Destructive storms have become common and remind us of the need for trained, certified architects who can assist emergency responders and local government with recovery efforts and damage assessments in the immediate aftermath of such disasters. To prepare members for an architect’s role in disaster assistance, the AIA offers SAP Evaluator Training courses to its members. In the one-day training course, participants are taught what to look for and how, and are given step-by-step instructions for filling in assessment forms, including how to record a variety of building damage issues and circumstances.

Following this certification course, eligible attendees* will be issued a picture ID for use during an emergency or disaster event. Non-eligible participants will be issued a certificate of training and are often welcomed and valued members of disaster assistance teams.