DHS/FEMA application process open now; contract training reservations and future open-enrollment opportunities available for planning.
November 5, 2026, Pueblo, CO – The Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) announced today that its 2027 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-funded course calendar is now available, allowing eligible first responders to review course offerings and begin the DHS/FEMA application process. While individual course registration for 2027 has not yet opened, applicants can take the first step now by completing the funding application process through FEMA to prepare for enrollment in their preferred courses once registration becomes available.
Eligible responders can begin the DHS/FEMA application process for SERTC’s 2027 transportation emergency response programs, including PER-290 Tank Car Specialist (TCS), PER-291 Highway Emergency Response Specialist (HERS), PER-292 Leadership & Management of Surface Transportation Incidents (LMSTI), PER-293 HazMat/WMD Technician for Surface Transportation (HWMDTST), and PER-327 Alternative Fuels & Flammable Incident Response and Management (AFFIRM). A complete course schedule is included with this announcement. 2027 Contract Course Booking Now Available
Organizations may also begin reserving 2027 available dates for customized contract training. Courses can be delivered at SERTC’s Pueblo, Colorado facility or at customer locations and can be tailored to specific operational hazards, regulatory requirements, and workforce development needs. Organizations interested in securing training dates should contact John Ireland at john_ireland@aar.com.
Open Enrollment Registration Opens Soon Open-enrollment seats will again be available for most scheduled 2027 offerings. Registration links for those seats are expected to launch in mid-November 2026. Organizations and individuals who do not qualify for DHS/FEMA funding are encouraged to begin planning and budgeting now.
With communities preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and other large-scale events that will place added demands on transportation networks and emergency response teams, 2027 offers an important window to strengthen readiness through realistic, specialized training.
In 2026, SERTC expanded delivery of customized training, increased outreach to rural communities, and continued development of its Spanish-language curriculum offerings. SERTC training is widely recognized for its immersive, realistic approach, combining expert instruction with practical scenarios that help participants build the knowledge, judgment, and confidence needed to respond safely and effectively. As one recent participant noted, “The derailment scenario was the most valuable part of the training because it provided a realistic sense of what responders could encounter in the field.”
SERTC is affiliated with the DHS/FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED). Eligible courses may provide funding for participants’ travel, transportation, lodging, meals, and course costs, helping responders and their organizations access high-quality training with little or no out-of-pocket expense.
Ready to get ahead of your 2027 training? Visit SERTC.org to explore the 2027 course calendar, review training options, and begin planning for the year ahead.
About SERTC: SERTC has trained more than 80,000 responders since 1985 and is a division of MxV Learning Institute and MxV Rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Offering courses through resident classes in Pueblo, CO, and via remote delivery, SERTC offers comprehensive training programs, hands-on exercises, and cutting-edge resources to equip emergency responders with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage hazardous incidents effectively and protect public safety. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, SERTC is committed to promoting safety, security, and resilience in the transportation industry and beyond.
Media Contact: Niki Toussaint, Senior AVP Marketing & Education, niki_toussaint@aar.com, 719-671-8676 Registration Contact: SERTC Administration, sertc@aar.com, 719-584-0584