CDP considering COBRA entry for HMT students

FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) is currently reviewing the curriculum for its Hazardous Materials Technician (HMT) Course to see which tasks students can perform in the training bays at its Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility (COBRATF).

HMT is a five-day course which prepares responders for technician-level hazardous materials certification. Upon graduation, responders can take the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress exam for HAZMAT Technician certification through the Alabama Fire College.

The COBRATF is the only place in the country where civilian responders train with hazardous biological materials and chemical agents.

The CDP hopes to incorporate the training bays into the HMT Course later this year, following the review by center staffers and hazardous materials subject matter experts.