Training and Exercise
The Training and Exercise Unit coordinates the delivery of courses in the field for primarily county and first responders. The Training and Exercise Unit serves the training and exercise needs of Division staff and members of the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), which includes representatives of the state agencies and other organizations that staff the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).
SERT TRAC
- SERT TRAC - State Emergency Response Team Training Resources and Activity Center is the statewide emergency management learning management system
- Visit to browse a calendar for upcoming training opportunities
- Create a profile to apply for courses and manage your emergency management training experience
The Professional Development Series (PDS) includes seven Emergency Management Institute independent study courses that provide a well-rounded set of fundamentals for those in the emergency management profession. Many students build on this foundation to develop their careers.
After successfully completing all 7 required PDS courses through the Independent Study program, a PDS certificate is automatically issued via email to the email address provided on your last exam submission.
PDS Required Courses
IS-120.c An Introduction to Exercises
IS-230.e Fundamentals of Emergency Management
IS-235.c Emergency Planning
IS-240.c Leadership and Influence
IS-241.c Decision Making and Problem Solving
IS-242.c Effective Communication
IS-244.b Developing and Managing Volunteers
The original Advanced Professional Series (APS) course lineup was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on November 27, 2001, to motivate and challenge students to continue emergency management training.
The APS provides Emergency Managers and First Responders the ability to perform essential work in a disaster that requires skills in emergency operations and management. These skills are developed through a series of courses that offer “how-to” training focused on practical information. This series emphasizes applied skills in disaster operations, management, and coordination.
On December 31, 2018, the Advanced Professional Series program was transferred to states for administration. Each state now issues its State Advanced Professional Series Certificates.
Below are the State of Florida Requirements as of March 1, 2022.
Required Courses
G-191 - Incident Command System/Emergency Operations Center Interface, or E/L449 ICS Train the Trainer
G-205 - Recovery from Disaster, the Local Government Role, or E-210 Recovery from Disaster, the Local Government Role
G-393 - Mitigation for Emergency Managers or G-318 – Mitigation Planning for Local Governments
G-557 - Rapid Assessment Workshop
G-2300 Intermediate Emergency Operations Center Functions
Elective Courses (choose any 5)
E/L/K-105 - Public Information Basics, or E-388 Advanced Public Information Officer or E/L-952 All-Hazards Public Information Officer
E/G-141 Instructional Presentation and Evaluation Skills or MGT-323 Instructor Development Workshop
E/L/K-146 - Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
E/G/K-202 - Debris Management Planning for State, Local and Tribal Officials
E/L/K - 1301 Continuity Planning
G-108 - Community Mass Care and Emergency Assistance
G-235 - Emergency Planning
G-271 - Hazardous Weather and Flood Preparedness, or IS-271 - Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk
G-288 - Local Volunteer and Donations Management
G-358 - Evacuation and Re-entry Planning
G-361 - Flood Fight Operations
G-272 - Warning Coordination
G-386 - Mass Fatalities Incident Response Course
IS-703.b National Incident Management System Resource Management
L-363 Multi-Hazard Planning for Higher Education
APS Course Application Process
- APS courses are classroom delivered courses unless otherwise noted.
- APS courses are delivered through State Emergency Management Agencies, The National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, and the Emergency Management Institute.
- Please review SERT TRAC (trac.floridadisaster.org) for a schedule of state offerings.
Requesting a Certificate of Completion
Students who complete the 5 required courses and any 5 of 15 elective courses are eligible to receive the Advanced Professional Series Certificate of Completion from the state.
Requests for the certificate of completion must be sent to State Training Coordinator, Mindy Dowling (mindy.dowling@em.myflorida.com) for verification. Include a copy of a completion certificate of each course completed. Also, include the mailing address that you would like your certificate sent.
For Further Information
If you have any questions or would like further information, contact The Florida Division of Emergency Management at FDEM.STO@em.myflorida.com.
FDEM
Prearedness Training Information
FEMA
FEMA Preparedness Toolkit (EXERCISE INFO.)
Consortiums
National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC)
Center for Domestic Preparedness
University of Maryland Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)
National Training and Education Division
National Training and Education Division/National Preparedness Course Catalog
Deputy State Training and Exercise Officer (DSTO) – Melissa Rudd
Office Number (850) 815-4301
Cell Number (850) 251-0962
Email: FDEM.STO@em.myflorida.com
Training & Education Specialist – Lyle Briggs
Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 Training Coordinator
Office Number (850) 815-4363
Cell Number (850) 901-4972
Email: lyle.briggs@em.myflorida.com
Training & Exercise Specialist – Rick Knowles
Regions 6, 7, and 9 Training Coordinator
Office (850) 815-4307
Cell Number (850) 897-6174
Email: rick.knowles@em.myflorida.com
Training Specialist – Mindy Dowling
DHS Training Coordinator
Advanced Professional Series (APS) Requests
Office Number (850) 815-4302
Cell Number (850) 228-4593
Email: mindy.dowling@em.myflorida.com
