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The hardest and most demanding qualifications are the Emergency Management Specialist (EMS) PQS, followed by the pinnacle of emergency management qualifications, the Coast Guard Emergency Management Credential (CGEMC).
The EMS PQS is a comprehensive and exhaustive dive into emergency management processes in the Coast Guard. It requires extensive reading and study of all directives, manuals, and plans. It is certainly achievable by an Auxiliarist, but you will need the experience and knowledge attained by completing several of the previously mentioned PQS first.
The CGEMC is the culmination of an extensive application process modeled after the International Association of Emergency Managers Association (IAEM) Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation. The application is designed to document years of your emergency management experience and involvement. The formal and online training, management training and experience, your contributions to the field, qualifications, real-world experience, and other items must all meet the minimum requirements. A proctored exam must be passed and if all of those items are checked, your formal application is then transmitted to a Certification Board that meets twice a year.
The USCG has developed a guide to help candidates document and submit their applications. The new guidelines answered many of the previous questions that Auxiliarists had concerning several issues. The CGEMC's original guidance was directed at Coast Guard personnel. Many of the terms used did not apply to an Auxiliarist. Once this was identified, the Coast Guard worked diligently to identify the issues in conflict and provide a resolution. The new guidance resolves those issues, and several Auxiliarists have already been awarded the CGEMC.
The Q-Directorate has staff personnel ready to assist you in answering questions. After reviewing the requirements and qualifications, if you feel eligible, Q will provide one-on-one assistance to help move you through the process.
The EMS PQS is a comprehensive and exhaustive dive into emergency management processes in the Coast Guard. It requires extensive reading and study of all directives, manuals, and plans. It is certainly achievable by an Auxiliarist, but you will need the experience and knowledge attained by completing several of the previously mentioned PQS first.
The CGEMC is the culmination of an extensive application process modeled after the International Association of Emergency Managers Association (IAEM) Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation. The application is designed to document years of your emergency management experience and involvement. The formal and online training, management training and experience, your contributions to the field, qualifications, real-world experience, and other items must all meet the minimum requirements. A proctored exam must be passed and if all of those items are checked, your formal application is then transmitted to a Certification Board that meets twice a year.
The USCG has developed a guide to help candidates document and submit their applications. The new guidelines answered many of the previous questions that Auxiliarists had concerning several issues. The CGEMC's original guidance was directed at Coast Guard personnel. Many of the terms used did not apply to an Auxiliarist. Once this was identified, the Coast Guard worked diligently to identify the issues in conflict and provide a resolution. The new guidance resolves those issues, and several Auxiliarists have already been awarded the CGEMC.
The Q-Directorate has staff personnel ready to assist you in answering questions. After reviewing the requirements and qualifications, if you feel eligible, Q will provide one-on-one assistance to help move you through the process.
Coast Guard Emergency Management Credential (CGEMC)
“The
following information pertains to the Coast Guard Emergency Management
Credential. The CGEMC is not a PQS like all the previous competencies.
It is a credential or designation that a member has fulfilled an
extensive list of training and career activities meeting the
requirements of the program. The designation is awarded after review of
the application by a Credentialing Board, which meets twice per year.
This
designation of CGEMC, is the culmination of an extensive and broad
emergency management career. The career activities include extensive
involvement in real world events and/or exercises, management positions
in emergency management, and extensive training and course completion.
Those with the designation of CGEMC are expected to be able to step in
and manage nearly any position in the emergency management field.
This
program has been developed by the USCG in coordination with the
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), who issue the
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential. Those USCG, USCG Aux,
USCG Reserve, and USCG Civilian employees who obtain the CEM can make a
submission to the USCG CGEMC Board for award of the CGEMC designation.
However, designation of the CGEMC does not automatically grant the CEM
designation due to broader requirements of IAEM.
Below
you will find the CGEMC Application Guide published by the USCG Office
of Emergency Management as well as several documents that can be used as
guides for submittals required by the CGEMC Board.
Any
Auxiliarist who is interested in gaining the CGEMC should contact the
Director of the Q-Directorate and an Auxiliarist who has already
obtained the CGEMC will be assigned as a mentor to assist you with
completing the requirements for application.”
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