  • Be a current CEM who has successfully recertified at least once (Lifetime CEMs are not eligible).
  • Have a strong knowledge of emergency management and uphold the credibility of the AEM/CEM credential.
  • Demonstrate integrity by working without bias and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Be detail-oriented with strong writing skills and the ability to provide clear, concise feedback.
  • Be technologically proficient and willing to learn the online application portal.
  • Have access to a computer without security limitations and be able to open various file types (zip, pdf, msg, jpg, gif, mov, PowerPoint, and Word).
  • Have access to current internet browsers (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge).

Positions Available

IAEM is particularly seeking candidates from the following sectors:

  1. Academia

  2. At-large

  3. Not-for-Profit

  4. State

  5. Tribal

  6. Uniformed Services

However, all qualified U.S. CEMs are encouraged to apply as other opportunities may become available.

Call for Commissioners Application Process

Deadline 5:00 p.m. EDT, June 1, 2026

  1. Complete the Online Application here.
  2. Submit the following documents in one PDF file to Terry Lightheart-Sadler, CEM (terry@iaem.com) by the deadline.
  • Letter of Intent (maximum one page) – Expressing your desire to serve and commitment to participating in online reviews and commission meetings.
  • Current Resume
  • Letter of Reference from a current supervisor – Verifying your qualifications and support for the required time commitment.
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  • Letter of Reference from a current CEM – Highlighting your competencies in emergency management and commitment to the IAEM Certification Program.
  • (Optional) Additional Letters of Support – To further demonstrate your qualifications.

Note: If your supervisor is also a CEM, only one letter is required as long as it addresses both reference requirements.

IMPORTANT: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates will receive confirmation of their submission once the required information is received.

Commissioner Commitment

Being a Certification Commissioner requires dedication and a willingness to contribute time to uphold IAEM’s high certification standards. Commissioners must:

  1. Dedicate approximately 30 hours per review month (180 hours yearly) to review AEM/CEM applications.
  2. Review 12–20 applications within a 20-day window every odd month.
  3. Attend one or two in-person meetings per year (IAEM covers travel costs).
  4. Participate in conference calls (1-2 hours every month) to discuss policy and procedure updates.
  5. Occasionally assist in short-term ad-hoc working groups related to Commission discussions.
  6. Be responsive via email and phone to ensure smooth operations.

Need Assistance?

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

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