IAEM Oceania

On June 16, Steve Glassey, New Zealand Representative of the Oceania Region of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) became the second person in the Oceania Region to achieve the Certified Emergency Manager® credential (CEM®). The CEM® designation is the highest honour of professional achievement available from the IAEM and has been issued to 1,207 individuals around the world over the last 15 years. CEM® is held by individuals in Africa, Europe, the Americas, Asia and now Oceania making it a truly international credential.

The CEM® programme was developed with funding from the US based Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and an advisory board representing professionals from a variety of disciplines including government, private industry and military. A Commission of 19 respected professionals in the field of emergency management approve individuals to receive the CEM® credential based on an exam, professional experience, training, voluntary contribution towards advancing the field of emergency management and a written report illustrating understanding of comprehensive emergency management and it's implementation. One of the current focus areas of the Commission is expanding international applicability of CEM®. This includes consultation with representatives from different parts of the world and development of customised exams that take into account variations in terminology, process and hazard exposure.

There are currently US and International exams with the remaining assessment criteria being common for all applicants. Oceania is working on an Oceania exam being approved in the near future. At present, five individuals from Australia and New Zealand are undertaking the CEM® credentialing process, with more anticipated as the Oceania exam becomes available. That being said, people wishing to achieve CEM® are encouraged to begin work on their portfolios now. It can take some time to assemble the required information for submitting to the Commission and this can be done in advance of sitting the exam.

Organisations interested to have a free 1 hour presentation to their staff on the CEM® credential can contact Steve Glassey, who is also leading the CEM® implementation for the Oceania Region on behalf of the Professional Development Sub-Committee (IAEM Oceania Region).