Certified Texas Emergency Manager
TEM at a Glance
What is a Certified Texas Emergency Manager?
A certified Texas Emergency Manager (TEM) is an individual meeting a specific level of
professional competency.
A TEM has a working knowledge of foundational emergency management concepts
including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
A TEM possesses the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively manage a
comprehensive emergency management program.
A TEM is acquainted with the laws and authorities that govern emergency management.
A TEM understands all-hazards preparedness and the concepts of community
collaboration, cooperation and coordination.
Why seek certification as a Texas Emergency Manager?
Emergency Managers seek professional certifications for multiple reasons. TEM certification
offers the following benefits:
Indicator of professional experience and competence
Professional recognition acquired through a rigorous certification process
Commitment to continuing education
Career advancement opportunities
Requirements for the Certified Texas Emergency Manager Program
Work History and Experience. Four years full-time (minimum of 2,000 hours per year)
experience served in a comprehensive emergency management position with at least two (2)
years served in Texas; and comprehensive experience must include participation in a full-scale
exercise or actual disaster.
Experience Option. Candidate need only demonstrate two (2) years of experience in Texas with
a four-year baccalaureate degree in an emergency management-related field in lieu of the four (4)
years of experience requirement.
Three References. Three qualified references including the candidate’s current supervisor.
Education. High school diploma or GED certificate.
Training. 100 contact hours of emergency management training and 100 hours of general
knowledge training (download TEM Training Allocation Table from EMAT web site). No more
than 25 hours can be in any one topic/subject area.
Contributions to the Profession. Six separate contributions in areas such as professional
speaking, publishing articles, professional membership, serving on volunteer boards or
committees and other areas beyond the scope of basic emergency management job
requirements. Three contributions must be completed in the State of Texas.
Certified Texas Emergency Manager
TEM at a Glance
Essay or Exam. Candidates must choose between completing a comprehensive emergency
management essay or taking and passing a thorough emergency management exam.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Essay. Candidate is provided with a reallife scenario, and their response must demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities as
outlined in the essay instructions.
Multiple-choice Examination. Candidate sits for 100-question exam after their initial
application and the other requirements are satisfied. Exam questions focus on
comprehensive emergency management principles and practices reflected in the
reference publications outlined in the TEM Application Packet. The exam is a maximum
of two (2) hours. The threshold for a passing score is a minimum of 75 correct
responses.
TEM certification is current for a five-year period. A recertification packet must be submitted and
approved to maintain TEM certification.
For detailed information, please visit www.emat-tx.org; About EMAT; Certification.