CCISM Certification
CISM is most accurately defined as an integrated multi-component continuum of psychological interventions to be provided in the context of acute adversity, trauma, and disaster on an as needed basis to appropriate recipient populations. CISM is not a singular technique nor a treatment for acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic depression, or bereavement and grief.
The CCISM Certification, offered by UMBC‘s Department of Emergency Health Services through its Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program, is the world’s first university-based certification in the field of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and psychological crisis intervention.
The goal of the certification is to foster enhanced knowledge about crisis intervention and disaster response from the CISM perspective. In doing so it is hoped that research and practice shall be fostered as well. Certification is a certification of KNOWLEDGE, not practice per se, relevant to CISM and crisis intervention and disaster response. However, we believe that better practice is based upon increased knowledge.
The certification is EXAMINATION-based, which will be delivered online and will be in an open-book format.
CCISM Certification is for:
- Emergency responders
- Mental health clinicians
- Public health personnel
- Disaster responders
- Educators
- Clergy
- Employee assistance professionals
- CERT team members and others who are interested in demonstrating knowledge in CISM.
- Organizations who desire to promote and ensure a fundamental and standardized knowledge base among its personnel who respond to crisis and trauma.
The CCISM Examination
The UMBC Certification in CISM is a confirmation that an individual has demonstrated a basic understanding of the nature and principles of CISM, as defined herein. The certification is a confirmation of knowledge, not practical nor applied ability. It is not a certification of clinical or applied competency.