Emergency management training
Last updated on March 25, 2025Training is one of the key factors for a successful response to an emergency or disaster. We oversee a provincial training program that exists to build the knowledge and skill-set of those who work in operational roles during emergencies.
Emergency management courses
We partner with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) to provide courses, both online and in person. Each course is part of JIBC’s Emergency Management Associate Certificate.
Courses are provided at no cost to participants, and intended for staff and volunteers from Indigenous communities and local governments who fill various roles during emergency and disaster response.
- Online emergency management courses
- In-person emergency management courses
- Course descriptions
- Host an in-person course
Emergency Support Services training
Emergency Support Services (ESS) teams engage in training and exercises as part of their continued commitment to deliver ESS in the community. These are critical to the ongoing improvement of local and regional level planning for responses to emergency events that displace people.
The Incident Command System and ICS Canada
The Incident Command System (ICS) is a standard on site command and control system used to manage emergency incidents and planned events.
ICS Canada is a network of organizations working cooperatively to maintain the standards used in incident management response. Through this network and with the support of trainers within these organizations, ICS Canada offers courses that are recognized across the country.
Instructors
ICS Canada instructors in B.C. must be recognized by the Province and meet the requirements set by ICS Canada.
These instructors are independent contractors and not employees of the Province or ICS Canada. All discussions about training, delivery, cost, travel, dates, facilities, and other details, are the responsibility of the instructor and requesting organization and can vary between instructors.
If you're interested in becoming an ICS Canada instructor, please email EMBC_EMTraining@gov.bc.ca.
Available training
ICS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System: This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. This self-study online training is available to purchase.
The province supports coordination of training based on interest and instructor availability. Employees and volunteers of First Nation and Local Authority Emergency Management programs, partners from Non-Government Organization’s and Industry are welcome to complete an expression of interest through the form below. Please note that this information supports course planning, and you will only be contacted if there is a session available.
Webinars
Emergency management webinars provide participants with up-to-date information on best practices, approaches, strategies and technologies. Webinars are presented in partnership with the Justice Institute of BC. Register for an upcoming webinar, or view past recordings
Provincial exercise program
The provincial exercise program provides assistance to all levels of provincial and local governments in the establishment and conduct of exercise programs.