Best Disaster Response Certifications to Get in 2025 (Boost Your Hiring Chances)

Relief and Recovery • By J McKane • Published on December 11, 2025

The Best Certifications to Boost Your Disaster Response Career in 2025

If you’re trying to break into disaster response or move into higher-paying roles, the right certifications can completely change your career. The industry moves fast, and companies want people who can step onto a site and already understand safety, communication, and basic emergency procedures. The good news? A lot of the most valuable certifications are cheap, free, or quick to complete — and they instantly make your application stand out.

Here are the certifications worth getting in 2025 if you want steady work, better pay, and more opportunities in the disaster-response world.


FEMA ICS Courses: The Must-Have Foundation

Before anything else, get your FEMA ICS certifications (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800). These are the first things contractors and emergency-response companies look for. They teach how teams communicate during disasters, how command structures work, and how resources move during a crisis.

The best part?

They’re completely free and only take a few hours each. Having them shows employers you’re serious and ready for deployment.

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30: Safety That Pays Off

A huge part of disaster recovery is debris, damaged buildings, hazardous materials, and heavy equipment. That’s why OSHA certifications are so valuable. OSHA 10 is perfect for entry-level workers, while OSHA 30 is ideal if you want to lead teams or qualify for higher-paying jobs.

Many companies raise your pay or choose you first simply because you’re OSHA-certified. It’s one of the fastest ways to become more hireable in the field.


Basic Medical Training: CPR, First Aid & AED

Disasters are unpredictable. Even non-medical workers need to be prepared to help until professional medical crews arrive. A simple CPR/First Aid/AED certification makes you more useful in the field and often gives employers confidence that you can handle emergencies safely.

It’s inexpensive, usually takes one day, and looks great on any disaster-response résumé.


Part 107 Drone License: One of the Fastest-Growing Skills

Drone pilots are becoming essential after hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. They’re used for:

  • Mapping neighborhoods
  • Documenting damage
  • Supporting insurance companies
  • Helping identify hazards from the air

If you like tech or photography, this is one of the easiest ways to jump into a high-demand, higher-pay role. Once you have your Part 107 license, you can work with contractors, emergency-management agencies, insurance carriers, and construction companies.


CDL License: Reliable Work During Recovery

If you want steady disaster-response income, getting a Commercial Driver’s License opens a ton of doors. After major storms, drivers are needed for:

  • Debris transport
  • Fuel deliveries
  • Moving heavy equipment
  • Supplying food, water, and materials

Drivers often earn premium pay during deployments, and a CDL works for many industries outside disaster response as well.


Red Cross Shelter Training: Great for Beginners

If you’re new and don’t know where to start, Red Cross shelter training gives you hands-on skills that apply immediately. You learn how shelters operate, how to manage evacuees, and how to support large groups during emergencies.

It’s a strong entry point for people who want to get into emergency management without experience.


HAZWOPER 40: For Higher-Paying Specialized Roles

The HAZWOPER 40 certification is for people who want to work with hazardous materials, chemical spills, or contaminated debris. It’s required for a lot of higher-level environmental cleanup jobs and often leads to some of the best-paying roles in disaster recovery.

It takes more time and money than the other certifications on this list, but the payoff is worth it.


Project Management Certifications (CAPM or PMP)

Disaster response isn’t just physical work, it’s also planning, communication, and coordinating massive teams and resources. A project management certification helps you move toward leadership roles and positions inside Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs).

If you want long-term career growth rather than just temporary deployments, this is a strong investment.


Final Thoughts

Getting certified is one of the easiest ways to unlock opportunities in the disaster-response field. Whether you want to start at the entry level or move into specialized, higher-pay roles, the certifications above can open doors fast. Employers notice them, and many companies choose certified applicants first during deployments.

If you're ready to take the next step, check out the newest job postings on DisasterJobs.com and see which certifications match the roles you’re interested in. A few hours of training today could set you up for your next deployment, and your next paycheck.