Course Overview

This Independent Study (IS) course introduces the relationship between the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS is a structured management system used by emergency responders to ensure worker safety, provide clear leadership, and enhance rescue efforts.

The course is designed for CERT program managers, trainers, and emergency responders involved in coordinating with CERTs during emergencies and disasters.

Course Lessons

• Lesson 1: ICS Review – Summarizes the principles and components of the Incident Command System.
• Lesson 2: CERT as Part of ICS – Describes CERT operations within ICS and methods for integrating CERT programs into emergency response frameworks.
• Lesson 3: Working with Volunteers – Covers volunteer management, best practices, differences between CERTs and VOADs (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), and integrating spontaneous volunteers.
• Lesson 4: CERT ICS Communications – Explains CERT communication processes, NIMS (National Incident Management System) terminology, and media communication strategies.

Course Objectives

• List the principles of ICS.
• Identify components of ICS.
• Describe CERT operations within the ICS framework.
• Determine how to integrate CERT programs into a response framework.
• Identify volunteer motivations.
• List three (or more) effective ways to utilize volunteers.
• Describe best practices for managing volunteers in disaster situations.

Course Details

Course Date: 05/01/2020

Prerequisites: None

Get More Information

For more details about this course, visit the official FEMA page.

Find test answers and study materials here: IS-315.A Test Answers.