CERT Basic Training
CERT training helps residents be better prepared to help themselves, their family, and their neighbors in the event of a disaster. Training consists of 20-30 hours of instruction culminating in a final disaster simulation exercise. Ashland CERT's Basic Training Course is sponsored by Ashland Fire & Rescue and is offered once or twice annually. Training is free to residents of Ashland and the Rogue Valley area who are interested in being prepared for disaster.
Training Content
- CERT organization and the Incident Command System (ICS)
- Disaster medical operations
- Disaster preparedness
- Disaster psychology
- Fire safety and hazardous materials
- Urban search and rescue
- Terrorism awareness
- Two-way radio communications
- Real-life disaster simulation
For more information about CERT basic training, contact Ashland’s Fire and Life Safety Specialist at sydney.jenkins@ashland.or.us or 541-552-2226
Fall Basic Training 2026
Dates for Fall Basic Training 2026 will be determined in April 2026, please check back for updates.
Training is broken up into numerous modules over two weeks:
- Friday 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (1 hr lunch break)
- Friday 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ( only 3-4 hr time slot scheduled on the last day between 9 and 5)
Note: Participants must attend and complete all training modules in full to become certified. Prior to in-person instruction, completion of the FEMA courses listed below is recommended.
Location:
SOU-Lithia Motors Pavilion
1465 Webster Street Ashland, OR 97520
Free parking available in SOU Parking Lot 1
Registration
Registration for Basic Training 2026, will be open after April 2026.
We recommend completing the online prerequisite FEMA courses:
• IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
• IS-317.A: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs)
• IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
These courses typically take just a couple of hours to complete. Please complete these before the start of basic training to help you have a better understanding of how FEMA and local agencies manage disasters.