The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Emergency Operations Professional (CEOP) to individuals with expertise in the various disciplines related to emergency operations management.

• To raise the standards of those engaged in emergency operations management.

• To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of emergency operations management and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Emergency Operations Professionals.

• To award special recognition to those emergency operations professionals who have demonstrated verifiable field experience.

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of eight (8) years education and relevant field experience:

• A 4-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (30 credit hours) in a science-related field with a minimum of four (4) years of documented field experience in emergency operations management.

• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in in a science-related field with a minimum of six (6) years of documented field experience in emergency operations management.

• No degree, with at least eight (8) years of documented field experience in emergency operations management. (High school diploma or GED required.)

Field experience must include participating in or preparing for incidents where first responders from government agencies would be expected to arrive. Examples include Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Major Fires, Major Floods, Mud slides, Terrorist Attacks, Nuclear disasters, Riots, Pandemics and Active Shooter Incidents.

Field experience must include involvement with THREE or more of the following: incident command, FEMA reporting, medical triage, building triage, risk/hazard assessment, disaster recovery or shelter-in-place provisioning.

ACAC certification candidates document education by submitting transcripts with the application form. Candidates document field experience by submitting four project sheets (included in the application packet).

Applicants for state licenses where the CEOP examination is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

The effective practice of emergency operations management requires knowledge and experience with incident command, FEMA reporting, medical triage, building triage, risk/hazard assessment, disaster recovery and shelter-in-place provisioning. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CEOP designation must demonstrate familiarity with the following reference texts:

1. American Council for Accredited Certification, Code of Conduct

2. FEMA, Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual (Washington, D.C.: FEMA, 2011). Available free of charge at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema-cert_basic-training-participant-manual_01-01-2011.pdf

The Council-certified Emergency Operations Professional (CEOP) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge:

ACAC Code of Conduct

• Understand and conform to all provisions of the ACAC Code of Conduct.

Emergency Operations Preparedness

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of emergency operations preparedness to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate emergency operations preparedness into the business culture served by the disaster reponse plan.

Fire Safety

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of fire safety to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate fire safety techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Emergency Medical Operations and Triage

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of triage and emergency medical operations to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate emergency medical operations and triage techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Light Search & Rescue

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of light search & rescue to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate light search & rescue techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Organization and Incident Command Systems

• Apply specific knowledge of incident command systems and organization to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate incident command principles into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Emergency Operations Psychology

• Apply specific knowledge of the psychological aspects of emergency response to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate understanding of emergency response psychology into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Terrorist Incidents

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of terrorist incident response to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate terrorist incident response techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Recommended Study Procedures:

To prepare for the CEOP exam, first read the listed reference texts in their entirety. Then review the following sections from each text in more detail.

WARNING: Limiting your study to only the following pages will put you in danger of failing the exam. The exam assumes a comprehensive knowledge of each reference text.

FEMA, Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual (2011)

Pages 1.11, 1.13, 1.16, 1.21, 1.22, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.39

Pages 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.11, 2.12, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.22, 2.25, 2.27

Pages 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.19, 3.20, 3.25

Pages 5.15, 5.16, 5.18, 5.19, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26, 5.27, 5.28, 5.35, 5.36, 5.44

Pages 6.2, 6.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.31

Pages 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11

Pages 8.1, 8.4, 8.5, 8.8, 8.9, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14, 8.15, 8.16, 8.17

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CEOP examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 3-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 120 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CEOP examination is set by the CEOP certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 75% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CEOP Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of emergency operations management. Pass/fail scores are set by the CEOP Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Emergency Operations Professionals who do not acquire sufficient CEOP Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CEOP designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CEOP in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CEOP Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Emergency Operations Professional does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Emergency Operations Professional fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Emergency Operations Professionals may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CEOP. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CEOP may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CEOP designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CEOP
   Council-certified Emergency Operations Professional
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CEOP designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CEOP designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CEOP examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.

The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Emergency Operations Manager (CEOM) to individuals with expertise in the various disciplines related to emergency operations management.

• To raise the standards of those engaged in emergency operations management.

• To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of emergency operations management and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Emergency Operations Managers.

• To award special recognition to those emergency operations managers who have demonstrated verifiable field experience.

Applicants must possess one of the following combinations of two (2) years education and relevant field experience:

• A 2-year post-secondary degree or its equivalent (15 credit hours) in in a science-related field with a minimum of one (1) year of documented field experience in emergency operations management.

