NATIONAL INCIDENT 

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Training Program

September 2011
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NIMS Training Program

ENT 

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Training Program

September 2011 

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CONTENTS

PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................vi

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW..................................................................................................... 1

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 1

AUDIENCE........................................................................................................................ 3

PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................ 3

ADULT LEARNING IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT................................................................ 4

NIMS TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATION........................................................................ 5

CURRENT STATE OF NIMS TRAINING PROGRAM ........................................................................... 7

OPERATIONAL NEEDS DEFINE CORE COMPETENCIES......................................................... 8

COORDINATING NIMS TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................ 8

NIMS CORE CURRICULUM ..........................................................................................................11

NIMS TRAINING ELEMENTS .............................................................................................21

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION ............................................................................................22

REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................23

APPENDIX A: FEDERAL TRAINING WEB RESOURCES ....................................................................27

APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES .....................................................29

ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System................................................30

ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents .....................................32

ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents.......................................................33

ICS-400: Advanced ICS ................................................................................................35

IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction ...................................36

IS-701: NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS)..............................................37

IS-702: NIMS Publication Information Systems .............................................................38

IS-703: NIMS Resource Management ...........................................................................39

IS-704: NIMS Communication and Information Management ........................................40

IS-706: NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid – An Introduction....................................................41

IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction ...............................................42

E/L 950: All-Hazards Position Specific Incident Commander.........................................43

E/L 952: All-Hazards Position Specific Public Information Officer ..................................44

E/L 954: All-Hazards Position Specific Safety Officer ....................................................45

E/L 956: All-Hazards Position Specific Liaison Officer ...................................................46

E/L 958: All-Hazards Position Specific Operations Section Chief...................................47

E/L 960: All-Hazards Position Specific Division/Group Supervisor.................................48

E/L 962: All-Hazards Position Specific Planning Section Chief ......................................49

E/L 964: All-Hazards Position Specific Situation Unit Leader.........................................50
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E/L 965: All-Hazards Position Specific Resources Unit Leader......................................51

E/L 967: All-Hazards Position Specific Logistics Section Chief ......................................52

E/L 969: All-Hazards Position Specific Communications Unit Leader ............................53

E/L 970: All-Hazards Position Specific Supply Unit Leader............................................54

E/L 971: All-Hazards Position Specific Facilities Unit Leader.........................................55

E/L 973: All-Hazards Position Specific Finance/Admin. Section Chief ...........................56

E/L 975: All-Hazards Position Specific Finance/Admin. Unit Leader Course..................57

G-191: Incident Command System/ Emergency Operations Center Interface................58

G-775: Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and Operations .................59

APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK..............................................................60

SORTED ALPHABETICALLY ...............................................................................................61

SORTED BY COURSE CODE..............................................................................................69
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PREFACE

On March 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the first National 

Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent template enabling Federal, 

State, tribal, and local governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to 

work together to prepare for, prevent, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of 

incidents regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity. This consistency provides the 

foundation for nationwide use of NIMS for all incidents, ranging from daily occurrences to more 

complex incidents requiring a coordinated, Federal response. In December 2008, after 

considering input from stakeholders at every level within the Nation’s emergency management 

community and lessons learned during recent incidents, DHS released a revised NIMS 

document. As a result, NIMS better represents preparedness concepts, including

communications and resource management, as well as the Incident Command System (ICS).

Implementing the NIMS Training Program is a critical component of a National Training 

Program, mandated by the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006.

1 A well 

developed NIMS training program that both guides and promotes NIMS training is vital to a 

successful nationwide implementation of NIMS. However, NIMS training is just one component 

of a comprehensive emergency management program, which requires a continuous cycle of 

planning, organizing, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Integration Center (NIC) 

maintains the NIMS Training Program. FEMA recognizes that the NIMS national training 

program must be more than a plan to train emergency management personnel on the ICS. As a 

result, the NIC is releasing this NIMS Training Program document to define a national NIMS 

training curriculum and personnel qualifications and to assemble and update the training 

guidance for available NIMS courses (organized as a core curriculum).

