Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)

About CERT


CERT is a program of Citizen Corps, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's approach to involve citizens in emergency preparedness, and is funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The function of CERT is to assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following a major disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to meet the demand for service. After the training, CERT students will be better prepared to take care of themselves and their community.

For more information, view the CERT Fact Sheet (PDF).
CERT volunteers at work

Attending CERT


If you are 18 years of age or older (16 and 17 years with parent/guardian consent) and are committed to serve our community by assisting your family and neighbors during emergencies or disaster situations, you are welcome to attend.

The Spring 2018 class is filled and we are not accepting any more applications at this time.   Our next classes won't be held until Fall 2018.

Enrollment is limited and classes will be filled on a first-received basis; applicants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.  Priority registration is given to residents of Ventura and first-time students.



What Will I Learn?


CERT students will receive approximately 20 hours of hands-on training from professionals in emergency management, and will receive training in:
  • Disaster medical (treatment and triage evaluation)
  • Disaster psychology
  • Disaster/emergency preparedness
  • Fire safety and suppression
  • Light search and rescue
  • Organizing/managing a CERT team
  • Terrorism and CERT
CERT training exercise
A disaster simulation drill is conducted during the last class. Graduates receive a CERT backpack starter kit and a certificate verifying their training.

What if I Miss a Class?


If you are unable to attend any of the six sessions in Ventura, you may sit in on a training session at a different location. 

You are responsible for completing the Makeup Form (PDF), signed by the instructor, and returning it to the Ventura instructor.

CERT training is offered in these neighboring cities:
  • Camarillo
  • Fillmore
  • Moorpark
  • Oak Park
  • Ojai Valley
  • Oxnard
  • Piru
  • Santa Paula
  • Santa Rosa Valley
  • Simi Valley
  • Thousand Oaks

Additional Information


An independent study course, "Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams," IS-317, is also available and serves as an introduction to CERT for those wanting to complete training or as a refresher for current team members

For additional information, visit the FEMA Emergency Response Team website.