Certification
What is Certification?
Certification recognises practitioners who have demonstrated expertise in managing complex, high-impact and high-consequence events.
Certified practitioners possess advanced operational capability, leadership skills, professional judgement and the adaptability required to work effectively across jurisdictions and deployment contexts.
Certification is not hazard-specific. Practitioners are expected, in accordance with the EMPS Code of Ethics, to undertake only roles for which they have appropriate competence and current experience.
Eligibility
Certification applicants must demonstrate compliance with the Professional Standards for the role, including:
- Required qualifications and training
- Significant operational experience
- Evidence of leadership and professional capability
- Organisational endorsement
- References from senior practitioners
Most certified roles include:
- A Requirements Standard outlining training and experience expectations.
- A Capabilities Standard describing the leadership and behavioural capabilities required for success in the role.
Certification process
1. Select your role
Review the requirements and capabilities outlined in the relevant professional standards for your selected role.
2. Prepare your portfolio
Compile evidence demonstrating your experience, qualifications, leadership achievements and professional capabilities.
3. Obtain organisational support
Applications must be endorsed by your organisation.
4. Submit your application
Contact AFAC EMPS to obtain the relevant application form and submit your portfolio for review by the cut-off date.
5. Panel interview
Applicants who meet the requirements will be invited to attend an interview with a panel of experienced practitioners.
6. Assessment and outcome
Assessment considers both the evidence portfolio and interview performance. Successful applicants are awarded certification.
Certified roles
Certification is available for selected roles involving the highest levels of responsibility and consequence, including:
Certified Incident Controller
View requirements
View capability statement
Certified Planning Officer
View requirements
View capability statement
Certified Public Information Officer
View requirements
View capability statement
Certified Operations Officer
View requirements
View capability statement
Certified Logistics Officer
Certified Burn Controller
View requirements
View capability statement
Certified Fire Behaviour Analyst
View requirements
View capability statement
Certified Fire Investigator
Ongoing requirements
Certified practitioners must:
- Provide annual CPD reports
- Comply with the EMPS Code of Ethics
- Maintain applicable fees
Fees
AFAC member agency personnel
Application and annual certification fees are covered under AFAC National Council arrangements.
Non-member organisation personnel
Non-member applications incur a fee of $600* + GST per role, and an annual re-certification fee of $600* + GST.
Certification fees includes portfolio assessment and interview, credential certificate, card and insignia, and maintenance of certification record by EMPS.
*Fees are subject to change.
Additional/replacement cards
A fee of $25+GST applies to the reissue of a card where it has been lost or damaged.