Pre-Requisites to Challenge AERIE Canine Search Specialist Certification Exams

Core Pre-requisites for all AERIE Canine Search Specialist Certification Exams:

• Canine must be a minimum of 12 months of age.
• NFPA 472/CFR120 Part Q – Hazardous Materials – Awareness Level Course. (FEMA Online IS-5.a Hazmat Awareness is acceptable)
• The candidate must have completed a Bloodborne Pathogens training course that meets or exceeds 29CFR
• Incident Command System (ICS)/Incident Management System (IMS) course FEMA IS-100 & 200. (Level 300/400 recommended).
• FEMA IS-700 and IS-800 course, recommended.
• A current nationally approved Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation certification.
• Hold Ground SAR credentials: AERIE SARResponder™ 2, or AERIE Canine Ground Searcher™ or NASAR SARTech™ II.  For others, submit for review requesting approval.   (Not required for AERIE CSS Water Certifications)
• A current American Red Cross or equivalent Basic First Aid Course or higher medical training.
• The candidate must produce written proof of the canine having successfully completed a nationally recognized obedience evaluation, which meets or exceeds the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test unless challenging the CSS-Disaster examination. Examples include, but are not limited to, evaluations conducted by a recognized Association of Pet Dog Trainers or National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors, training clubs or organizations, FEMA and/or law enforcement instructors unless completing the AERIE CSS Disaster Search Specialist FSA.
• Successful completion of a Crime Scene Preservation class that is recognized by the handlers deploying agency.
• Proof of passing the AERIE written CSS fundamental (Generic) knowledge and CSS discipline specific written examinations.

Certifications Listed Below Have Pre-Requisites in Addition to the Core Pre-Requisites:

CSS – Avalanche

• Must have completed, at a minimum, an Avalanche Awareness training course. This course must be a NSP Avalanche Level I or II, National Forest Service (NFS) Avalanche Awareness, American Avalanche Association Level I or II, American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) or equivalent.

CSS – Water

• Must have completed, at a minimum, a swift water awareness course.
• Must have completed an AERIE recognized Human Remains Detection Land Certification.

CSS – Disaster

• Completion of a course that meets or exceeds the FEMA Canine Search Specialist training course, recommended.