If you are a CERT instructor/trainer, or interested in becoming a CERT instructor/trainer, here is some helpful information:
All CERT instruction in Santa Cruz County is done by volunteer instructors who have completed both CERT Basic and FEMA’s Train the Trainer course. It is expected that all instructors assist with class instruction on a regular basis. CERTs who would like to become instructors are welcome to assist with class instruction until the FEMA Train the Trainer class is completed successfully. We are few and far between and need all our instructors to help out.
Note: CERT Basic Training is currently a fully in-person training. See the CERT Respiratory Virus Policy
CERT Basic Instruction
Our usual course schedule will be four evenings (usually 6 – 9:30) and one weekend day. Our current yard work location is at Central Fire’s Live Oak yard next to the administration building at 930 – 17th St, Santa Cruz (Live Oak).
- Session 1: Unit 1 (Disaster Prep) and Unit 2 (CERT Organization)
- Session 2: Unit 3 (Disaster Medicine Part 1 plus triage with some modifications)
- Session 3: Units 4 (Disaster Medicine Part 2) and Unit 5 (Disaster Psych)
- Session 4: Units 6 (Fire and Utilities) and Unit 8 (Terrorism)
- Session 5: Full day. Unit 7 (Simple Search and Rescue) in am and Unit 9 (Practical and test) in pm
Upcoming CERT Basic courses are scheduled for:
- May in Loma Prieta — Tuesdays, May 5 and 12, from 6:00 – 9:30 pm; ALSO Saturdays, May 9 and 16, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, at Loma Prieta Elementary School, 23800 Summit Rd, Los Gatos/Loma Prieta.
Sign up to instruct or assist at the Loma Prieta class
Resource Materials for Teams and Trainers
Basic CERT Training
- PowerPoint slides for training units may be downloaded here
Additional links to resources for instructors can be found on the Resources page.
CERT Basic Training Instructor Expectations and Responsibilities