Upon enrollment you will have access to the training program for 60 days. 

This training program is delivered to you in an online, gradual-release platform. What this means: During the first 20 days of the program you will have access to a new session each day. So, upon enrollment, you'll be able to access Session 1. The next day, Session 2... and so on, until you have all 20 training hours.  You will then have access for another 40 days to catch up, re-watch sessions, and prepare for the certification exam.

1. The mentality of a Law Enforcement Officer
2. The perspective of a First Responder
3. The culture / family of response teams
4. The Trauma of being a Responder
5. The triad of health & well-being in regard to safety
6. Suicide in law enforcement & First Responder careers
7. Warrior mentality
8. Peer support vs Peer pressure
9. Denial, Job Security, and other reasons to resist counseling
10. The spouse, children, family of a Responder
11. The real goal of helping a Responder
12. The importance of self-debriefing 
13. Ethics in Responder careers and those of their Supporters
14. Confidentiality and trust 
15. Rapport with a warrior
16. Common coping techniques of First Responders
17. The Suicide Flowchart
18. Resources available to First Responders
19. Helping a Responder manage public criticism
20. A holistically healthy First Responder
21. Changing the culture of First Responder mental health

The CFRS certification has been developed by and is offered by Academy Hour (www.AcademyHour.com) as a means of educating supporters of First Responders about the very specific needs of Law Enforcement and First Responders. Not everyone is meant to handle working with these warriors.

This is a cultural competency training program, with the focus population being Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders.

The Certified First Responder Supporter training program is not a program to authorize non-counselors to become counselors.  It is intended to equip you to better understand the unique culture, and trauma experiences, on a basic level, of the First Responder career and its effect on individuals. Anyone may take this training program for the sake of the information and education to be gained, without taking the certification exam.

The CFRS training program is primarily an online learning experience, with videos, audio, and on-screen reading activities. There is also a required book reading that is a required part of the training program. Additionally, we recommend a 4-hour ride-along (or similar experience, which we will explain in detail within the program) with a Responder – this can be police, fire, EMS or 911. 

WARNING: To teach the harsh reality of a First Responder career, we have included difficult videos and stories which may cause trauma to the viewer. We recommend debriefing with your own clinician periodically throughout the program.

After you have completed the full CFRS training program you will be offered the opportunity to take the certification exam. We recommend you take the exam within 30 days of completing the 60-day training program. Upon enrollment in the exam, you will have 30 days in which to take the exam, and you will be allowed 2 attempts to pass.  The exam consists of a 30-question assessment which must be passed with a 90% score or above. 

Upon successful completion of the course, and passing the exam, you will be invited to join the network of Certified First Responder Supporters (CFRSs) with your certification term being effective for one year.  You must, each year prior to your anniversary date, complete at least 1 hour of CFRS-approved continuing education training.  Academy Hour will provide the required Continuing Education training class catalog for you each year.

• You will have specialized knowledge of the First Responder and Law Enforcement Officer culture, special mental health needs, and expectations.
• Annual continuing education will keep you current on Responder needs and challenges.
• You will be part of the CFRS community, which will help you network with other Supporters who work with the Responder population also, so that you can each learn from the other as you go through your experiences.

DO NO HARM. As a Certified First Responder Supporter you will have a tremendous responsibility and we take the certification very seriously.  If we receive reports of a CFRS doing harm or not upholding the CFRS standards, and we investigate and find the claim to be valid, we reserve the right to remove your certification at any time.  However, we very much want our warriors to have as many reliable and respectable resources as possible, and we look forward to helping provide you the education and knowledge to prepare you for the journey and adventure, and rewarding work, of being a Supporter for a First Responder or Law Enforcement Officer.

CFRS Examination Fee: $25

CFRS Annual Renewal Fee: $25

CFRS Annual Continuing Education Classes per hour: $50 (1 hour required each year after your first renewal)

NOTE: There are no refunds issued and your enrollment is non-transferable.