Excelsior Credit by Examination (ECE) vs. DSSTs and CLEPs

[sanantone]

Hi Sanantone,

Confirmed by TESC reps, I can use 27 FEMA credits which make up the general education and free electives requirements.

And sponsorship is as easy as joining this one organization by paying a few bucks.

I can almost guarantee you that you were told wrong or you misunderstood. FEMAs are only used as free electives with the exception of the AAS in ESST and BS in Homeland Security programs. The BSBA only has room for 6 free elective credits. I suggest that you send an email specifically asking how much room is there in the BSBA program for FEMA credits. None of the FEMAs fit the categories of science, humanities, social science, or mathematics, so they cannot be used as general education electives.

What organization are you talking about?

Non-US citizens may request access to complete IS courses. Non-US citizens do not have a social security number but will be assigned a unique student identifier if approved for training, the NETC policy at this time for a Non-US Citizen to take IS courses is as follows:

The non-US citizen must have a United States organization as a sponsor (i.e., fire department, police department, state emergency organization, college or university).
In addition, the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) may sponsor their members. Details regarding IAEM sponsorship may be found online at 2013 IAEM Website - Global Council
The sponsoring organization must make a written request on their official organization letterhead. We have included an example letter for your reference.

Emergency Management Institute - FEMA Independent Study Program

Your best bet would be to have TESC sponsor you. IAEM will only sponsor members who have the CEM/AEM certification or are applying for a certification.

IAEM Eligibility Requirements for Official Letters of Sponsorship. IAEM will provide official letters of sponsorship for non-U.S. IAEM members who meet the following criteria:
You are a current non-U.S. IAEM member in good standing, and
You have received your Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) certification or you have applied for your CEM/AEM certification.

2013 IAEM Website - Global Council

It's not exactly easy to meet the requirements for certification.

What are the requirements for the Certified Emergency Manager Program?

Emergency management experience. Three years by date of application. Comprehensive experience must include participation in a full-scale exercise or actual disaster.
Education. A four-year baccalaureate degree in any subject area for USA Candidates. Non-USA Candidates may substitute extra years of work experience in place of a degree until December 31, 2013.
Training. 100 contact hours in emergency management training and 100 hours in general management training. Note: No more than 25% of hours can be in any one topic.
Contributions to the profession. Six separate contributions in areas such as professional membership, speaking, publishing articles, serving on volunteer boards or committees and other areas beyond the scope of the emergency management job requirements.
Comprehensive emergency management essay. Real-life scenarios are provided, and response must demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities as listed in the essay instructions.
Multiple-choice examination. Candidates sit for the 100-question exam after their initial application and the other requirements are satisfied. The exam is a maximum of two (2) hours. A Study Guide is available, further describing format and sources.
Three references. Three signed letters of reference on letterhead including a reference from the candidate’s current supervisor.
Note: A baccalaureate in emergency management reduces the experience requirement to 2 years and waives EM training if the degree was earned recently.

What are the requirements for the Associate Emergency Manager Program?

Training. 100 contact hours in emergency management training and 100 hours in general management training. Note: No more than 25% of hours can be in any one topic.
Comprehensive emergency management essay. Real-life scenarios are provided, and response must demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities as listed in the essay instructions.
Multiple-choice examination. Candidates sit for the 100-question exam after their initial application and the other requirements are satisfied. The exam is a maximum of two (2) hours. A Study Guide is available, further describing format and sources.
Three References. Including a reference from the candidate’s current supervisor.

2013 IAEM Website - Global Council