The NIMS Training Program supersedes the Five-Year NIMS Training Plan, originally released 

in February 2008.

 

1

Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. Pub. Law 109-295, 120 Stat. 1355, Oct. 4, 2001. 
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INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

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INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, Management of Domestic Incidents, directs 

the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a National Incident 

Management System (NIMS). Initially published in March 2004, and revised in December 2008, 

the NIMS provides a consistent national approach for Federal, State, tribal, and local 

governments, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) to work together to 

prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate domestic incidents, regardless of cause, 

size, or complexity.2 HSPD-5 directs Federal agencies to adopt NIMS and encourages adoption 

of NIMS by all other stakeholders3—State, tribal, and local governments; private sector 

organizations; critical infrastructure owners and operators; and NGOs involved in emergency 

management. In addition, the adoption and implementation of NIMS by State, tribal, and local 

organizations is a condition for receiving Federal preparedness assistance through grants, 

contracts, and other activities, as stated in HSPD-5.

Based upon emergency management and incident response practices, NIMS represents a core 

set of doctrine, concepts, principles, terminology, and organizational processes that enables 

effective, efficient, and collaborative incident management.4 The institutionalization of these 

elements nationwide through training helps to mitigate risk by achieving greater preparedness. 

Incident after-action reports5and NIMS both emphasize that successful implementation relies 

upon development and maintenance of a national NIMS training program. Furthermore, NIMS 

implementation relies upon comprehensive NIMS training and standardized personnel 

qualification. 

The NIMS documents integrate best practices into a comprehensive framework for use by 

emergency management and response personnel in an all-hazards context nationwide. HSPD-5 

requires all Federal departments and agencies to adopt NIMS and to use it in their individual 

incident management programs and activities, as well as in support of all actions taken to assist 

State, tribal, and local governments. State, tribal, and local governments are not required to 

participate in NIMS or adopt these best practices. As applied to non-Federal entities, NIMS 

documents contain guidance that is not legally binding. However, in order to participate in NIMS,

it is necessary for entities to adhere to the standards, practices, and/or minimum criteria 

presented in the NIMS guidance documents. It is also important to note that although a State, 

tribal, or local government or NGO is not required to apply for Federal preparedness assistance, 

 

2

National Incident Management System, p. 3.

3

Following the revised National Incident Management System, the term “stakeholders,” as used in this document,

refers to all organizations involved in emergency management and incident response. Stakeholders are Federal, 

State, local, territorial, tribal, and substate regional governments; private sector organizations; critical 

infrastructure owners and operators; and nongovernmental organizations.

4

National Incident Management System, p. 3.

5

“DHS should institute a formal training program on the NIMS ... for all department and agency personnel with 

incident management responsibilities” (Recommendation 2 of The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons 

Learned, Washington, DC: The White House, February 2006).
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HSPD-5 requires Federal departments and agencies to make adoption of NIMS by State, tribal, 

and local governments and NGOs a condition for Federal preparedness assistance, through 

grants, contracts, and other activities.

A basic premise of NIMS is that all incidents begin and end locally. The Federal Government 

supports State, tribal, and local authorities when their resources are overwhelmed or anticipated 

to be overwhelmed. The intention of the Federal Government in these situations is not to 

command the response, but rather to support the affected State, tribal, and local authorities. 

This is most easily achieved when all the entities are participating in a unified system of 

emergency management and incident response. NIMS also recognizes the role that NGOs and 

the private sector have in preparedness and activities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, 

respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. As such, DHS strongly emphasizes the 

importance of NIMS training for all emergency management and incident response personnel, 

NGOs, and the private sector. 

