In a memo dated August 2, 2007. Corey Gruber, Acting Deputy Administrator, National Preparedness Directorate of FEMA, wrote

This Information Bulletin (IB) is to clarify that Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funds are allowable to support and deliver the following training:

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) basic training for volunteers in eighborhoods, schools, campuses, workplaces, and all other venues determined by the agency that sponsors the local CERT Program
• Supplemental training for CERT members who have completed the basic training
• CERT Train-the-Trainer course
• Campus CERT Train-the-Trainer course
• Teen CERT Train-the-Trainer course

Per the FY 2007 HSGP guidance, “Funding for CERT training includes the delivery of the CERT basic training to volunteers, supplemental training for CERT members who have completed the basic training, and the CERT Train-the-Trainer training (p. 69).” To be eligible for HSGP funding or to be designated as a CERT or CERT-type program (for example, Neighborhood Emergency Teams, Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams,
Community Emergency Response Teams, etc.), the CERT basic training must include the topics and be delivered according to the plan of instruction reflected in the CERT Instructor Guide (IG

317). The training must be instructor-led and classroom-based, using lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice throughout. In addition, “the Independent Study course, ‘Introduction to

CERT’ (IS 317) must not be substituted for delivery of basic training consistent with the 20-hour CERT curriculum (FY 2007 HSGP guidance, p. 69).”

What I suspect this means is that a municipality can’t take grant money for teaching CERT courses – but have the students take the course on-line. We’ll try to learn a bit more about this funding process and report back.