Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Be Ready. Make a Difference. Support Your Campus Community.

When emergencies happen, the first person on scene is often a colleague, classmate, roommate or neighbor.

The Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) program empowers faculty, staff and students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to safely assist themselves and others during emergencies and disasters. Through hands-on training, drills and exercises and preparedness activities, CERT members become an important part of UC San Diego’s preparedness and response network.

Membership is open to all faculty, staff and students.

Why Join CERT?

CERT training prepares campus community members to take safe action until first responders arrive.

As a CERT member, you can:

• Help protect yourself, friends and coworkers
• Learn practical emergency response skills
• Support your department and campus community during emergencies
• Participate in emergency preparedness exercises and drills
• Contribute to a safer and more resilient campus community

Following major incidents, trained CERT members may assist with response and recovery activities when requested and coordinated through the UC San Diego Emergency Management.

Who Can Join?

CERT membership is open to UC San Diego faculty, staff and students.

No previous emergency response experience is required. The most important qualifications are:

• A commitment to preparedness
• A willingness to learn
• A desire to help others

How to Become a CERT Member

Step 1: Complete CERT Training Academy

All prospective members must successfully complete a UC San Diego CERT Academy.

Step 2: Register with the Campus CERT Program

Upon successful completion of the CERT Training Academy, participants become eligible to join the Campus Emergency Response Team. To join, email Emergency Management at emergency@ucsd.edu.

CERT members:

• Receive a training certificate
• Get a CERT emergency backpack with emergency supplies

Step 3: Stay Engaged

CERT members are encouraged to maintain their skills through:

• Refresher training
• Campus exercises and drills
• Volunteer opportunities
• Emergency preparedness events

CERT Training Academy

CERT membership requires graduation from a 25-hour CERT Basic Training Academy. All CERT trainings are provided free of charge. Both weekday and weekend Academies are held during the academic year. 

CERT training teaches participants how to:

• Prepare for emergencies and disasters
• Provide basic disaster medical care and triage
• Perform light search and rescue
• Suppress small fires safely
• Work effectively within organized response teams

• September 22–24, 2026
  • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
  • Campus Service Complex, Building D, Training Room (map)
  • Lunch provided
• October 10, 17 and 24, 2026
  • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
  • Triton Conference Room (rooms 301 and 302), Torrey Pines Center South (map)
  • Lunch provided
• Registration required: Visit Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy on UC Learning Center.

Successful completion of all course sessions and activities is required to receive a CERT certificate.

To request a CERT training in your campus neighborhood, contact Emergency Management at emergency@ucsd.edu.

If you are off-campus, contact your local fire department or check the list of San Diego County Community Emergency Response Teams to locate a city-sponsored CERT program near you.

CERT Refresher Training

Already certified? Improve your skills with a half-day CERT refresher training.

Refresher trainings are offered regularly throughout the year.

Next CERT Refresher Training

• TBD
• Registration Required: Visit Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) Refresher on UC Learning Center

Faculty and Staff Information

UC San Diego supports employee participation in CERT training whenever operational requirements allow and absence does not infringe on the performance of essential job functions.

Staff may be eligible to attend CERT training on paid time, subject to:

• Supervisor approval
• Department operational needs
• Advance scheduling and coordination

Join CERT Today

Whether you're a student looking to build valuable skills, a faculty member interested in supporting your department or a staff member committed to campus preparedness, CERT offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Register for the next CERT Academy or contact Emergency Management for more information about training, membership and volunteer opportunities.