IAEM Oceania

This page is under development.

It is intended that this page will contain tips, lessons and notes to specifically help Oceania members with their CEM and AEM application packs and exam preparation. Content is expected to start to appear here in May 2008. Until then, please refer to: CEM Corner for general advice prepared by the CEM Commission.

The latest CEM Study Guide is now available.

Download the CEM Brochure.

Tips
Even within countries that use the same language there can be different ways of saying things. If you are having trouble understanding the study guide or the CEM process let us know. We may have the answer, and can post it here for everyone's benefit.

• 3-ring binders and letter page sizes - use a 2-ring binder and A4 instead. You will likely need a folder that is about 6 cm (2.5 inches) across the spine.
• No, you can't email your folder contents instead of posting your folder. It is being looked into, but for now, a paper copy is required.
• The CEM Commission meets at several set times per year. All applications that are received are held until the next Commission meeting, so depending on when you send it in, it may take some months before you find out whether it was accepted.
• No, you don't have to go to the US to sit the exam. You can sit it anywhere, all you need is a proctor and a quiet room. Find someone like a teacher, trainer, employer who is willing to sit there and supervise you for a couple of hours while you sit the exam. You will need to give their details to the IAEM along with the date you intend to sit the exam. The exam will be sent to your proctor directly. They will give it to you at the appointed time.
• Writing the essay - you may find it useful to look at some US University websites. Many of these provide advice on their English as Second Language pages on how to structure a US essay. There is also advice on the CEM Corner.
• Get someone to check your material before you send it - you have to provide a lot of information and it can be easy to miss something.
• Time limits - there are no time limits on how long it takes you to put in your application except that submitting your folder and sitting the exam have to take place within a year of each other. Once you have CEM it is valid for 5 years, at which time you have to submit an application for recertification.
• Once you get CEM, start work on your re-certification. You have 5 years to pace yourself over so don't leave it all until the last six months.
• You don't need to wait until there is an Oceania exam before you get started. It will probably take you a few months to put your folder together and write your essay so don't wait. there will be an Oceania exam but at present there is an international exam. The exam isn't full of North American terminology and anyone who works in and understands emergency management should be able to pass. If you want to study for it, or look at the type of material it will contain, you can find the references from the study guide at FEMA's EMI site