• No degree, with at least two (2) years of documented field experience in emergency operations management. (High school diploma or GED required.)

Field experience must include participating in or preparing for incidents where first responders from government agencies would be expected to arrive. Examples include Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Major Fires, Major Floods, Mud slides, Terrorist Attacks, Nuclear disasters, Riots, Pandemics and Active Shooter Incidents.

Field experience must include involvement with one or more of the following: incident command, FEMA reporting, medical triage, building triage, risk/hazard assessment, disaster recovery or shelter-in-place provisioning.

ACAC certification candidates document education by submitting transcripts with the application form. Candidates document field experience by submitting four project sheets (included in the application packet).

Applicants for state licenses where the CEOP examination is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

The effective practice of emergency operations management requires knowledge and experience with incident command, FEMA reporting, medical triage, building triage, risk/hazard assessment, disaster recovery and shelter-in-place provisioning. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CEOM designation must demonstrate familiarity with the following reference texts:

1. American Council for Accredited Certification, Code of Conduct

2. FEMA, Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual (Washington, D.C.: FEMA, 2011). Available free of charge at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema-cert_basic-training-participant-manual_01-01-2011.pdf

The Council-certified Emergency Operations Manager (CEOM) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge:

ACAC Code of Conduct

• Understand and conform to all provisions of the ACAC Code of Conduct.

Emergency Operations Preparedness

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of emergency operations preparedness to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate emergency operations preparedness into the business culture served by the disaster reponse plan.

Fire Safety

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of fire safety to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate fire safety techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Emergency Medical Operations and Triage

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of triage and emergency medical operations to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate emergency medical operations and triage techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Light Search & Rescue

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of light search & rescue to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate light search & rescue techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Organization and Incident Command Systems

• Apply specific knowledge of incident command systems and organization to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate incident command principles into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Emergency Operations Psychology

• Apply specific knowledge of the psychological aspects of emergency response to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate understanding of emergency response psychology into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Terrorist Incidents

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of terrorist incident response to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate terrorist incident response techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Recommended Study Procedures:

To prepare for the CEOM exam, first read the listed reference texts in their entirety. Then review the following sections from each text in more detail.

WARNING: Limiting your study to only the following pages will put you in danger of failing the exam. The exam assumes a comprehensive knowledge of each reference text.

FEMA, Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual (2011)

Pages 1.11, 1.13, 1.16, 1.21, 1.22, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.39

Pages 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.11, 2.12, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.22, 2.25, 2.27

Pages 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.19, 3.20, 3.25

Pages 5.15, 5.16, 5.18, 5.19, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26, 5.27, 5.28, 5.35, 5.36, 5.44

Pages 6.2, 6.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.31

Pages 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11

Pages 8.1, 8.4, 8.5, 8.8, 8.9, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14, 8.15, 8.16, 8.17

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CEOM examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 3-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 100 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CEOM examination is set by the CEOM certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 75% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CEOM Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of emergency operations management. Pass/fail scores are set by the CEOM Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Emergency Operations Managers who do not acquire sufficient CEOM Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CEOM designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CEOM in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CEOM Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Emergency Operations Manager does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Emergency Operations Manager fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Emergency Operations Managers may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CEOM . Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CEOM may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CEOM designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CEOM
   Council-certified Emergency Operations Manager
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CEOM designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CEOM designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CEOM examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.

The American Council for Accredited Certification offers the Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinator (CEOC) to individuals whose knowledge of emergency operations management warrants professional recognition.

• To raise the standards of those engaged in emergency operations management.

• To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of emergency operations management and the standards and regulations affecting Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinators.

Individuals are eligible for the CEOC certification who can attest to their involvement in the field of emergency operations management.

Applicants for licenses where the CEOC is required must meet the eligibility requirements published by each state.

The effective practice of emergency operations management requires knowledge and experience with incident command, FEMA reporting, medical triage, building triage, risk/hazard assessment, disaster recovery and shelter-in-place provisioning. For certification purposes, the candidate for the CEOC designation must demonstrate familiarity with the following reference texts:

1. American Council for Accredited Certification, Code of Conduct

2. FEMA, Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual (Washington, D.C.: FEMA, 2011). Available free of charge at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema-cert_basic-training-participant-manual_01-01-2011.pdf

The Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinator (CEOC) examination addresses the following domains of knowledge:

ACAC Code of Conduct

• Understand and conform to all provisions of the ACAC Code of Conduct.

