Emergency Management

This flexible program is open to anyone working or wanting to work for government, public and private organizations serving in emergency management. Roles can include Emergency Planner, Emergency Program Coordinator and Business Continuity Planner.

The program is open to high school graduates and bachelor’s degree grads who are seeking an applied certificate to pursue a career in emergency management. It is also open to those currently working in the field and interested in advancing their career through additional formal education.

Program Strengths

The applied Associate Certificate program provides a sound foundation in emergency management. It is designed to give students the flexibility to complete the courses online with the option to take select offerings face to face.

Graduates of the program will have solid knowledge and skills to pursue positions in emergency management with municipalities, provincial and federal government agencies and private organizations.

Subjects

• Basic concepts of emergency management in Canada 
• Conducting hazard, risk and vulnerability analyses 
• Creating emergency management plans 
• Business continuity processes 
• Setting up an Emergency Operations Centre 
• Implementing comprehensive site (ICS) and site support (EOC) response strategies 
• Effectively marketing your emergency management program to the public and/or employees

What You Need to Graduate 

The program consists of 15 credits.

Students who successfully complete the required credits/courses will receive an Associate Certificate in Emergency Management. 

Reference the program's course checklist to monitor the your progress through the courses.

Program Format

This program is a 15-credit program that can be completed entirely online.

Our course schedule allows you to complete the Associate Certificate as quickly as four months, or take courses at your own pace and complete it anytime within three (3) years. Learn more about our accelerated schedule, including an annual list of suggested study pathways to complete the Associate Certificate in just a few months! 

Courses are offered in either a self-paced format (completed on your own time within a set start and end date) or are guided, instructor-led courses that require weekly student participation.

To view details of each course, including upcoming course offerings, click on a course in the table below.

View the full 2023/2024 course schedule and the 2024/2025 course schedule to review upcoming training opportunities. Also use the program's course checklist to monitor what you have completed and what remains outstanding.  

When you are ready to complete the last course, the final assessment (EMRG-1195), please contact emdprograms@jibc.ca so we can review your record and confirm eligibility.

Upcoming Intakes

There are no specific application deadlines or set start dates. Apply for this program at any time.

Tuition

The Associate Certificate in Emergency Management is a 15-credit program. Tuition fees are charged on a per course basis. (See the course pages for descriptions and prices). 

For information about International Student Tuition and Fees, visit the International Students page.

Textbooks & Supplies

Course manuals are supplied to you in classroom-based courses. For online courses, the material is embedded within the course directly. If additional books or other materials are required, you will be advised of the details after you are accepted into the program.

STEP ONE - Apply to the Program

Students can apply by completing the program application form via EducationPlannerBC.

Write a letter of approximately 250 words describing your interest in the program.

STEP TWO - Submit Supporting Documents

Send the letter of intent to the Admissions Office.

Important Dates

This is an open enrolment program and although there are no application deadlines or set start dates, we strongly recommend enrolling into the program in a timely manner to ensure you are enrolled into the current version of the program.  

Once an applicant is accepted, we suggest registering for courses as quickly as possible to avoid disappointment. The number of seats in each class is limited.

Admission Requirements

• High school graduation diploma (or equivalent)

Students who are at least 21 years of age who do not have BC Grade 12, or equivalency, or who cannot access their high school transcript may still be considered for admittance to the program as a mature student identified in the JIBC Admissions policy. 

Required Documents

• A letter of approximately 250 words describing your interest in the certificate program. 

Financial Aid & Awards

This program is eligible for student loans, external awards and JIBC awards, bursaries and scholarships. For the list of awards, visit the Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships page.

International Applicants

International applicants interested in this program are encouraged to visit the International Studies page or contact JIBC's Office of International Affairs. 

Q: What is the difference between EMD’s certificate, diploma and degree?

