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Certification Path

Your Path to IAEM Certification

Embarking on the journey to become an Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) or Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) is a significant professional achievement—one that demonstrates your expertise, leadership, and commitment to the field of emergency management.

If you know you are interested in pursuing the AEM or CEM certification, you will want to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

After reviewing and confirming that you meet the requirements for either the AEM or CEM certification, you must complete two distinct but equally important steps:

STEP 1: Passing the IAEM Certification Exam

The certification exam evaluates applicants knowledge of emergency management principles, policies, and best practices.

STEP 2: Completing & Submitting the Certification Application

The certification application is for applicants to document experience, training, and professional contributions demonstrating they meet the certification standards.

Why Understanding Both Steps is Critical

 

Some applicants might focus only on one step and delay the other. This can lead to confusion and unnecessary delays. By understanding how these two steps work together, you can plan effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and move through the process confidently and clearly.

Important Considerations

  • If you’re considering certification but aren’t ready to start your application, you can enroll at no cost to express your interest in the program. A benefit of enrolling is that you will be added to the IAEM Certification database and have access to the Applicant Portal.
  • You can create a profile and begin uploading documents to your application through the Applicant Portal at no cost—this allows you to prepare your materials at your own pace before committing to the certification process.
  • The application process and exam are independent. You don’t need to complete your application before taking the exam.
  • Complete the above steps within one year of each other (order does not matter).
  • Paying the certification fee provides the applicant with two attempts to take the exam and two attempts to have the application approved by the Certification Commission.
  • Recertify to keep your certification current.

How to Enroll

  1. Sign up for an account with IAEM.
  2. Make sure to complete the "Enter TODAY'S date if you want to receive information about certification" field. This allows important certification news and updates to be shared.
  3. If an account already exists, ensure certification news is enabled by logging in and navigating to My Profile.
  4. Clicking the pencil icon under My Personal Information.
  5. Complete the "Enter TODAY'S date if you would like to receive information about certification" field.
  6. Click Update.

Need Assistance?

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

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