Professional Development Tracks

WSEMA is committed to developing emergency managers in Washington State and ensuring that our professionals are well-equipped to handle the complexities of emergency situations. A strong focus on development helps us foster long-term growth, resilience, and leadership within the profession.

WSEMA’s efforts to nurture emerging leaders can help professionals take on more significant roles in planning, decision-making, and coordinating responses. This creates a future where emergency managers are equipped not only with technical skills but also the leadership abilities needed to navigate complex situations.

By developing emergency managers at all levels, WSEMA ensures the field continues to grow in competency and professionalism. This strengthens the entire emergency management ecosystem, helping communities and organizations respond more effectively to disasters.

WSEMA’s ongoing commitment to this type of development is essential for creating a more prepared and resilient emergency management workforce.

 Professional development tracks and resources

Independent Study (IS) Program

The FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers self-paced online courses designed for individuals who have emergency management responsibilities and are available for free to the public. See the Independent Study Program for more information. To complete IS courses, you will need to obtain a FEMA Student Identification (SID) Number.

Professional Development Series (PDS)

The Professional Development Series​ is a foundational certificate program comprised of seven EMI Independent Study courses that provide a well-rounded set of fundamentals for those in the emergency management field.

Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP)

Emergency Management Basic Academy

National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA)

National Emergency Management Executive Academy (NEMEA)

Climate Adaptation & Hazard Mitigation (CAHM) Certificate Program:

Climate Adaptation and Hazard Mitigation Certificate

Transferring TEEX Credits for High Education Credit: Your TEEX training may be eligible for college credit. Over the years, TEEX has had over 100 of its courses reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE). More than 2,000 colleges and universities consider ACE Credit recommendation in determining the applicability of coursework to their courses and degree programs.

Professional development is learning to earn or maintain professional credentials such as academic degrees to formal coursework, attending conferences, and informal learning opportunities situated in practice. It has been described as intensive and collaborative, ideally incorporating an evaluative stage. There are a variety of approaches to professional development, including consultation, coaching, communities of practice, lesson study, mentoring, reflective supervision and technical assistance.

Please email info@wsema.org, if you have any questions