A: EMD offers the following credentialed programs:

• Associate Certificate in Emergency Management
• Associate Certificate in Emergency Management Exercise Design
• Diploma in Emergency and Security Management
• Bachelor of Emergency and Security Management Studies 
• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Disaster Management

Both the diploma and the degree programs are offered completely online and can be taken full-time or part-time. The diploma is the first two years of the degree. The Associate Certificate in Emergency Management and the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management Exercise Design can also be completed entirely online. The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Disaster Management is offered full-time, on-campus in New Westminster.

The Associate Certificate programs and the diploma/degree programs differ somewhat in their teaching approach. Courses in the Associate Certificate programs are applied “how to” courses. The diploma and degree courses have an applied component, as well as a theoretical component. Your reason for pursuing emergency management education might help you decide which program would be a better fit for you.

Q: What is the cost of the associate certificate program?

A: The cost for this Associate Certificate is on a course-by-course basis and will vary depending on the electives chosen by each student. All course materials, including manuals, are included in the course prices. The Associate Certificate in Emergency Management will cost approximately $5,500 in total.

Q: Do I need to purchase a textbook?

A: No. All course materials are provided and are included in the cost of the course. In some instances, it may be recommended that you bring items such as a laptop or maps with you to class. In these circumstances, detailed instructions will be emailed to you prior to the class start.

Q: Does JIBC provide financial assistance to students in the program?

A: JIBC offers a number of awards, bursaries and scholarships. See information on JIBC Financial Aid & Awards.

Q: How long is the turnaround time before I find out if I was accepted?

A: The turnaround time for applications is largely dependent on how long it takes for all the application components to come into the institute (i.e. application, fee, official transcript & entrance letter). Once the application is complete, you should hear back within two weeks. If you have questions about the status of your application, contact admissions@jibc.ca.

Q: How do I apply to the program?

A: You can apply for EMD’s Associate Certificate programs through EducationPlannerBC. To check on the status of your application, email admissions@jibc.ca.

Q: How long do I have to complete the program?

A: Students accepted into EMD’s Associate Certificate programs will have three (3) years from the date on their acceptance letter in which to complete the program. It is possible to complete the Associate Certificate programs in well under the three-year timeframe. If you are unable to complete the program within that time period, you may reapply. Upon re-acceptance, you will be placed in the most current version of the program. If there have been changes to the program, students who reapply will be required to meet the new requirements.

Q: Are the programs available online?

A: Both the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management and the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management Exercise Design can be completed entirely online. The Associate Certificate in Emergency Management includes additional, optional electives that are only available through on-campus offerings. 

Q: I took a course a few years ago. Can it be applied to the certificate program once I’m accepted?

A: Yes, since our courses can be taken on an individual basis, any course you have taken that is part of the current version of the program can be applied to it once you have been accepted.

Note
JIBC changed its course code numbering system in July 2015. If you took the course prior to July 2015, you can search JIBC’s cross-list for the new code.

Q: I graduated from high school 25 years ago. Do I need an official transcript?

A: For the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management, mature students are not required to submit transcripts as part of your application package to the program.

Other programs at the institute may require an official (sealed) transcript(s) confirming that you meet the admission requirements of high school graduate (or equivalent). If you have completed credit courses (not continuing education) at another post-secondary institution you should submit that official transcript in lieu of the high school transcript. 

Students who are at least 21 years of age who do not have BC Grade 12, an equivalency, or who cannot access their high school transcript may, will still be considered for admittance to the program as a mature student identified in the JIBC Admissions policy.

Q: Do you have a mature student policy?

A: Students who are at least 21 years of age who do not have BC Grade 12 or any of the equivalencies listed in the Grade 12 equivalency procedures will still be considered for admittance to the program as a mature student identified in the JIBC Admissions policy.

For more information see the JIBC’s Program Completion and Credentials policy.

Q: I’m not a Canadian citizen, can I still take the program?

A: International students are welcome to apply to the certificate programs. International application and tuition fee rates apply.

Q: I’m not in the program. Can I still take courses?

