The Louisiana Emergency Manager (LEM) certification is an indicator of experience, hard work, continuing education, and dedication in the field of emergency management. It functions as an indicator of how dedicated an individual is to his or her profession. Obtaining certification as an LEM proves that an emergency manager is familiar with and can accomplish the goals and objectives of a comprehensive emergency management program in the State of Louisiana.
The Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association (LEPA) developed, sponsors, and administers this certification program. An applicant does not have to be a member of the LEPA organization in order to become LEM certified; however, the benefits of LEPA membership are valuable. LEPA members are dedicated to promoting the goals of saving lives and protecting property through the application of a comprehensive emergency management program at all levels of government and within the industrial sectors. Having access to LEPA members as peers and mentors is invaluable.
LEM Pro certification is a modification of the International Association of Emergency Managers' Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) program. It differs from the CEM® by adding Louisiana-specific requirements and does not require a college degree. The LEPA Certification Committee recognizes that many emergency managers never had the opportunity to attend college, yet possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage an emergency management program. The LEM Pro certification addresses this. Additionally, it this certification requires two years of verified emergency management experience.
New comers to emergency management can benefit from an entry level certification. The Louisiana Emergency Manger Basic (LEM-B) credential was designed by LEPA in an effort to create an entry level emergency management course for EM personnel with less than two years of experience in the field, or as refresher course for experienced emergency managers. LEPA has partnered with the Louisiana Governors’ Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) in presenting this course and validating the credential. The curriculum is designed to train emergency management (ESF-5) personnel on the fundamentals of EM while focusing on Louisiana specific tasks required in coordinating federal, state and local governments during declared states of emergency. The course usually spans a 90 day time frame at pre-selected locations throughout the state.
A technical credential is also offered. The Louisiana Emergency Manger Technical (LEM-T) credential was designed by LEPA in an effort to create a statewide cadre of emergency management professionals. These professionals, armed with the skill sets required to bring an emergency situation under operational control, could then be called upon by emergency managers throughout the state for technical advice or voluntary deployment. LEPA recognizes and awards the LEM-T credential to personnel proving mastery in the occupational fields illustrated within the National Response Framework. Please refer to the LEM-T application for more information.
The LEPA Board of Directors encourages everyone involved in public safety to evaluate the LEM credentials for their professional development needs, and looks forward to working with you in the future.