Unlock New Opportunities with Open Enrollment!

November 7, 2025, Pueblo, CO – The Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) today announced its 2026 lineup of specialist-level and advanced courses designed to train first responders in all manners of surface transportation hazards and support the resilience of communities nationwide.

The comprehensive catalogue represents the most extensive course offerings in recent history, providing diverse training options to meet the varying needs, learning styles, and budgetary requirements of the community. SERTC trainings are widely recognized as the most immersive and realistic training available globally. The 2026 schedule includes:

• Resident courses conducted at SERTC’s state-of-the-art facility in Pueblo, Colorado, ranging from 40 to 80 hours and featuring full-scale props and scenarios for live drills.
• Remote courses are offered, lasting four to 16 hours, which allows groups to train on location according to their schedules.
• Contract courses are available for industry partners and sponsors as remote deliveries or resident courses at SERTC’s training facility.

To significantly expand access in 2026, SERTC announced that open enrollment will now be available for the Alternative Fuels and Flammable Incident Response and Management (AFFIRM) course. While open enrollment options have been offered for other courses in previous years, this marks the first time the AFFIRM course will be available. This initiative ensures that trainees who may not be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants can still access world-class training opportunities. These spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

SERTC continues its affiliation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/FEMA National Training and Education Division (NTED), offering courses that provide funding to cover participants’ travel, transportation, lodging, meals, and course costs. This partnership ensures responders and their organizations incur no expenses while receiving premium training.

Visit SERTC.org to review all the professional learning opportunities available:

• • AFFIRM (PER-327) – Expands flammable liquids emergency response to include alternative fuels and electric vehicle (EV) incidents.
  • HazMat/WMD Technician for Surface Transportation (PER-293) – Combines NFPA 470 hazmat technician standards with highway and rail response training.
  • Highway Emergency Response Specialist (PER-291) – Covers emergencies involving hazardous materials transported by highway.
  • Leadership & Management of Surface Transportation Incidents (PER-292) – Focuses on ICS, NIMS, and NRF principles for managing full-scale scenarios.
  • Tank Car Specialist (PER-290) – Comprehensive rail incident training, including derailments and non-accidental releases.
  • Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security – Senior Officials (PER-331) – Half-day course for senior officials on surface transportation emergency preparedness.
  • Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security – Mass Transit & Passenger Rail (PER-330) – Two-day course on mass transit and passenger rail safety using THIRA-based planning.
  • Surface Transportation Emergency Preparedness and Security – Freight (PER-326) – Freight-focused emergency preparedness aligned with federal interoperability standards.
  • Railroad Safety Awareness (RSA) – Returning online mid-2026 with upgraded content for responders and planners. Check SERTC.org for updates.

Reflecting on a Successful Past Year

SERTC highlighted three significant milestones that informed the development of the new catalogue. First, the AFFIRM course successfully transitioned from a pilot program to a permanent offering after receiving industry-wide input and FEMA approval. Second, Lee Nelson assumed the role of Executive Director this fall, bringing over two decades of expertise in hazardous materials emergency response during a period of transformative growth. Finally, SERTC closed the year with expanded international offerings by launching Spanish-language courses, beginning with a fully translated STEPS-FR program delivered in partnership with Mexican industry leaders.

“Our 2026 catalogue represents our unwavering commitment to preparing first responders for the evolving challenges of transportation emergency response,” said Executive Director Lee Nelson. “By expanding access while maintaining our world-renowned training standards, we’re building safer, more resilient communities across the nation and around the world.”

Student Feedback

It’s no wonder that community leaders and first responders turn first to SERTC when they want to advance skills, as evidenced in our most recent student reviews:

• “I was impressed by the knowledgeable cadre of instructor staff there to relay info, and the excellent props we had to understand the material. SERTC put on an excellent course with the inclusion of the Hazard3 experts.”
• “Playing the role of an Incident Commander was valuable to me, because it allowed me to get a more realistic understanding of what leadership entails, and what I need to work on. Unless you get into these positions, it is very difficult to see where your gaps are in leadership.”
• “Using the actual tools that would be used in the field made the learning stick. The hands-on portion was the most helpful, and I felt comfortable asking questions every step of the way.”

About SERTC

Established in 1985, the Security and Emergency Response Training Center is operated by MxV Rail, a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads. SERTC’s world-renowned training programs offer extensive, immersive, realistic professional development that includes full-scale scenarios to help first responders and leaders be better prepared for surface transportation emergencies. The center provides the very best hazmat training possible, ensuring responders understand processes required for transportation accidents involving all manners of hazardous materials and can perform the duties that protect communities. Learn more at sertc.org.

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