A: With the exception of the Final Assessment or Capstone Project, Associate Certificate courses are open to the public. You do not need to be in the program to take them. However, if you are working towards completing the program and have not applied to it, if changes are made to the program it may change the goal post for you. 

Students accepted into the Associate Certificate are protected from program changes so long as they complete the program within the three-year (3) timeframe. Undeclared students and those who need to reapply because they did not complete it within their timeframe will need to meet the most current program standards. 

Q: I’ve taken a couple of other emergency management courses through the JIBC. Can I get credit for them towards the degree?

A: The degree program comprises a series of specific core courses. Individual certificate courses offered by EMD cannot be transferred in.

Q: I’ve completed the EM certificate program and I’m thinking of taking the diploma or degree. can I get credit for any courses?

A: Graduates of the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management receive credit for ESMS-1300 Foundations of Emergency Management I (3.0 credits) and ESMS-2300 Foundations of Emergency Management II (3.0 credits). They also receive 6.0 elective credits towards the bachelor program.

Q: I’ve completed the Associate certificate in Emergency Management Exercise Design and I’m thinking of taking the degree. Can I get credit for any courses?

A: Graduates of the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management Exercise Design program receive credit for ESMS-3360 Exercise Program Management.

Transfer Credit & Prior Learning Assessments

Q: I have taken Incident command system (ICS) training through a different training provider. Can I get credit for it at JIBC?

A: Waiving Prerequisites: Students wishing to have an ICS prerequisite waived in order to take a higher level of ICS at JIBC will need to submit documentation of successful completion of the lower level ICS course for approval by EMD. Email documentation to emergency@jibc.ca. Note that having a prerequisite waived does not give the student credit for the waived course. 

Transfer Credit: Students wishing to receive credit for an ICS course taken at a different post-secondary institution may be able to do so through JIBC’s Transfer Credit process. Please view the list of Recognized ICS Service Providers to determine if your course can be accepted as a transfer credit.  Note that Transfer Credits will be awarded only to those students who have applied for, and been accepted into JIBC credential programs.

Prior Learning Assessments: Students wishing to receive credit for an ICS course taken through a different training provider that JIBC does not accept, learners may do so through JIBC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process. Note that PLAR credits will be awarded only to those students who have applied for, and been accepted into JIBC credential programs. The prior learning assessment for the ICS courses is a Challenge Exam.

Q: I’ve taken a similar course at a different institution. Can I get credit?

A: Transfer Credit: Students wishing to receive credit for a course taken at a different post-secondary institution may be able to do so through JIBC’s Transfer Credit process. Note that Transfer Credits will be awarded only to those students who have applied for, and been accepted into JIBC credential programs. 

In order to accurately evaluate a course for transfer purposes to the Associate Certificate of Emergency Management, please submit detailed course outline(s) and/or syllabi with your Credit Transfer Form. Calendar descriptions are not sufficient for evaluation purposes and outlines must have been supplied to you by the institution.

Prior Learning Assessments: Students wishing to receive credit for a course taken through a training provider that is not a post-secondary institution may do so through JIBC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process. Note that PLAR credits will be awarded only to those students who have applied for, and been accepted into JIBC credential programs. The prior learning assessment for EMD’s certificate courses is a Challenge Exam.

Q: I’ve worked in the field for 15 years. Can I get credit for that?

A: You may be able to receive credit for relevant experience. See JIBC’s policies and procedures as they relate to a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). 

As a PLA candidate, you will gather and develop evidence to support your credit request.

This evidence may include direct evidence such as responses to an oral exam, skill demonstrations, case studies and products you have developed. Evidence may also include indirect evidence such as non-credited certificates, letters of validation from employers, colleagues or clients, or special awards.

Your evidence will be assessed by a faculty assessor who will recommend or deny credit. Credits obtained through PLA are recorded on your transcript.

Review further information and FAQs prior to submitting your PLA request. 

Taking Courses & Completing the Program

Q: What’s my progress in the program?

