If you read some of the positive comments, nearly every one of them says something to the effect, "This would be great for our CERT group." I saw one comment saying their CERT group was told Ham radio radio works better than GMRS, so that's the way you want to go. I take this as a proposal by some CERT groups to get everybody a license without going through the current licensing process, which works very well. Allowing an online "exam" proctored by only 1 person is an invitation to fraud.
It's my observation as a VE and instructor the average CERT person has ABSOLUTELY no interest in becoming a ham, other than because somebody told them to do it for CERT. These people don't join the local club(s), they buy the cheapest handheld they can find online and I have yet to find any wiling to take a licensing class that meets over several weeks. I have had some inquire about our class and asked if they come to ANY ONE of the 8 or 9 2-hour class sessions, then they get a license? I'm not kidding.
I am glad FEMA or any CERT organizations did not endorse this. If these organizations want better communications than GMRS, MURS and FRS provide, they should be building alliances with ARES and RACES.
This is a bad idea.
73,
Rich, KA4GFY