Emergency Operations Preparedness

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of emergency operations preparedness to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate emergency operations preparedness into the business culture served by the disaster reponse plan.

Fire Safety

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of fire safety to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate fire safety techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Emergency Medical Operations and Triage

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of triage and emergency medical operations to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate emergency medical operations and triage techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Light Search & Rescue

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of light search & rescue to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate light search & rescue techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Organization and Incident Command Systems

• Apply specific knowledge of incident command systems and organization to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate incident command principles into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Emergency Operations Psychology

• Apply specific knowledge of the psychological aspects of emergency response to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate understanding of emergency response psychology into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Terrorist Incidents

• Apply specific knowledge of the principles of terrorist incident response to the development, maintenance and execution of a disaster response plan.

• Incorporate terrorist incident response techniques into the business culture served by the disaster response plan.

Recommended Study Procedures:

To prepare for the CEOC exam, first read the listed reference texts in their entirety. Then review the following sections from each text in more detail.

WARNING: Limiting your study to only the following pages will put you in danger of failing the exam. The exam assumes a comprehensive knowledge of each reference text.

FEMA, Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training Participant Manual (2011)

Pages 1.11, 1.13, 1.16, 1.21, 1.22, 1.25, 1.30, 1.35, 1.39

Pages 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.9, 2.11, 2.12, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.22, 2.25, 2.27

Pages 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.19, 3.20, 3.25

Pages 5.15, 5.16, 5.18, 5.19, 5.24, 5.25, 5.26, 5.27, 5.28, 5.35, 5.36, 5.44

Pages 6.2, 6.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.31

Pages 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11

Pages 8.1, 8.4, 8.5, 8.8, 8.9, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14, 8.15, 8.16, 8.17

1. ACAC certification should not be confused with state licensing. State license candidates should read the following section, The State Licensing Process.

2. ACAC certification candidates complete and forward the notarized application form, employer affidavits, project sheets and a copy of diploma or transcripts.

3. ACAC certification candidates pass the closed-book examination. If the examination is not successfully passed, a re-examination fee is required before retaking the examination.

4. ACAC certification candidates have up to 90 days from the date of application to complete the application process. Applications left incomplete after 90 days will be considered null and void.

5. ACAC certification candidates wait for the awarding of the certification. The Certification Board meets approximately every four (4) weeks to review the examination results and supporting materials before voting to award the certification.

1. State licensing should not be confused with ACAC certification. ACAC certification candidates should read the previous section, The ACAC Certification Process.

2. State license applicants complete and forward the notarized application form to the ACAC office.

3. ACAC does not require state license applicants to provide documentation of education or field experience in order to sit for the CEOC examination. State licensing agencies may require such documentation as part of the license application process.

4. State license applicants pass the closed book examination. ACAC reports exam scores directly to the appropriate state licensing agencies.

5. State license applicants follow individual state guidelines for completion of the license application.

1. The applicant must complete a 2-hour, closed-book, written examination. The examination questions are based on the listed core skills and required body of knowledge.

2. The examination is closed-book! It is strongly recommended that candidates read the reference materials listed above before taking the examination.

3. There are 50 questions on the examination. Each question is multiple-choice with at least four (4) possible answers. Exam items are drawn from the required body of knowledge according to a blueprint prescribed by the certification board.

4. Passing Score: The passing score for the CEOC examination is set by the CEOC certification board using the Modified Angoff Method. A score of 70% must be achieved to pass this examination.

5. The examination is delivered electronically at an authorized testing center operated by Kryterion, Inc. There are no paper exams. Once a complete application packet is on file in the Council office, the candidate may register for the examination by calling the office at (888) 808-8381.

6. Candidates should arrive 30 minutes before the testing appointment.

7. Candidates must present two forms of government-issued identification at the testing center, one of which must be picture ID.

8. Candidates must follow proctor instructions with regard to conduct, behavior, and the use of personal belongings and test materials, including submitting eyeglasses for inspection and turning out exterior pockets.

9. Candidates failing to abide by these rules will not be permitted to sit for the exam, and a re-examination fee will be required.

10. All examinations contain the same questions; however, the examination questions are presented to each candidate in random order and the examination answers are presented to the candidate in random order.

