CERT EMT Academy Student Onboarding

Welcome to your upcoming CERT EMT Academy.

This page contains the required onboarding steps that must be completed before the start of your program. Please review each section carefully and complete all required items by the stated deadlines.

Attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions are essential skills in emergency medical services. Your onboarding process is the first opportunity to demonstrate those standards.

Start Here: Student Introduction Video (Required)

Before completing the steps below, all students are required to complete a short introduction video.

This is a quick 5–7 minute video where you will answer a few simple questions so our team can get to know you prior to the start of the program. This must be completed within 72 hours of enrollment.

Instructions:

Use the link to your academy below to access the video platform:

Follow the prompts to record your responses.
Complete your video in a quiet, well-lit environment.
Present yourself in a professional manner.
Wait for acceptance email from Program Director before proceeding to step 1.

Step 1: Register for Pearson and Begin Reading

Because CERT EMT Academies move at a fast pace, students are strongly encouraged to begin reading as early as possible. Students who get a head start on the material are significantly more prepared for the pace and expectations of the program.

To access your Pearson course materials:

Visit the Pearson website and purchase your etext or hardcopy textbook.

Step 2: Complete Required FEMA ICS Courses

All students are required to complete the following FEMA courses before the first day of class:

If you do not already have a FEMA Student Identification Number (SID), you must create one before beginning the courses.

Click Here for FEMA SID Registration

Please download and save each course completion certificate after finishing the course. You will upload these certificates in Step 3 below.

Step 3: Upload Your FEMA Course Certificates

Upload Instructions:

Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your course registration.
Enter the email address you used when registering for your academy.
Select your academy from the dropdown menu.
Upload all FEMA course completion certificates.
Submit the form.

All certificates must be uploaded before the start of your academy.

Failure to complete this requirement on time may be considered a failure to follow instructions and may result in administrative action.

Step 4: Complete Your First-Class Paperwork

All students are required to complete their first-class paperwork before the start of the course.

You will receive an Adobe e-sign invitation by email containing the required documents. Please review and sign all required paperwork promptly.

Students Under 18:

If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must complete the required parental consent sections.

Please make sure all required paperwork is fully completed prior to the first day of class.

Step 5: Pick Up Your Uniform Shirt and take Student Photo

Before the start of the course, all students must visit the CERT facility to:

Pick up their CERT uniform shirt(s)
Have their student ID badge photo taken

Uniform Pick-Up and Badge Photo Available:

Monday-Friday 10am-4pm

Location:

CERT – Fair Oaks Mall

11750 Fair Oaks Mall

Fairfax, VA 22033

Parking: Park by Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Video Directions to Our Location in the Mall.

Badge Photo Requirements:

Professional appearance is required
No hats
No sunglasses
No distracting attire
Students should appear neat, clean, and presentable

Please plan accordingly and complete this requirement before your academy begins.

Step 6: Review Uniform and Appearance Standards

Students are expected to maintain a clean, professional appearance throughout the program.

Required Uniform Standards:

Navy blue uniform-style pants
CERT uniform shirt or polo as directed
Black shoes or black boots appropriate for EMS training

Here are examples of appropriate duty pants and shoes:

Men’s Uniform Pants: CQR Men's Tactical Pants.
Women’s Uniform Pants: CQR Women's Tactical Pants.
Men’s Uniform Shoes: Bruno Marc Men’s Black EMT Shoes.
Women’s Uniform Shoes: Dr. Scholl’s Kimberly Women’s EMT Shoes.

Uniforms must be clean, professional, and appropriate for a healthcare training environment.

Additional details regarding grooming, uniform standards, and professional appearance are outlined in the policy documents below.

Step 7: Review Required Student Policies

Before the first day of class, all students must review the following documents:

Please review each policy carefully. Students are expected to understand and comply with all CERT standards and requirements throughout the program.

Step 8: Review Student Resources and EMT Skills Videos

Students are strongly encouraged to begin reviewing EMT skills and student resources before the start of the program.

Student Resources Page:

https://www.virginiaemt.com/studentresources

This page includes helpful resources related to your course. Reviewing these materials before attending lab/lecture sessions will help improve your comfort level, preparation, and overall success in the program.

Step 9: Monitor Your Email for Additional Updates

Students are expected to check their email regularly leading up to the start of the academy.

Additional reminders, updates, or academy-specific information may be sent by email. It is your responsibility to monitor your inbox and respond or comply with instructions as needed.

Please also check your spam or junk folder regularly to ensure you do not miss important communications.

Final Reminder

CERT EMT Academies are structured, high-expectation programs that require discipline, preparation, and professionalism from the very beginning.

Completing each onboarding step accurately and on time is part of that standard.

We look forward to welcoming you to the program and supporting you throughout your EMT training.