CERT members are trained in basic emergency response skills which are used to assist themselves, their families, and neighbors when a major disaster strikes and professional first responders have not yet arrived. 

CERT training covers basic life and property-saving skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not immediately available. 

Trained CERT volunteers can assist neighbors extinguish small appliance fires, secure natural gas to damaged homes, perform light search and rescue, and render basic medical aid. Trained volunteers also offer an important potential workforce to service organizations in non-hazardous functions such as community outreach and shelter support.

The 24 hour CERT Academy training is divided in to three hour sessions scheduled over eight weeks and covers:

1. Disaster preparedness
2. Fire safety
3. Disaster medical operations (i.e.: triage, treating burns, splinting, etc)
4. Light search and rescue operations
5. CERT organization
6. Terrorism and CERT
7. Disaster psychology

The course also includes an emergency preparedness exercise conducted at the end of the academy. Class sessions are held a the City of Carlsbad Safety Center, 2560 Orion Way. The exercise/drill may be held at various locations within the city or county.

Carlsbad residents receive CERT Academy registration priority.