Two new independent-study courses, "Continuity of Operations Awareness" and "Introduction to Continuity of Operations," are available on the National Emergency Training Center's Virtual Campus.

According to Under Secretary Mike Brown of the Department of Homeland Security, the courses are a key component in fulfilling the Federal Emergency Management Agency's role as the federal government’s lead agent for Continuity of Operations or COOP.  “The Awareness course will help all employees understand what COOP is, while the Introduction to COOP course is designed for employees more involved in the COOP process,” said Brown.

"IS-546 – Continuity of Operations Awareness" is a one-hour Web-based course to provide all public-sector employees a fundamental understanding of COOP  terms, objectives and benefits to their organizations. The course provides a brief overview of the elements of a viable COOP capability. This course provides information on how a COOP event might impact an employee, the employee’s department/agency, and the employee’s family.

"IS-547: Introduction to Continuity of Operations" is a five-hour Web-based course is designed for a broad federal audience – from senior managers to those involved directly involved in the COOP planning effort. The COOP concepts presented in the course may also be applicable to other levels of government.  The course provides a working knowledge of the COOP guidance found in Federal Preparedness Circular 65, “Federal Executive Branch Continuity of Operations.”  The course provides activities to enhance your COOP program.
 
Access these courses through the Independent Study Web site.