It is essential that a continuity training, testing, and exercise program be developed, implemented, and maintained to ensure the integrity of the Continuity Program. A training strategy should be developed which addresses the following five critical questions:

1. Who should be trained?
2. What tasks should they be trained to perform?
3. Which training instruction/delivery methods should be utilized to maximize success?
4. What methods are most capable of evaluating competency and performance upon completion of the training?
5. How will gaps in knowledge and application be identified, documented, and remedied in future training opportunities?

Cal OES hosts, facilitates, and coordinates training opportunities for continuity practitioners throughout California.

View below upcoming continuity trainings and workshops.

Cal OES Statewide Continuity Planners Workshop

The 2026 Statewide Continuity Planners Workshop will be held on October 21, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cal OES Headquarters in Mather, CA. We look forward to building on last year’s enthusiasm and momentum with another workshop full of valuable information and networking opportunities. This year’s workshop will include updated guidance materials, upcoming training opportunities, and presentations from guest speakers on a variety of continuity‑related topics. Due to limited space, seating is limited to 115 attendees.

Workshop Details
What: Statewide Continuity Planners Workshop
When: October 21, 2026
Where: Cal OES Headquarters, Building A, MPR 1 & 2 (3650 Schriever Avenue, Mather, CA 95655)
How to Register:

1. 1. 1. Log in or create an account with Cal OES CSTI.
      2. Select “Browse Training”.
      3. Search for “Statewide Continuity”.
      4. Select “Statewide Continuity Planners Workshop” and scroll to see available offerings.
      5. Request to be enrolled in the workshop.

For any questions or registration issues, please contact Continuity@CalOES.ca.gov.

Cal OES Continuity 101 Trainings

Continuity 101 Trainings are one of the many ways that the Continuity Planning Team supports State Agencies and Departments with continuity planning efforts. This 2-hour training is designed for newer continuity practitioners and introduces industry standard planning processes. At the conclusion of the training, participants will have the basic tools to facilitate continuity of operations (COOP) planning at their organization. In addition to our state partners this is also a training that can assist continuity planners at the regional and local levels of government.

• Held virtually every first Monday of the month from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
  Email Continuity@CalOES.ca.gov for the meeting link

The FEMA Continuity Excellence Series (CES)

FEMA CES certificate program enables practitioners to develop and enhance their continuity knowledge and expertise. Completion of these series demonstrate extraordinary dedication. Some courses are offered in a web-based independent study (IS) setting to allow students an opportunity to expand their knowledge at their own pace. Other courses are facilitated by instructors, please refer to the FEMA Continuity Excellence Series – Professional and Master Practitioner Continuity Certificate Programs. View below for upcoming facilitated courses.

FEMA Continuity Excellence Series – Level I

Designed for newer practitioners to develop knowledge and understanding of continuity. Review course requirements and prerequisites. See below for facilitated trainings.

IS-1300: Introduction to Continuity of Operations – Lays the foundation for students who wish to increase their understanding of continuity and continuity programs (This is a self-paced independent study online course).

E/L/K-1301: Continuity Planning: Assists continuity practitioners with understanding their continuity roles and responsibilities, and increases their knowledge, skills, and the tools necessary to develop and maintain a viable continuity plan.

• View availability at FEMA NDEMU

E/L/K-1302: Continuity Program Management: Assists continuity program managers with understanding their roles and responsibilities and provides resources to help develop continuity capabilities for their organizations.

• K-1302, FEMA, Sep 14-Sep 16, Register with FEMA
  Virtual / 8 AM-12 PM PT

FEMA Continuity Excellence Series – Level II

Designed for experienced practitioners to deepen their knowledge to strengthen continuity leaders. Review course requirements and prerequisites. See below for facilitated trainings.

**NOTICE: IS-156 has been retired without a replacement and is no longer an official requirement for FEMA CES Level II certificate requests.**

Instructor Training (MGT-323, PER-266, L-141, CSTI Emergency Management Instructor Course (EMINSTC) course schedules are on the CSTI State Training Bulletin or email Continuity@caloes.ca.gov for assistance.

• K-141, Veteran Affiars, Sep 01-Sep 04, Register with FEMA
  Virtual / 8 AM-12 PM PT / Invitation code required, contact Course Instructor

Choose your own adventure:

• Capstone: Please email FEMA-Continuity-Practitioner@fema.dhs.gov for more information on completing this requirement.
• Assist Instruction: Please email Continuity@caloes.ca.gov for more information on completing this requirement.

Interested in becoming a FEMA Continuity Cadre Instructor?

With hundreds of continuity planners, managers, and coordinators within the State of California, there are less than a handful of FEMA Continuity instructors to teach them all.

Submit an email request to Continuity@caloes.ca.gov with interest in becoming a FEMA Continuity Instructor and join the California Continuity Instructor Cadre!

Looking for Continuity Cadre Train-the-Trainer (T-t-T) dates? Reach out to Fema-Continuity-Practicioner@FEMA.dhs.gov. 

Note: Both TtT workshops are required; 1301 must be taken before 1302. TtT only available to Cadre Instructors.