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Nationally trusted online training since 2011
Built for SAR Teams. Trusted Nationwide.
Now available with full team access, the SAR Responder Essentials Certification Program lets your unit train consistently, track progress, and meet standards - all with responder-built online courses.
What Is the SAR Responder Essentials Certification Program?
A Proven Online Training Track for SAR Responders
SAR Responder Essentials is a mission-focused online certification track built by experienced responders to meet the real-world needs of new and veteran SAR members. It’s responder-tested, aligned to national standards, and flexible - without sacrificing quality.
Why Teams Choose This Program:
You’ll get immediate access + a downloadable Quick Start Team Onboarding Guide.
Why Choose SAR Responder Essentials for Your Team's Training Curriculum?
Traditional SAR training often lacks consistency and accountability. The Team Access option delivers 100% online, responder-built training for your entire team - aligned with national standards and built to match your schedule.
- Every course aligns with national SAR standards and responder-tested best practices - so your team trains with purpose and performs with confidence.
- Group leaders can assign courses, track completion, and download certificates - no more guessing who’s done what or chasing paper records.
- Courses are available 24/7 on any device - ideal for onboarding new members, refreshing skills, or multi-agency readiness.
What’s Included with SAR Responder Essentials - Team Access?
When your team enrolls with Team Access, every member gains full access to the complete SAR Responder Essentials Certification Track - designed to build confidence, consistency, and competence from day one.
Group Leaders get full oversight tools - including dashboards, course progress tracking, printable transcripts, and automated certifications - while team members follow a self-paced, real-world SAR learning path.
The online courses included in every Team Access account are below. Click a phase to see assigned courses. Click any course title to preview content.
▼ Phase 1: Foundation and Awareness
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Fundamentals
- SAR Certification Essentials: Training, Certification & Standards
- Flood Awareness Training for Law Enforcement & Non-Rescuers
- Responder Risk Management and L.C.E.S.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Awareness for Responders
- Emergency Medical Awareness
- Hazardous Materials Awareness for SAR Responders and K9 Teams
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Awareness for SAR Responders
▼ Phase 2: Field Readiness and Clue Awareness
▼ Phase 3: Search Tactics and Interior Techniques
▼ Phase 4: K9 Search Integration
▼ Phase 5: Scene Operations and Coordination
- Initial On-Scene Assessment
- Conducting Field Interviews
- Crime Scene & Evidence Preservation for Responders
- Evacuation Prerequisites
- Preliminary Damage Assessment
- Documentation for Search & Rescue
- Briefing and Debriefing for Better Communication
- Span of Control
- Command Posts v. Operations Centers
- Coordinated Response: Operational Frameworks for Response Leadership
PLUS:
No contracts. Cancel anytime.
Trusted by SAR Teams Across the Country
SAR Responder Essentials – Team Access is used by volunteer teams, rescue squads, CERTs, sheriff’s offices, and regional task forces across the U.S.
Our training helps teams build a shared operational language across teams - without wasted time or administrative headaches.
Sam B.
Finally ... Consistency Across the Team
We finally have a consistent baseline for everyone. It’s been a game changer.
Isaac R.
New Teams Can Ramp Up Fast
As a new team, this has been a huge help to onboard new members virtually and immediately - without overwhelming our training sessions. Our experienced responders learned a lot too.
Heather M.
Tracking is No Longer a Hassle
The online dashboard made tracking certifications painless. Highly recommend.
Since 2011, TEAM Solutions has helped thousands of responders pursue national standards with flexible, field-tested training.
How Team Access Works - Fast & Efficient Setup
Getting started with SAR Responder Essentials – Team Access is fast, simple, and built for real-world teams. No contracts. No paperwork. No delays.
Step 1: Choose Team Size
Select the number of team members you want to enroll (minimum of 5). Group leaders are free and don’t count against your seat total.
Step 2: Checkout and Customize
Add your team name at checkout and complete your order. Group Leaders receive immediate confirmation and a Quick Start Onboarding Guide to help set up your exclusive portal and team access.
Step 3: Add Your Members
Log in, assign your team members, and let them start training. You control the seat access, track completions, and manage everything in one dashboard.
Group Leaders get a step-by-step Quick Start Guide - so team members can be added and begin training within minutes.
Simple Group Pricing That Scales With You
Group Access starts at just $15 per member/month (5-member minimum). Team leaders enroll free and manage your entire roster from a secure portal - making it easy to track progress, assign courses, and certify your team affordably.
Prefer to pay annually? You can now choose a discounted $99/year plan - ideal for departments managing tight budgets or long-term onboarding needs.
$
15/mo
per user monthly
5-seat minimum
$
99/yr
per user Yearly
5-seat minimum
Team leaders enroll for free and manage your entire roster.
FAQ
No. Only your AHJ (Agency Having Jurisdiction) determines that. This training supports onboarding and refresher needs - bringing members up to the point of in-person field evaluation.
Learn more about TEAM Solutions certifications and standards here.
Yes - for annual plans only. Use the contact form below and include your group’s name, number of members, and we’ll follow up promptly.
Please note: Access is not enabled until payment is received. For monthly and standard annual plans, a valid credit card is required.
Very simple. Group Leaders can add or remove members directly from the Group Management Page.
If you need to exceed your current seat limit, you’ll be redirected to checkout to purchase additional seats.
The course list and phased certification structure is available here.
If you're interested in enrolling your group, but want to browse a few lessons first, contact us via the form at the bottom and include:
- Your group's name
- Group Leader's name and email
They’ll receive email notification once complimentary access is enabled.
Yes. Courses align with ICS principles, responder safety priorities, and field-tested SAR doctrine.
Group Leaders receive a step-by-step Quick Start Guide when they enroll - so members can be added and begin training within minutes.
Absolutely. When your team (or individual members) are ready to advance beyond essential skills, we offer the full Response Leadership Sequence - designed to build decision-making, influence, and command readiness.
Who's behind this?
TEAM Solutions was founded by Mike McKenna - a veteran responder and nationally recognized instructor with 20+ years of experience developing SAR leaders.
These resources are built from field-tested experience - not just theory - to help teams like yours perform with confidence.
Mike McKenna
Ready to Provide Your Team Consistent, Proven Online Onboarding & Refresher Training?
Since 2011, TEAM Solutions has helped thousands of responders meet national expectations with flexible, field-tested training.
Set up team access or reach out with a question below.
Still have questions or concerns? Want to see more with a complimentary look inside? Have a special request?
Please get in touch below.
Not Sure Where to Start? Ask the TEAM Solutions Navigator™
The TEAM Solutions Navigator™ is your personal, site-wide guide.
Ask it questions, get recommendations, and find exactly what you need across all of our courses, certifications, toolkits, and resources - in seconds.
Click the floating red chat icon on the right / bottom to start.
Try asking: “Where should I start?” or “What’s the best course for me?”