Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training

Join an Upcoming CERT Program

The Issaquah Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) plays a vital role before, during and after disasters by stepping in where help is needed most.

Volunteers are trained to check on neighbors, share important information, support emergency operations, and assist with tasks such as traffic and crowd management. Through CERT, everyday community members gain the skills to support their families, coworkers and neighborhoods in times of crisis.

The CERT Basic Training program follows FEMA’s national curriculum, giving participants hands-on experience with essential disaster-response skills. This includes what to do when professional emergency services are delayed or unavailable. With practice and teamwork, CERT members are prepared to protect themselves while helping the greatest number of people during an emergency.

The CERT Basics course is offered for free multiple times each year in Issaquah. Every spring and fall, the class is held at Issaquah Public Works. This January, we’re excited to offer a weekend intensive course at Blakely Hall. Information on all courses is available at issaquahcert.org.

January 2026

The January training will take place over two weekends, with classes held at Blakely Hall on Jan. 23, 24 and 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final drill will take place on Sunday, Feb. 1. Attendance at all sessions is required to graduate.

Our free CERT Basic Training requires an application to register, with priority given to Issaquah residents. Youth ages 13–17 may participate with written parental consent, while children 11–12 may attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Apply Here!

Testimonials & Experiences

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The CERT course is a commitment—but you gain so much more. The course requires your participation and your time. But it’s manageable, and the staff REALLY support you. You learn that you are an important part of something bigger. You’re helping your neighbors, your community, yourself.
—Sarah L., Black Nugget Park

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I pursued CERT training to care for myself, family, neighbors and community in emergency situations. The training provided increased hazard awareness, basic emergency responses, and the confidence to calmly respond when necessary. My eight-week CERT training was completed in April 2025 and included classroom and real-world exercises. The instructor’s experience and expertise provided an entertaining and informative learning environment. In summary, I am convinced the knowledge gained from CERT training will enable a calm and effective response to a variety of emergency situations.
—Samuel T., Ashland Park

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CERT training gave me the tools and confidence to respond if an emergency happens here in Issaquah. What surprised me most was the sense of community I found among people who all want to help. Since graduating, CERT has led me to other valuable training such as CPR/AED, bleeding control and radio communication, as well as new opportunities to volunteer locally. It’s been an experience that continues to grow.
—Jason C., West Highlands Park