More about the Master Exercise Practioner Program (MEP)

Previously I posted a comment from Emmitsburg about the Master Exercise Program and I thought that I'd update that by explaining the program. The MEP certification means that a candidate has successfully completed three weeks of instruction on the development, control and evaluation of exercises. The Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP) eligibility includes local, Tribal, State, Territorial, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other Federal agency emergency management/emergency services personnel whose responsibilities involve emergency management exercises. This includes exercise training officers, emergency managers, emergency services personnel from fire, emergency medical, hospitals, public/environmental health, coroners, law enforcement, corrections officials, public works/utilities, community service/volunteer agencies, non-profits, and private entities who participate in emergency services/emergency management exercise design/development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning activities, members of exercise planning teams, evaluation teams, and/or who manage exercise programs.

In 2005, I obtained the certification with 60 other candidates including 11 officers from FDNY, other firefighters, public health, emergency management, EMS, law enforcement and others. The class consists of three weeks of instruction with time between the classes to develop the project for the next class. Week one focuses on Exercise Design and Evaluation, week two on E133 Exercise Program Management and Control Simulation , and the final week on Exercise Development. Week three has about 1/2 day in the class room with the rest of the time spent onm development and conduct of a functional exercise.

As a fire instructor for over 30 years, I wish this was available a long time ago. The class series gives the student the ability to develop a long term training plan that culminates in an exercise that tests the training that's been done in an orderly fashion. Development of exercises using the proper time frame for that development is an important part. At any rate, a good time was had by all and as usual the EMI/NFA staff provided a good atmosphere for learning.

Being part of the instructor cadre for this class has allowed me to meet many new people and expand that valuable list of people to contact when I'm in a bind. As more federal money becomes available in the form of grants, the requirement for good exercises will rise with it. This certification is getting people ready to deal with that. The fire service shouldn't be left behind on this. Look on FEMA's website or search for Master Exercise Practioner.