General CORE Program FAQ

How many training classes will be offered this year?

CERT training is typically offered 5 times per year while PEP training occurs more frequently.

If you are interested in taking a free emergency preparedness and/or response training course offered through the CORE program, we recommend checking the specific schedule for the training course you would like to complete.

All training schedules are posted online, on the specific website for the related training.

• Personal Emergency Preparedness Course Schedule
• Community Emergency Response Team Course Schedule

I completed all three CORE Training modules in the past. Is my certification still valid?

No. The emergency response and preparedness skills you learn via the CORE program are perishable. This means that unless you practice on a regular basis, there is a high probability that you may be a bit rusty in your technique. Furthermore, a lot has changed regarding the way that we respond to emergencies.

In order to make sure that we are promoting the best and most current practices, previous CORE program trainees will be invited to take or participate in a refresher course/workshop where Oaklands CERT Instruction team will provide you with a new/current skills assessment.

Based on your performance in the refresher course/workshop, you may be invited to re-train with us via the new CERT training or, you may be encouraged to move forward and complete the written portion of the CERT assessment. Information regarding the availability/schedule of refresher courses and workshops will be posted here for your convenience.

It is important to note that at this time, we are unable to look up any records regarding previous CORE I, II, or III trainings completed. Equally important to note is the understanding that CERT training is geared towards individuals who expect to be called to serve as Disaster Volunteers [ DSW-v] as a part of a government coordinated/led emergency response.

If you are looking for information regarding ways that you can prepare personally, please visit our Emergency Training & Education section that is focused on Oaklanders who just need to prepare their homes and families.

I completed some of the CORE [I,II,III] Training in the past. How can I get the rest?

You can’t. The CORE Program no longer offers “CORE Training” via the familiar three module series. Instead, the following changes to the CORE program have been implemented and are now in effect:

The CORE acronym is now being used to refer to the CORE Program as an umbrella program. The umbrella CORE program has been/will be expanded to include various types of Emergency Preparedness and Response training. Community Emergency Response Team [CERT] training for example, is one type of training that will be offered under this restructured CORE Program umbrella.

As additional Emergency Preparedness & Response trainings are developed, information regarding course offerings will be posted here for your convenience.

I completed CORE Training in the past but never got my certificate or badge. When will I receive it?

Bummer! We’re sorry that last step fell through the cracks. Not to worry though, there’s a way to get you some new credentials that are reflective of the changes made to this new iteration of the Oakland Fire Department’s CORE Program.

Please note: the emergency response and preparedness skills you learn via the CERT curriculum are perishable. This means that unless you practice on a regular basis, there is a high probability that you may be a bit rusty in your technique. Furthermore, a lot has changed regarding the way that we respond to emergencies.

In order to make sure that we are promoting the best and most current practices consistently, previous CERT members will be invited to take or participate in a refresher course/workshop where Oaklands CERT Instruction team will provide you with a new/current and Oakland specific skills assessment.

Based on your performance in the refresher course/workshop, you may be invited to re-train with us via an Oakland CERT training session or, you may be encouraged to move forward and complete the written portion of the Oakland specific CERT assessment. Information regarding the availability/schedule of refresher courses and workshops will be posted here for your convenience, as they are made available.

It is important to note that at this time, we are unable to look up any records regarding previous CORE I, II, or III trainings completed.

I was a CORE Program Instructor in the past. How can I start teaching again?

Super! Please send an email to: CORE@OaklandCA.gov and we will contact you the next time we are offering a Train-the-Trainer session.

In your email please be sure to include:

A short list of the current neighborhood or community-based organizations you are affiliated with and your position/title or role

Your #1 reason for volunteering to be a CERT Instructor

Your favorite CERT Unit to teach – Click here, to review the full FEMA-CERT Curriculum.

Along with any additional languages, facts, special skills or interests that you want the Oakland Community to know about you.

The best email address to contact you

The best telephone number to contact you

Your complete physical/mailing address

A photo of yourself that shows and primarily focuses on your face

When an opportunity to instruct comes along we’ll be sure to ping you!

I cannot find CORE Program information in any languages other than English. Where can I find translated materials?

We are actively working with the California Office of Emergency Services [CalOES] to ensure that CERT training materials are translated into as many languages as possible. If you have specific language needs, please email us at: CORE@OaklandCA.gov and we will work with you.