CERT Volunteer Position Task Book

Download a copy of the CERT Volunteer PTB (PDF Version or Word Version)

CERT Position Task Books (PTB)

CERT Team Lead Position Task Book

Download a copy of the CERT Team Lead PTB (PDF Version or Word Version)

FEMA uses Position Task Books (PTBs) to document the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be certified for a position within the National Qualification System (NQS). PTBs are used to train and evaluate personnel in incident management positions, ensuring they meet the minimum standards for certification.

Helps

Download a copy of the Evaluation Form Here.

There are several FEMA courses which may prove useful in your understanding of CERT and the role that CERT teams can play in the Incident Command System (ICS) and response to disasters:

All FEMA IS Courses are current version. These IS courses are free online courses and will require you to obtain a FEMA student ID.
How to obtain a FEMA Student ID (SID): Fill out the application at https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid
It’s a standard application form which requires:
• When and where were you born
• Security Questions
• Create your password
• Privacy Statement
• Save your SID!!! The SID is required for taking the exams at the end of each FEMA course.
The entire catalog of the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) course list is found at https://training.fema.gov/emi.aspx.
Check out our webpage FEMA Course Study Helps for suggestions to successfully complete these courses.
IS‐100 Intro to Incident Command System - (R-Once) Introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
IS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response - (R-Once) Reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.
IS‐700 Introduction to National Incident Management System - (R-Once) Provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The National Incident Management System defines the comprehensive approach guiding the whole community - all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and the private sector - to work together seamlessly to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. The course provides learners with a basic understanding of NIMS concepts, principles, and components.
IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction - (R-Once) Provides guidance for the whole community. Within this broad audience, the National Response Framework focuses especially on those who are involved in delivering and applying the response core capabilities
IS-317 Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs) - (R-Once) An introduction to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program for those interested in learning about the CERT program for their own knowledge or as a pre-requisite for completing the CERT Basic classroom training that may be available in your community.
IS-315: CERT and the Incident Command System (ICS) - (R-Once) introduces you to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) relationship to the Incident Command System (ICS), a proven management system used by emergency managers to help maintain the safety of disaster workers, provide clear leadership and organizational structure, and improve the effectiveness of rescue efforts. This program educates any Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program manager, CERT trainer, or emergency responder who may manage and/or coordinate with a CERT about the CERT’s potential roles in a disaster or emergency situation.

If you need additional time to finish the final exam of a FEMA Independent Study course, here are two actions you can take:
1. At the start of the final exam, right above the first question, there is a drop down menu - the default is 10 questions per page. You can choose 5 questions per page and this will give you some extra time.
2. When time is up, there will be a pop up asking if you need additional time. Check yes.