The CERT basic training course is typically delivered within a community by FEMA or State certified Instructors in eight weekly 3 hour sessions (insuring a minimum 21 hours of instruction). This training will help participants operate in a safe and appropriate manner when they render aid to Families, Friends and Neighbors following a disaster or large scale emergency.  Community Emergency Response Teams can reduce the loss of life, minimize property damages, and sustain a community after disaster strikes while Government Agencies and Disater Relief Organizations mobilize resources.

• The cost per person for the class is typically $53.00 and may vary depending on grants, sponsorships and other value added materials offered by local Instructors.
• Costs typically include; training manuals, individual safety equipment (CERT hard hat, vest, gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and dust mask), supplemental handouts and other overhead costs (i.e.; extinguisher recharge, practice bandages and training certificates).
• Picture identification cards are issued to graduates of most AVERT sponsored classes.  Many other Training Authorities issue similar forms of Program Participant ID Cards.
• This course is usually open for auditing by previously trained Citizens who wish to refresh or update their skills.
• Session One usually includes CERT course registration forms (including liability waivers), and development of Personnel and Training Records used by the Community's Emergency Manager to track Participant involvement.
• Neither AVERT, nor Community Emergency Managers will release personnally identifiable information about Program Participants (in accordance with the "Government Records Access Management Act").

During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment that is typically issued in the second session (gloves, goggles, mask, helmet and vest).  Each student will be provided supplies (bandages, dressings, etc.) needed to complete each session.  Participants are encouraged to build a disaster response kit of items they need to prepare for, and respond to a disaster.

The training consists of the following:

Session I, INTRODUCTION & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS:

Introduction begins with the completion of Course Registration and Class Reporting forms.   During this session, many Instructors will ask students to indicate their safety equipment sizes, and create personnel records in order to provide credentials for program participants.  The remainder of the session discusses individual and family disaster preparedness, and potential hazards which may impact the community.  Materials cover actions that participants and their families take before, during, and after a disaster.  As the session progresses, the instructor explores an expanded response role for civilians which helps participants understand and embrace their duties as volunteer disaster workers within the scope of their community's emergency response plans.  The CERT concept and organization are discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that community.

Session II, DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION:

CERT personal safety equipment is usually distributed.  The instructor briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies.  However, the thrust of this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation, controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.  A practical session provides hands on practice with "Fire Pans" while municipal firefighters standby for safety.  Some Programs include additional training using other fire suppression equipment such as hoses or sprinklers found in many high-rise buildings.

Session III, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I:

Participants practice identifying and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and rapid treatment techniques.

Session IV, DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PART II:

Covers establishing a team medical area, evaluating injuries using rapid assessment techniques, and performing and practicing basic first aid in a safe and sanitary manner.

Session V, LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS:

Participants learn about search and rescue planning, size-up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most important, rescuer safety.

Session VI & VII, DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION:

Covers signs and symptoms of emotional stress experienced by both the disaster victim and worker. Discusses "Psychological First Aid" and other usefull counselling methods.  Addresses CERT organization, management principles and necessary documentation and reporting.

Session VIII, TERRORISM AND CERT, REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION:

Covers CERT principles as related to terrorist incidents, defines terrorism and other terms, discusses potential targets in the community and actions taken in the event of an incident.  Also includes sheltering in place and methods to avoid compromising evidence.  Participants grade the take home examination.  Finally, skills learned during the previous seven sessions are reinforced in a disaster simulation.