Discover the Next Generation of Emergency Management Certification

The Arizona Association of Emergency Managers (AzEM) proudly introduces its brand-new Certification Program, designed to recognize excellence in emergency management across three distinct levels. This credentials path not only highlights your expertise, it will help to set you apart as a leader in the field.

Background

The AzEM Certification Program was developed in response to member feedback from the 2023 AzEM Annual Conference and shaped by best practices from national and state-level models. Following initial exploration that began in 2008, a Steering Committee was formed in early 2024 to draft and approve the program framework later that year.

AzEM Board members engaged other state emergency management associations through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), National Emergency Managers Association (NEMA), and the Tribal Emergency Managers Association. Community feedback was also solicited throughout 2024. This included AzEM membership, the Arizona Tribal Executive Committee (AZTEC), Regional Emergency Managers (REM), the Department of Emergency Management and Military Affairs (DEMA), Arizona State University (ASU), and Maricopa County Department Emergency Management (MCDEM). The extensive feedback from statewide and tribal partners informed final guidance in early 2025, leading to the launch of the certification website and official program rollout in the third quarter of 2025.

Why This New Certificate Matters

Until now, emergency management certifications often felt archaic, rigid, or hard to navigate. With AzEM’s launch of a streamlined application process and tiered credentials, we’ve simplified the path while raising the bar for professional recognition. The goal? A credential that’s practical, respected, and accessible.

Emergency Manager AZ-EM

For established professionals who lead programs or operations, manage teams, or oversee significant functions in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. It acknowledges depth of experience and responsibility. 

Master Emergency Manager AZ-MEM

Reserved for seasoned veterans who demonstrate leadership at the highest levels across the entire all-hazards cycle. This level affirms strategic mastery and long-term impact in the field.

Certification Requirements by Level

Certification Requirements	Emergency Associate AZ-EA	Emergency Manger AZ-EM	Master Emergency Manager AZ-MEM
Work History	1+ year of relevant work experience or a related degree. AzEM is willing to accept applicants actively enrolled in an EM-related undergraduate degree with >90 credits hours completed and all other requirements met.	4+ years of relevant work experience	8+ years of relevant work experience
Exercise/Activation Experience	Evidence demonstrating the following: ● Participation in an organizational or community preparedness, response, or recovery committee or event This could be an internship, volunteer event, local emergency preparedness committee, training or exercise event, or other similar opportunity that provides interaction with emergency management concepts	Evidence demonstrating each of the following: ● Participation in a functional or full-scale exercise; and ● Participation in a real-world activation/response to an incident; or participation in a major public or private event such as a major sporting event, state visit or special event.	Evidence demonstrating each of the following: ● Experience as Incident Commander, Policy Group, or other appropriate Command Staff role in a full-scale exercise; ● Experience activated as Incident Commander, Policy Group, or other appropriate Command Staff role during a real-world activation/response to an incident of local, state, or national significance; or participation in a significant role in a major public or private event such as a major sporting event, state visit or special event; and ● Participation in the recovery of an incident of local, state, or national significance or planned event.
References	Letter of Recommendation from a professor, manager, executive, colleague, etc. that outlines the candidate’s role in emergency management, experience, work ethic, and other qualities that would validate their pursuit of certification.	Letter of Recommendation from a manager, executive, colleague, etc. that outlines the candidate’s role in emergency management, experience, work ethic, and other qualities that would validate their pursuit of certification.	● Letter of Recommendation from a staff member, manager, executive, colleague, etc. that outlines the candidate’s role in emergency management, experience, work ethic, and other qualities that would validate their pursuit of certification. ● Letter of recommendation from an Arizona-based Emergency Manager in a leadership position (e.g., County, Tribal, State, Federal)
Training	● FEMA NIMS Series (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800) ● FEMA IS – 2200 ● (24) additional hours of Disaster/Emergency Management related training	● FEMA NIMS Series (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800) ● FEMA IS – 2200 ● FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS) – IS-120, IS-230, IS-235, IS-240, IS-241, IS-242, IS-244 ● (50) additional hours of training in Disaster/Emergency Management related training	● FEMA NIMS Series (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800) ● FEMA ICS-300 and ICS-400 ● FEMA IS – 2200 ● FEMA G191 ● FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS) – IS-120, IS-230, IS-235, IS-240, IS-241, IS-242, IS-244 ● (50) additional hours of training in Disaster/ Emergency Management related training ● (24) additional hours in Leadership or General Management
Professional Contributions	Must complete any 4, with at least 2 accomplished in Arizona	Must complete any 6, with at least 4 accomplished in Arizona	Must complete any 10, with at least 5 accomplished in Arizona

How the Application Process is Different

• Simpler documentation – The application guidebook clearly outlines training, experience, and professional contributions for each level. 
• Tiered advancement – You grow from Associate to Manager to Master on a path that recognizes cumulative experience rather than forcing you to wait years.
• Transparent criteria – Each level’s requirements are spelled out in the guidebook so you know exactly what you’re working toward.
• Credential valid for five years – Like many modern certifications, recertification ensures you stay current in our evolving field.

Why This Matters to You

• Professional credibility – Show your agency, peers, and community that you meet recognized standards of excellence in emergency management.
• Career growth – The tiered structure helps you set clear goals, track your progress, and position yourself for leadership roles.
• Competitive edge – With a credential tailored to practice in Arizona and beyond, you set yourself apart in a crowded field.
• Local relevance, national quality – While rooted in Arizona’s context, the certification aligns with national competencies and best practices.

Getting Started

1. Review the full guidebook on the AzEM website and match yourself to one of the three levels. 
2. Assemble your experience, training certificates, and contributions aligned with that level.
3. Submit your application through the streamlined AzEM portal and begin your credential journey.

Conclusion

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the field for decades, AzEM’s new Certification Program offers a clear, credible, and respected way to document your expertise and advance your career. Take charge of your professional story—get certified and lead the way.