Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

Be prepared to help yourself and others as a trained member of UCSD's Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT). Membership is open to all interested students, faculty, and staff.

On-campus training: The first UCSD CERT Training Academy is held once a year in September. September is Emergency Preparedness month.

• Register on Enrollment Central for one of the 4 classes offered. Completion of one 3-day class is required to become certified.

Off-campus training: Enroll in a local city-sponsored CERT program.

• Contact your local fire department or check the list of San Diego County CERTs to locate a CERT program near you. Training is provided by veteran emergency responders.

UCSD has approved paid time for staff to participate in CERT training if the absence does not infringe on the performance of essential job functions. Paid time for CERT training is subject to approval in advance by the supervisor. The 25-hour volunteer training covers basic emergency response and organizational skills, including how to:

• Prepare in advance to respond and cope
• Provide immediate assistance to victims
• Organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training
• Collect disaster intelligence to assist professional responders

After you complete CERT training, you may become a member of UCSD's CERT program. To join, contact Continuity & Emergency Services, (858) 534-3823. As a UCSD CERT member, you will:

• Receive a certificate for your employee file
• Get a UCSD CERT emergency backpack with emergency supplies
• Be invited to participate in campus CERT exercises

Graduates of CERT training maintain and expand their skills by participating in additional exercises, refresher training, and campus drills. Members can also volunteer for projects to help improve community preparedness.