The county’s CERT page explains the standard course, which typically takes about 20 hours. Some programs teach it one evening a week for eight weeks; others fast-track it over a weekend. Units cover local hazards, team organization, disaster first aid, mass-casualty triage, disaster psychology, fire safety and utilities, light search and rescue, and a final simulation.
The page links to local CERT programs run by cities and fire districts, such as Marysville, Everett and South County Fire. Some teams stay active as volunteers after the course. The schedule posted on the county page is from 2024, so check with each program for current classes.
Volunteers serve through the program, not on their own: register as an emergency worker through the sponsoring agency before you help in an emergency.