The training and qualification of emergency management6response personnel is critical to the 

success of NIMS implementation nationally.7 To achieve a national NIMS training program, 

consistent with the National Training Program, the NIMS document describes the responsibility 

of Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Integration Center (NIC) to 

―facilitate the definition of general training requirements and the development of national-level 

training standards and course curricula associated with NIMS.‖8 The NIMS Training Program is 

the NIC’s comprehensive tool to track its progress toward meeting this responsibility. The NIMS 

Training Program identifies both important conceptual elements and specific time-based targets 

for training development.

The primary goal of this guidance is to facilitate training and qualification of emergency 

management personnel to all NIMS concepts and principles. The NIMS Training Program 

identifies a deliberate method to develop and maintain a complete NIMS core curriculum and, 

concurrently, to provide training guidance to stakeholders for developing their training plans. To 

meet this goal, the NIMS Training Program has the following three objectives:

1. Support NIMS education and training for all emergency management personnel

2. Adapt the functional capabilities defined by NIMS into guidelines, courses, and a 

curriculum that help stakeholders to develop personnel training and credentialing plans 

that yield the desired capabilities

3. Define the minimum personnel qualifications required for service on complex 

multijurisdictional incidents nationwide9 

 

6

For the purposes of the NIMS Training Program, the term “emergency management” refers to all 

system/processes utilized to effectively manage incidents and events.

7

“NIMS implementation” means that NIMS is institutionalized in a sustainable manner within every organization, 

agency, and jurisdiction in order to be effectively and efficiently used for emergency management and incident 

response activities.

8

National Incident Management System, p. 78.

9

Personnel Qualifications is a term used in this document to denote incidents that require responders to hold 

credentials under the National Credentialing Program, also under development by the NIC.
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NIMS Training Program

The NIMS Training Program lays out a conceptual framework that maintains a systematic 

process for the development of training courses and personnel qualifications. This process 

produces trained and qualified emergency management personnel. The framework facilitates 

the systematic development of these courses and qualifications by translating functional 

capabilities (defined in NIMS) into positions, core competencies, training, and personnel 

qualifications. The NIMS Training Program sets a sequence of goals, objectives, and action 

items for the NIC, which administers NIMS training nationally, and for stakeholders, who run 

their respective NIMS training and education programs. 

AUDIENCE

The NIMS Training Program is intended for emergency management officials and administrators 

responsible for budgets, planning, and procurement, who require guidance on the development 

and provision of NIMS training. 

In addition, the NIMS Training Program is an informative guidance document for the following:

National and State policy-makers (elected/appointed officials)

Key decision-makers from governmental and nongovernmental agencies and private

sector organizations, such as:

o Federal departments and agencies

o State, tribal, and local government emergency management agencies and 

trainers (i.e. State, tribal, and local NIMS Coordinators)

o Managers overseeing those in mission-critical positions and organizations and 

professional development

o Human resource managers setting and overseeing personnel policies and 

guidance

Other groups charged with developing NIMS-related guidance or training, credentialing, 

or personnel qualifications information

PURPOSE

The NIMS Training Program defines the national NIMS training program as it relates to the 

NIMS components of Preparedness, Communications and Information Management, Resource 

Management, and Command and Management. It specifies NIC and stakeholder responsibilities 

and activities for developing, maintaining, and sustaining NIMS training. The NIMS Training 

Program outlines responsibilities and activities that are consistent with the National Training 

Program, as mandated by the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. This 

program integrates with FEMA training offered through the Emergency Management Institute 

(EMI) and United States Fire Administration (USFA). 

The NIMS Training Program defines the process for developing training and personnel 

qualification requirements for emergency management. Additionally, it outlines NIC and 

stakeholder responsibilities for implementing the NIMS training program. The NIC’s 

responsibilities include:

Defining the NIMS core curriculum
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Providing course descriptions and training guidance

Developing personnel qualification guidelines for stakeholder-issued incident 

management credentials

Integrating lessons learned from actual incidents, training, exercises, and best practices, 

identifiable across jurisdictional and functional disciplines

Federal, State, tribal, and local and private sector stakeholders’ responsibilities include:

Identifying appropriate personnel to take NIMS training

Ensuring all course delivery meets the standard contained within the NIMS Training 

Program and other training guidance provided by the NIC

Credentialing emergency/incident management personnel

The NIC and NIMS stakeholders share responsibility for ensuring the success of the national 

NIMS training program. The program provides critical information that can help stakeholders 

develop plans, budgets, and schedules for their own training programs. However, the program 

does not specify stakeholder plans and activities; it guides stakeholder development of 

jurisdictional, agency, and/or organizational NIMS training plans. 

