CERT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CERT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. During mass casualty triage with many victims, when should CERT members perform CPR? → CPR should generally not be performed during triage when resources are overwhelmed
2. Which behavior pattern do disaster survivors typically exhibit in the heroic phase? → Altruism and willingness to help others despite personal loss
3. What is 'disaster shock' in the context of disaster psychology? → A normal response where victims feel stunned and unable to process events
4. What is the PRIMARY objective of fire prevention & protection within the Certified Community Emergency Response Team profession? → To ensure quality outcomes through standardized practices and continuous improvement
5. How does ongoing professional development support regulatory compliance & standards in Certified Community Emergency Response Team? → It keeps professionals informed of evolving standards and best practices
6. What is the recommended span of control in ICS? → 3 to 7 people
7. What is the sign of shock in a disaster victim? → Rapid pulse and pale skin
8. What is the proper use of a lever in rescue? → To lift objects safely
9. What should CERT volunteers do if they suspect a terrorist incident? → Report observations to authorities and secure the area
10. What type of communication is used when phones are down during emergencies? → Radios and runners
11. What is the MOST effective approach to training & awareness programs in Certified Community Emergency Response Team? → Combining multiple learning modalities with opportunities for practice and feedback
12. Why should you shut off electrical power after a disaster? → To avoid electrocution
13. How should CERT teams handle resource requests from the public during an operation? → Direct requests to the team leader or appropriate ICS section
14. What is the recommended action if CERT volunteers encounter victims who may be contaminated? → Perform decontamination before providing medical treatment
15. What is the FIRST action a CERT member should take upon arriving at a mass casualty scene to begin START triage? → Direct all walking wounded to move to a designated safe area
16. What is a common emotional reaction that survivors experience immediately after a major disaster? → Feeling of shock, disbelief, and emotional numbness
17. What is the primary goal of search & rescue operations? → Locate and rescue victims
18. What does WMD stand for in the context of emergency preparedness? → Weapons of Mass Destruction
19. What should CERT members do if they themselves are injured during a mass casualty incident? → Self-identify as victims and seek treatment
20. When conducting a environmental health & safety review in Certified Community Emergency Response Team, which approach yields the BEST results? → Systematic analysis using established frameworks and checklists
21. What is the recommended FIRST step when a safety concern is identified in a Certified Community Emergency Response Team setting? → Document the concern and notify the appropriate supervisor
22. What should CERT members do first when arriving at a disaster scene? → Perform scene size-up
23. Which ICS section is responsible for tactical operations? → Operations Section
24. What documentation is ESSENTIAL for personal protective equipment management in Certified Community Emergency Response Team? → Maintenance logs, calibration records, and incident reports
25. What is 'convergence behavior' in disaster response? → Large numbers of people spontaneously moving toward the disaster site
26. Which factor is MOST important when evaluating the effectiveness of hazard identification & assessment measures in Certified Community Emergency Response Team? → Reduction in incident rates over time
27. Why is buddy system important in search & rescue? → For safety and accountability
28. Why is it important to turn off utilities during a disaster? → To prevent additional hazards
29. What should you do before entering a damaged structure? → Check stability and hazards
30. What should be done after locating a victim? → Assess and stabilize