DRTSS Learner Knowledge study plan
DRTSS Learner Knowledge · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Concepts & Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Define disaster risk and its components (hazard, exposure, vulnerability, capacity) and explain how they interact
Differentiate disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management, and resilience using examples
Classify hazards into natural, technological, and biological categories with sub-types
Describe the steps of a risk assessment (identification, analysis, evaluation) and the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches
Explain how hazard, exposure, and vulnerability data are combined to produce risk estimates
Your checkpoint
A one-page concept map linking DRR, DRM, resilience, and risk components, plus a hazard classification table with at least 10 hazard types and their sub-types.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment & Disaster Risk Management Frameworks and Standards
Apply a risk assessment matrix to rank three realistic scenarios by likelihood and impact
Compare the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals in terms of DRR integration
Outline the four priorities for action of the Sendai Framework and give one example of a national policy instrument for each
Identify the roles of key international and national DRM institutions (e.g., UNDRR, national disaster management authorities)
Explain the purpose of a national DRM framework and how it links to local plans
Your checkpoint
A completed risk assessment matrix for three scenarios with justification, and a comparison table of the Sendai Framework, Paris Agreement, and SDGs highlighting DRR entry points.
Disaster Risk Management Frameworks and Standards & Preparedness, Early Warning and Contingency Planning
Describe the components of an early warning system (risk knowledge, monitoring, dissemination, response capability)
Draft a contingency plan outline for a flood scenario including triggers, roles, and resource requirements
Explain the difference between a contingency plan and an emergency response plan
Identify at least three indicators for monitoring early warning system effectiveness
Evaluate a sample early warning bulletin for clarity, timeliness, and actionability
Your checkpoint
A two-page contingency plan outline for a flood scenario with defined triggers, roles, and resource list, plus a checklist for evaluating early warning bulletins.
Emergency Response and Coordination & Recovery, Reconstruction and Building Back Better
Outline the incident command system (ICS) structure and its key functions
Describe coordination mechanisms among government, humanitarian, and community actors during response
Explain the principles of recovery and reconstruction, including build back better (BBB)
Identify at least four BBB criteria that can be applied to post-disaster reconstruction projects
Compare the phases of emergency response and recovery in terms of timelines and lead actors
Your checkpoint
A response and recovery timeline diagram for a hypothetical earthquake, showing coordination structures and BBB checkpoints at each phase.
Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Integration & Community-Based Disaster Risk Management and Inclusion
Explain how climate change adaptation and DRR overlap and where they diverge
Identify at least three entry points for integrating climate adaptation into local DRR planning
Describe the principles of community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) and the steps of a participatory risk assessment
Explain how to ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups (e.g., persons with disabilities, elderly, women) in CBDRM processes
Design a community risk map and action plan outline for a selected community
Your checkpoint
A community risk map and action plan outline (including inclusion measures) for a chosen community, with a short note on climate adaptation integration.
Data, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting & Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Concepts
Define key monitoring and evaluation indicators for DRR interventions (baseline, output, outcome, impact)
Explain the purpose of a disaster loss database and its role in reporting against the Sendai Framework
Review the Sendai Framework monitoring indicators and describe how national reporting works
Revisit core DRR concepts and correct misconceptions identified in earlier weeks
Draft a simple M&E plan for a community-based DRR project
Your checkpoint
A one-page M&E plan for a community DRR project with at least five indicators, data sources, and reporting frequency.
Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment & Emergency Response and Coordination & Recovery, Reconstruction and Building Back Better
Integrate hazard identification, response coordination, and recovery planning into a single scenario-based exercise
Conduct a tabletop exercise for a multi-hazard scenario and document decisions and gaps
Evaluate the exercise against response and recovery standards and propose improvements
Identify at least three lessons learned that apply to real-world coordination
Prepare a concise after-action report
Your checkpoint
A tabletop exercise after-action report (max 3 pages) with identified gaps, lessons, and recommendations.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Concepts & Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment & Disaster Risk Management Frameworks and Standards & Preparedness, Early Warning and Contingency Planning & Emergency Response and Coordination & Recovery, Reconstruction and Building Back Better & Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Integration & Community-Based Disaster Risk Management and Inclusion & Data, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
Synthesize all domains into a coherent DRR and resilience framework
Complete two full-length practice exams under timed conditions and score at least 75%
Review weak areas from practice exams and create a personalized revision sheet
Explain key terminology and frameworks confidently without notes
Finalize a one-page personal readiness checklist for the exam
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam report with a personalized revision sheet and a one-page exam readiness checklist.
Milestones
Week 4: Complete a 20-question self-made quiz covering Domains 1–6 and score at least 70%, with incorrect answers reviewed and corrected.
Week 6: Submit the M&E plan and demonstrate understanding of Sendai monitoring indicators by explaining three indicators from memory.
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on two timed practice exams covering all domains, with a revision sheet addressing all missed items.