Success message
Error message
The CERT Basic Training Course prepares you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors during a disaster. This “hands-on” course combines classroom instruction, interactive activities, and real-world exercises.
COURSE FEE:
→ $40 materials fee (includes student manual and personal emergency supplies).
→ Participants also receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of training.
COURSE GOALS:
→ By the end of training, participants will be able to:
→ Prepare their homes and families for disasters
→ Protect themselves first so they can help others
→ Assist neighbors during emergencies
→ Work effectively as part of a team during disaster response
The CERT curriculum includes both standard and locally adapted "special topics" relevant to the Central Coast.
→ Disaster Preparedness - Roles, responsibilities, and hazard impacts
→ Fire Safety & Utility Controls - Fire suppression, utility shutoff, hazardous materials (Special Topic: Recent Wildfire)
→ Disaster Medical Operations (Part 1) - Triage and life-threatening conditions (Special Topic: AED Training)
→ Disaster Medical Operations (Part 2) - Public health, treatment areas, injuries, burns, cold/heat-related conditions
→ Light Search & Rescue Operations - Search and rescue safety, operations, and rescues (Special Topic: Earthquake & Unreinforced Masonry Buildings)
→ CERT Organization - Mobilization, documentation, ICS functions
→ Disaster Psychology - Team well-being, trauma response, survivor care
→ Terrorism & CERT - Awareness, CBRNE indicators, response considerations
→ Course Review & Simulation Exercise - Final exam and full-scale disaster drill
From wildfires and earthquakes to floods, extreme heat, and power outages, disasters can disrupt life in Cambria and across San Luis Obispo County. When the “Big One” hits—or any large-scale emergency—CERT-trained volunteers will make the difference between chaos and coordinated response.
Are you ready? Join the next CERT Basic Training course and become part of Cambria’s community of trained disaster volunteers.
Training and Volunteer Opportunities are available throughout San Luis Obispo County.
In 2026, we'll look forward to expanding our programs to include more communities.
Subscribe to our newsletter or contact us to be updated on our training schedule, volunteer opportunities, and other updates!
Serving the Atascadero Community
Serving the Cambria Community
A Paso Robles CERT Program
Serving Los Osos, Morro Bay & Cayucos
Serving the El Paso de Robles Community
Subscribe to our email list to receive our newsletter, special alerts, and announcements. Stay updated on our training schedule, volunteer opportunities, and other news!
Don't miss out on the latest CERT updates and news!