11. Examinations are graded electronically at the testing facility, and scores are available to candidates immediately. An email is sent to the candidate’s email address confirming test results. In the case of state license applicants, exam scores are also reported directly to the appropriate state licensing agency.

Fees are posed on the ACAC website.

Certification fees are for a two-year certification, and include a non-refundable processing fee.

Examination fees are required prior to taking examinations.

Recertification fees are for a two-year period and require documentation of continuing education. Recertification fees include a non-refundable processing fee.

Re-examination fees apply to those retaking a failed exam.

Penalties for late recertification may be waived in case of documented active military duty or medical issues.

1. The American Council for Accredited Certification is the certifying body for this certification program.

2. All decisions regarding application materials, examinations and the awarding of certifications are made by the CEOC Certification Board, which functions as part of the ACAC.

3. The certifying body’s responsibility to applicants is to provide a credible certification. Operation of the certification program is closely monitored to ensure that reference materials remain current with the industry guidelines and standards and the eligibility requirements for certification are at appropriate levels. Examination questions are developed by certified personnel who are currently active in the field of emergency operations management. Pass/fail scores are set by the CEOC Certification Board using the modified Angoff method. The Board authorizes a periodic statistical review of examination item performance and test reliability and updates the examination to reflect the latest changes in our rapidly evolving field.

4. Certification Board members are required to abstain from voting on any applicant’s completed file that may present a conflict of interest, either personally or professionally.

ACAC certifications are current for two years from the date of issue. The certificate holder must accumulate forty (40) Re-certification Credits (RCs) prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Each RC represents one (1) hour of continuing education or professional development. The certificate holder may accumulate the required hours at any time during the two-year certification period. An updated list of typical recertification activities is available on the Council website.

Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinators who do not acquire sufficient CEOC Re-certification Credits by their recertification date will be notified in writing to cease using the CEOC designation. They will be listed as expired on the Council website and will no longer be listed as a CEOC in any ACAC publication until such time as they resubmit to the certification process and successfully meet the current criteria for certification. Appropriate fees will apply.

1. The CEOC Certification Board is responsible for all facets of the certification program, including the review and evaluation of applications, the development and administration of examinations, the granting and reissuing of certificates and the adjudication of complaints against certificants.

2. Suspensions: If a Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinator does not accumulate the required re-certification credits, certification shall terminate unless, in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be readily overcome. Examples of extenuating circumstances include documentation of active military service or documentation of a serious medical condition.

3. Complaints: If a Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinator fails to abide by the ACAC Code of Conduct or is formally accused of gross negligence in the performance of his or her professional duties, the Certification Board may vote to refuse re-certification.

4. Appeals: Any holder of a valid Council certification or applicant for such a certification may appeal the decisions of the Certification Board.

5. Complaints or appeals shall be made in writing via certified mail to the Certification Administrator.

6. In the case of complaints, the Certification Administrator shall forward the complaint to the accused certificant and allow him or her ample time to respond.

7. The Certification Administrator, at the direction of the Executive Committee, may forward complaints or appeals to the appropriate Certification Board.

8. The Certification Board shall rule on all complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

9. Complaints or appeals may be continued in writing via certified mail to the National Advisory Board.

10. The National Advisory Board shall be the final court of appeal and will rule on complaints or appeals by unanimous vote.

11. In resolving complaints or appeals, ACAC may rule only on its own decisions to grant or deny certification and recertification.

1. Retired Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinators may be granted emeritus status in their designation as long as they are retired from professional practice as a CEOC. Such persons will be granted the title “Emeritus.”

2. Re-certification Fees for Emeritus (Retired) Status: $100 USD for each two-year certification.

3. Continuing education is not required,

4. To return to active status, emeritus certificants must notify the Council in writing and pay a fee for a two-year active certification. At the end of the two-year period, all normal re-certification policies will apply.

1. A CEOC may use the designation name on organization letterheads, business cards and all forms of address. When using the CEOC designation, we encourage the spelling out of the designation fully in smaller print immediately below the signature block, as in the following example:

   John Doe, CEOC
   Council-certified Emergency Operations Coordinator
   Board-awarded by the American Council for Accredited Certification

2. Certification is for individuals only. The CEOC designation may not be used to imply that an organization or firm is certified.

3. The CEOM designation may NOT be used by individuals who pass the CEOC examination in order to obtain a state license, unless those individuals also complete the ACAC certification process as described in this handbook.

The ACAC code of conduct applies to all certificants, staff and volunteers of the organization.