The Nevada Emergency Preparedness Association (NEPA) launched in 2019, a new program designed to recognize individuals in Nevada who possess the experience, knowledge and skills to work in the field of emergency management.

The NEPA Certification Program will grant NEPA members who demonstrate capabilities in all five mission areas of emergency management (mitigation, prevention, protection, response and recovery) official certifications.

The Certification Program will award applicants one of two levels of certification and a renewal of each:

Nevada Emergency Manager-Associate (NVEM-A): This certification recognizes individuals who possess knowledge, skills and abilities to perform within a comprehensive emergency management program but may lack work experience. NVEM-A applicants must possess at least one year of working experience where at least 25 percent of the applicant’s duties are related to all-hazards emergency management.

Nevada Emergency Manager (NVEM): This certification recognizes individuals who possess advanced knowledge, skills and experience to perform effectively within a comprehensive emergency management program. NVEM applicants must possess at least three years of working experience where at least 25 percent of the applicant’s duties are related to all-hazards emergency management. The applicant must also demonstrate contributions to the field of emergency management that include (but are not limited to): disaster experience, speaking engagements, publications and/or leadership appointments.

Renewal: Nevada Emergency Manager (NVEM): The renewal certification offers the opportunity for Nevada Certified Emergency Managers to renew their certification after five years of certification. The applicants will utilize a shorter online application that requires additional training, experiences, and professional contribution documentation (all in the past five years). Most NVEM-A applicants would now qualify for NVEM and will need to complete the NVEM application. 

Applicants for the NVEM, NVEM-A, and a renewal must: be NEPA members, complete a certification application, and submit an application fee of $50.