A: By logging into your Self-Service Portal (https://elearn.jibc.ca/), you can view the courses you have completed at the JIBC (as well as lots of other information too.) Use this resource to check off the courses with the program checklist.  

Q: When are the courses scheduled?

A: For planning purposes, EMD provides an annual course training schedule available under the Program Details tab above. 

Q: How do I audit a course?

A: Auditing a course means sitting in on the content portion of the course but not doing any of the evaluated activities. Students wishing to audit a course must declare this intention at the time of registration. They will be enrolled in the course under an Audit status, which will deny them access to the evaluative components of the course. Audited courses appear on students’ official transcripts, however, students do not receive the academic credits associated with them. The fee for auditing a course is the same as the regular tuition fee for the course.

Q: Are there any pre-course readings?

A: EMD’s Associate Certificate courses do not have any pre-course readings.

Q: Which room is my on-campus course in?

A: Room allocations can change at the last minute. When you arrive at the New Westminster campus, check the computer monitor or check-in with reception to confirm your classroom location.

Q: What courses are available by correspondence?

A: Courses available by correspondence
     EMRG-1100 Introduction to Emergency Management in BC
     EMRG-1200 Incident Command System Level 100
     EMRG-1300 Introduction to Emergency Operations Centres
     EMRG-1600 Introduction to Emergency Support Services
     EMRG-1607 Level One Emergency Support Services

To order a correspondence manual, contact EMD’s Administrative Supervisor at 604-528-5797.

Q: What is the difference between self-paced and guided online courses?

A: EMD has two types of online courses in the Associate Certificate programs

In the Self-Paced courses, students work independently and can complete the course and assessment at any time during the scheduled start and end dates of the course.

The Guided format is led by an instructor. Students will be interacting with their instructors and classmates. This format offers students the flexibility of working at their own pace to meet the weekly course requirements. Students should be prepared to spend approximately 3.5 hours per week on each course.

When registering for a course, be aware of the specific course dates at the time of registering for the course. If someone registers you for a course on your behalf, it is your responsibility to find out what those course dates are. If you miss a course because you were not aware of the course timelines, you will be required to register for a different offering of the course.

Q: When do I need to complete my online course? I don’t see the course dates within the online course.

A: The start and end dates of the online courses are listed when you register for the course. All course work must be completed by the scheduled end date of the course. For guided or instructor-led courses, all assignments and assessment deadlines throughout the course are listed in the class calendar.

Q: How do I access my online class?

A: JIBC has moved to a centralized portal for accessing both your student account information and your online classes. To access your online class, log into the myJIBC portal at elearn.jibc.ca and click on your class under Login to Online Classes. Your class will appear in your online course dashboard on the first day the course starts.

Q: Will I have access to the online course after it ends?

A: EMD’s online courses remain open for 30 days following the scheduled end date of the course. This means that you will have access to the course during this time for the purpose of viewing exam results and downloading materials, including the printable course manual.

Note
You will not be able to access the assessment after the published end date of the course. All course work must be completed by the scheduled end date of the course.

Q: But it’s an online course! Don’t I have unlimited time to complete it?

A: Unfortunately, no. EMD courses have published start and end dates. All course work must be completed within those dates. Please keep this in mind when selecting your course section at the time of registration.

Q: I’m ready to take the final assessment.  how do I enroll?

A: The final project in the Associate Certificate in Emergency Management is called a final assessment. Students may start the final assessment/capstone only upon the successful completion of all required and elective courses in the program.

Please contact EMD at emdprograms@jibc.ca or 604-528-5800 to have your student record reviewed to ensure you are eligible to register for the final assessment/capstone.

Q: I have completed my final assignment. what’s next?

A: Congratulations! Successful completion of the final assignment is the final step in completing the program. EMD will put your name forward to JIBC’s Board of Governors for graduation from the program. Your Associate Certificate will be issued at by the Office of the Registrar and mailed to you directly.

Please note, programs 20 credits or less are not included Convocation.