CERT Basic Training
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is a free FEMA course that can help you prepare to become more self-reliant and help your community following a major emergency or disaster when first responders will not be able to meet the demand for emergency services.
The CERT course is held on three consecutive days: Friday evening, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday.
Dinner will be served on Friday evening and lunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday.
You must attend and complete all three days of class to receive your CERT certification. Makeup classes are not available.
To view upcoming classes, check the Public Safety Department's Eventbrite page.
Course topics
CERT Basic Training is a 20-hour FEMA course that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training. The course is broken up into the following units:
- Disaster Preparedness
- Fire Safety
- Disaster Medical Triage
- Light Search and Rescue
- Response Organization
- Disaster Psychology
- Terrorism & CERT
- Disaster Response Simulation
During each session participants are required to wear closed toe shoes.
Who can attend
Pre-registration is required and limited to 40 students.
Students must be 14 years or older.
Students under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian 21 years or older.
CERT Basic Training in Los Angeles County
CERT basic training is a federal course offered by many different agencies and organizations. In most cases, anyone can attend any CERT basic training course. However, there is no need to attend more than one CERT basic training course, as the curriculum does not change no matter where you take the course.
Below are the nearby cities and agencies that offer CERT basic training. Check their websites and social media for updates on course offerings.
City of Downey, CA
City of Norwalk
City of Long Beach
Los Angeles County Fire Department