Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Credential Name	Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Credential Vendor Info	NCDPS Samantha Royster samantha.royster@ncdps.gov
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IP12 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Melissa Leeds melissa.leeds@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	IP12 Public Safety II
Credential as POL	IP12 POL = Yes Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) AND NECI 9-1-1 Officer. MUST PASS BOTH.
Pathway(s)	Public Safety (PSPW)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Must be CERT certified and CERT Teacher certified. Teacher certification training is currently available through an online course. https://cert.hazready.com/CourseCatalog?friendlyId=DP000072
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Fire Inspectors and Investigators (33-2021) First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (33-1011) Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	No This certification is a general certification that provides the students with a foundation in the field of Emergency Management allowing them to lead CERT teams. Having this certification is recognized but will not lead directly to a job by itself.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	Paper/pencil and Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Test Site Options and Requirements	The certified instructor gives a written test from the CERT Participant Manual. Answer key in the CERT Instructor Manual: https://www.cert-la.com/downloads/manuals/CERT_PM_Unit9_Jan2011.pdf
Testing Environment Requirements	Classroom equipment list is required for skills portion. Please refer to the Equipment Guide in NCCTE admin for specifics.
Proctored Requirements	Certified Instructor
Exam Time Allotment	2 hours (with written test being less than 30 minutes)
Exam Passing Requirement	75% or above
Retakes	No
Student Accommodations	Yes https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/equal-rights/accommodation
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Teachers are certified to teach through NCDPS. Once the student has completed all CERT requirements, the teacher submits their name to NCDPS samantha.royster@ncdps.gov to receive an official CERT certificate.

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.