Professional Certification
The AAEM professional certification program exists to improve the level of professionalism within the field of emergency management and helps the public readily identify emergency managers who have dedicated themselves to continuing their training and education in service to their communities. Certification through the AAEM signifies a person has proven to have the education, training, and experience required of the certification held.
Important Program Update: In 2025, the AAEM Board approved recommendations to update the Certification Program Rules. Those rules went into effect January1, 2026. All certification applications (including recertifications) must adhere to the updated rules found below. For questions, email certification@aaem.us.
Some of the pertinent changes to the rules include:
Membership requirement for certifications
Advanced-Level certifications now require experience and service contributions
Higher Education hours weight reduced
Recertification hours reduced in lieu of requiring service contributions
Updated definitions of Core and Non-Core (formally “Optional”) credit
Minor changes to service area contribution definitions
Applying for Certification
The AAEM Certification Committee maintains the certification program and its rules, and is comprised of members of the Association who hold the Advanced or Master-Level certification. They are responsible for reviewing all applications in a timely manner, as well as making routine, Board-approved changes to the program to keep it current with the changing requirements and needs of the profession.
The AAEM Certification Program Rules provides guidance on certification requirements and how to apply. To apply:
1) Review the rules and identify the requirements needed for the certification level you’re eligible to pursue.
2) Ensure you have the required supporting documentation for your application.
3) Utilize the appropriate workbook (either the BLEM-ALEM, Master, or Recertification workbook) to help you account for all required coursework, education, and service requirements. Keep and update this workbook as you progress through the various levels of certification.
4) For initial certification applications and upgrades to your certification level, utilize this online submission form to apply for and upload your supporting documents. For recertifications, please utilize this form to apply. Ensure you follow the instructions provided and upload the documentation how it is requested, otherwise you risk the possibility of your application being returned.
5) Please have patience. Our certification review personnel are active, full-time EMs and review applications as time allows. Reviews typically take up to two months once it has been assigned. You will receive email updates on status changes throughout the process.
Recertification
Recertification is required every five years after your last certification. Applicants must review the updated rules prior to submission and ensure that any required core IS classes added since being awarded your current level of certification are completed. Additionally, starting in 2026, recerts require completion of three professional service contributions. See rules and workbook for guidance.
Remember, if you have not taken the ICS 300 & 400 classes since the curriculum was updated in 2019, you must retake those classes.
Utilize this recertification submission form link to submit your recert application.
Certification Fees
AAEM charges a nominal fee for the application assessment and award of certification. The application fee includes an award certificate and, for Advanced and Master Level awardees, the certification plaque. Reminder: In 2026, the Board approved that applicants must be members of the Association before submitting their certification packets. Please see the Membership page for info on how to become a member.
Certification Review Fees:
BLEM & ILEM: $50
ALEM: $75
MLEM: $150
Recertifications: $50
Fees can be paid online through the Smartsheet/ACCA links during the application process (preferred), or by check.
Online Certification Submission
AAEM Certification Applications should now utilize the online submission system through Smartsheet. Please utilize the appropriate links below to submit your initial, upgrade, or renewal application.
If you prefer to mail your applications, you may still do so, however, it will take significantly longer for the team to review these. Send paper applications, in the format listed within the certification rules, to:
Jefferson County EMA
C/O Chris Tate, Certification Chair
709 19th St. N.
Birmingham, AL 35203
Helpful Videos
Here are a few videos to help you through your certification application process:
Certification Levels
Basic Level Emergency Manager
The Basic Level certification is an entry-level certification for emergency managers. This level of certification requires a total of 300 hours of training.
Those who have earned Basic Level certification are entitled to use the BLEM designation.
Intermediate Level Emergency Manager
The Intermediate Level certification is a mid-level certification for emergency managers. This level of certification requires a total of 650 hours of training.
Those who have earned Intermediate Level certification are entitled to use the ILEM designation.
Advanced Level Emergency Manager
The Advanced Level certification is an advanced certification for emergency managers. This level of certification requires a total of 1000 hours of training in addition to certain professional contributions.
Those who have earned Advanced Level certification are entitled to use the ALEM designation.
Master Level Emergency Manager
This level of certification is the highest the Association offers, requiring a total of 1350 hours of training in addition to multiple professional contributions.
Those who have earned Masters Level certification are entitled to use the MLEM designation.
Certification Documents
Disclaimer: The AAEM’s Certifications are not intended to serve as a warranty, representation, guarantee or promise with respect to the quality of performance of or procedures utilized by certified persons in their work. The certification program is intended to establish training, education, and experience criteria relevant to the field of emergency management, and that the individual holding such certifications have met those criteria. AAEM specifically disclaims any and all liability for any third party claims, actions, causes of action, judgments, liabilities, monetary losses, or injuries or damages to persons, property or environment arising out of or resulting from the services performed by or any errors or omissions on the part of any AAEM certification holder.