Keep your designation current
Recertification
Certification holders are required to recertify every five years in order to maintain their designation. The recertification period closes December 31 of the fifth year after your last certification. For example, if you received your MLEM in any month of 2020, you are due to renew by the end of 2025.
- Renew every5 years
- DeadlineDecember 31of the 5th year after your last certification
- Core training250 hoursabout 50 hours per year
- Service3 contributionsrequired starting in 2026
- Counts fromLast certificationtraining completed after it
- Review fee$50
Requirements
Review the most recent edition of the Certification Program Rules to identify any changes in curriculum or rules that may affect your recertification.
250 hours of Core Continuing Education
A minimum of 50 hours (average) per year, or 250 hours total over five years. Only training completed after the date of your initial certification or last recertification will be considered, with certain exceptions (see the rules).
EM-Related Courses
Courses must be EM-related or contribute to the EM profession (think Core training). Some exceptions are allowed for leadership, supervisory, and train-the-trainer courses.
New Required Core Classes
Any “required core” classes added after the original awarding of your last certification must be completed. See the required Core course list.
Updated Classes
Classes updated since your last certification can count toward recertification hours, but they are not required to be retaken.
Example: IS-5.a was last updated in 2013. If FEMA later updates it to IS-5.b, anyone who hasn’t taken the updated version can complete it for credit on their next recertification.
ICS 300 and 400: If you haven’t taken ICS 300 and 400 since the curriculum was updated in 2019, you must retake those classes.
Service: 3 Professional Service Contributions
Starting in 2026, recertification requires three professional service contributions, chosen from the same thirteen areas used for the Advanced and Master Level certifications. See the rules and workbook for guidance.
Read the requirements for each area on the Master Level page. For recertification, disaster credit may not be duplicated from any previously submitted application.
How to Recertify
1. Review the Rules
Check the 2026 Certification Program Rules for any changes since your last certification.
2. Update Your Workbook
Use the Recertification Workbook to account for your training hours and service contributions.
3. Submit Online
Once your workbook is updated and your supporting documents are ready to upload, submit through the recertification renewal form.