Professional Development Series

The Professional Development Series (PDS) includes seven Emergency Management Institute independent study courses that provide a well-rounded set of fundamentals for those in the emergency management profession. Many students build on this foundation to develop their careers.

After successfully completing all 7 required PDS courses through the Independent Study program, a PDS certificate is automatically issued via email to the email address provided on your last exam submission.

PDS Required Courses

IS-120.c An Introduction to Exercises

IS-230.e Fundamentals of Emergency Management

IS-235.c Emergency Planning

IS-240.c Leadership and Influence

IS-241.c Decision Making and Problem Solving

IS-242.c Effective Communication

IS-244.b Developing and Managing Volunteers

Other Professional Programs

• PLANNING PRACTITIONER PROGRAM (PPP)
  • Instructor-led courses allow planners to further develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform effectively as lead planners and planning program managers
  • Series of two (2) resident courses (E0237: and E0238) that are each five (5) days in length, as well as Online Planning Practitioner Capstone (K0243).
  • Application period is open annually from April 1st to June 15^th
  • Following courses must be completed in their entirety prior to applying: IS236 (in development), IS100, IS200, IS230, IS235, IS240, IS242, IS700, IS800
  • A certificate of graduation from the Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) Basic Academy from 2018, or later will satisfy the prerequisites for the PPP Program
  • FY2026 dates TBD
  • Additional information - https://training.fema.gov/programs/planning-practitioner/#prerequisites

• MASTER EXERCISE PRACTITIONER PROGRAM (MEPP)
• Program designed for experienced individuals with significant responsibility for progressive, all-hazard exercise programs consistent with the principles in the HSEEP doctrine.
• Refine and practice skills critical to performing the phases of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) cycle.
• Consists of two (2) resident courses (E0132 and E0133) that are each four (4) days in length as well as conduct of an exercise for the candidate’s jurisdiction which is then presented to a panel (K0136).
• Following courses must be completed in their entirety prior to submitting an application: L/K146 (HSEEP program), IS100, IS120, IS130, IS200, IS230, IS235, IS700, IS800, and IS2200
• A certificate of graduation from the Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) Basic Academy from 2018, or later will satisfy the prerequisites for the MEP Program
• Application period is open annually from April 1st to June 15^th
• https://training.fema.gov/programs/nsec/mepp/#how-to-apply

• National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA)
  • Reinforces the qualities needed to lead emergency management programs and provides relevant management theories and concepts, and utilizes appropriate case studies.
  • Series consists of four (4) resident courses that are each five (5) days in duration, as well as completing a comprehensive paper prior to graduation
  • Will start accepting applications for the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA) from April 1 – June 1, 2025 for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Cohorts.
  • Applications will be evaluated based on recommended prerequisites to include:
    • Depth and Breadth of direct experience in an EM position
    • Project and working group leadership
    • Substantial continuing service commitment
    • Contribution to the field
    • Whole community representation
    • https://training.fema.gov/programs/empp/advanced/

Applications cycles are not open but will open in the next four (4) months – if interested, used this time to complete prerequisites and prepare for course notifications. These courses are open to all 50 states and six (6) territories and are very competitive.