CEM Certification Organizing and Submitting your Portfolio Scott A. Mickalonis, M.S. Deputy Director for Emergency Management Montgomery County Department of Public Safety
Background B.S. from Penn State (Kinesiology) Employed with County of Montgomery since 1998 Deputy Director for Emergency Management County population of 800,000 Natural and man-made risks/ threats 6 federally declared disasters ($20+ million) Nuclear Power Plant 2011 Graduate of Millersville University Practicum project= CEM Portfolio
Why? Represents a professional milestone in one s career Competency Knowledge Ability Graphically present a timeline of professional development Develop a professional network of peers Recognition of continued education Specialty courses, higher education
A Personal Achievement The CEM process allows you to: Develop a portfolio Enhance your personal presentation Organize your experiences Present a professional resume Further educate oneself on emergency management Grow in your professional development while following an established road map.
An Exercise In Organization Getting from here To here..
The Process Join the International Association of Emergency Managers Reduced rate for students Request an Application Packet Pay the appropriate fees Complete your portfolio Sit for the written examination Submit your credentials to the Commission Review by the Commission
Requirements Education and Experience Three (3) years comprehensive EM Four (4) year college degree References Three (3) professional including supervisor Disaster and/or Exercise management experience
Training Emergency management training General management training 100 hours each track Maximum of 25 hours per topic FEMA independent study courses Master s level course work Non-FEMA courses with approval Documentation on appropriate forms
Workshop, Seminar and/ or Course Requirements Training sources which may qualify for submission are: Federal Agencies (FEMA, EPA, DOT, DOE, etc.) State and Local Agencies Regionally Accredited Four-Year Institutions Regionally Accredited Two-Year Institutions Vendor-Sponsored Courses Military Programs Private Organizations Professional Societies/Organizations/Associations Other
Contributions Submit six of fifteen from the required list Must be substantial efforts Must be well documented with supporting information Should be beyond the scope of everyday work requirements Should be of consequence to the profession of emergency management
Contribution Areas Professional Membership Professional Conference Attendance Leadership Service Special Assignment Speaking Teaching Course Development Publication Audiovisual or interactive product Awards, honors or special recognition State Certification Legislative contact Conducting Research Other
Essay 1,000 word scenario based, self-written document Six sections Must cover the KSA s Knowledge Skills Abilities Verification statement
Written Examination 100 Question multiple choice exam Can be administered prior to submission of credentials Must complete within one year CEM Preparatory Course Taken at an approved test location
Review Portfolio and credentials are reviewed regularly by the CEM Commission Portfolio development should follow the same as the divider tabs that are available on the website Recertification every five (5) years
Personally. The waiting is the hardest part. Documentation gathered January to May of 2011 Written exam passed in July of 2012 Hurricanes and Flooding. Portfolio mailed to IAEM in mid-november CEM Commission met on January 23, 2012
Summary Personal accomplishment Only 1,100 CEM s in the world Professional development A need to further my education A desire to strengthen the profession An obligation to promote emergency management in a positive light
Questions? Scott A. Mickalonis, Deputy Director for Emergency Management Montgomery County Dept. of Public Safety 50 Eagleville Road Eagleville PA 19403 smickalo@montcopa.org 610-631-6519 Thank you!