Austin CERT to offer 2026 trainings

Austin Emergency Management is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic training for 2026. These classes will be offered twice to the public at no cost to provide disaster preparedness education. Participants will learn emergency response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, shelter management, team organization, and disaster preparedness for hazards that threaten Central Texas.

“A prepared community is a resilient community. Becoming CERT trained is one-way residents can help keep themselves and their neighborhoods safe during emergencies,” said Austin Emergency Manager Director Jim Redick.

WHAT IS CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team training offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that first responders can rely on during disaster situations. 
Austin CERT is dedicated to building local resilience by providing our community with the essential tools to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors.

Individuals who complete CERT training are encouraged to join the Austin CERT Volunteer Program, where they can support the City during disasters and emergencies. Active volunteers in the program will have opportunities to apply their skills in real-world situations, including disaster responses, community events, and ongoing training initiatives to further enhance their capabilities and support their community.
Austin CERT also is proud to collaborate with other local CERT programs to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to safety and preparedness across the Central Texas region.

Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate and CERT kit, which includes preparedness and response resources and tools.

HOW TO REGISTER

CERT Basic training is 24 hours of instruction and exercises over multiple days. Please only sign up if you can commit to completing the course. To register, you must have a FEMA Student Identification Number (FEMA SID). If you do not have a FEMA SID, you may obtain one have one through the FEMA Student Identification System.

Registration for CERT training is through the Texas Division of Emergency Management Training Division Learning Management System. Courses can be found by clicking on the schedule tab. Direct links to register for Austin Emergency Management’s CERT Basic classes are linked below at the bottom of this press release.
Although it is not required, before signing up for CERT Basic (G-317), students are encouraged to take the free, online FEMA Independent Study IS-317: Introduction to CERT. This course will provide some more background to CERT and examples of what CERT volunteers can do during emergencies.  

CERT CLASS SCHEDULE

CERT classes will be offered twice this summer. Details can be found at ReadyCentralTexas.org.
June 1-4, 2026
Monday-Thursday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Register HERE

August 21-23, 2026
Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Register HERE

Have questions about CERT training, need help with registration or interested in joining the Austin CERT Volunteer Program? Reach out to HSEMmass.care@austintexas.gov. Please allow 3-4 business days for a response.

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