The NIMS Training Program achieves the following strategic objectives:

Defines a national curriculum for NIMS and provides information on NIMS courses in the 

core curriculum, applicable to all levels of government, the private sector, and NGOs by

promoting comprehensive NIMS-related training beyond Incident Command System 

(ICS) training.

Identifies broad NIMS training goals and objectives for NIMS national training for both 

the NIC and stakeholders and outlines guidance to attain them.

Guides human resource management via established training baselines for emergency 

and incident response personnel qualifications, based on development of core 

competencies for NIMS-based incident management positions.

10

Conveys information pertaining to instruction and learning, articulating specifications for 

the consistent delivery of NIMS training through a national baseline curriculum for NIMS, 

with each course having objectives that meet training needs set by the core 

competencies, complete training guidance, and instructor qualification guidelines.

Guides development of stakeholders’ long-term training plans, budgets, and schedules 

as well as grant qualifications and applications.

ADULT LEARNING IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Adult education courses are most effective when instruction incorporates the following general 

principles: 

Engage adult learners as active, self-directed participants in their own learning

 

10 Personnel who serve on complex multijurisdictional incidents nationwide (incidents that require responders to 

hold credentials under the NIMS Credentialing Program will be required to have qualifications that meet these 

guidelines; the guidelines are recommended for service on all incidents.
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Recognize factors that motivate adult learners; design courses and adapt instructional 

style accordingly

Identify the relevance of the course to student work environments, since relevance 

motivates students and makes it easier for them to comprehend the material presented

Acknowledge adult learners’ accumulation of diverse professional experiences and 

aspirations and use this experience in context

Deliver instruction in a safe, collaborative environment

Provide opportunities to critically reflect upon and immediately apply new learning in 

order to transfer that learning into habitual practice

These principles ensure the effectiveness of the guidelines contained in the NIMS Training 

Program. The course guidelines reflect an understanding that compression of the course into a 

reduced number of days or fewer hours is expected to adversely affect the successful learning 

experience of the professional adult. For example, when an instructor guide prescribes that a 

course, such as ICS-300, be taught over 3 days for a total of 18 hours, instructors and those 

responsible for implementing the training program need to incorporate these adult learning 

principles. When developing the training and exercise calendar, those responsible for 

implementing the training program will benefit their students by sequencing the training and 

exercises offered in such a way as to allow the students the ability to directly and immediately 

apply their new learning in the operational context. This planned sequencing, which can also be 

applied at the course level, will assist the adult learners in readily transferring their new learning 

into habitual practice in their operational context. For example, students taking ICS-300 should 

have opportunities—through exercises, incidents, or planned events—to apply what they 

learned in ICS-300 before taking ICS-400.

NIMS TRAINING PROGRAM ORGANIZATION

The following sections make up the NIMS Training Program:

Current State of NIMS Training Program. This outlines existing training efforts and 

NIMS training progress in meeting the goals previously established by the Five-Year 

NIMS Training Plan.

NIMS Curriculum: Goals, Objectives, and Action Items. The tables of goals, 

objectives, and action items are intended to close the gap between the current state of 

NIMS training and the desired state of training and personnel qualification. 

Appendices: The appendices contain information to assist NIMS training stakeholders 

in attaining access to NIMS-related coursework, as well as recommend specific training, 

instruction, and instructor standards.

o Appendix A: Federal Training Web Resources identifies websites for 

stakeholders to attain more-specific information on NIMS-related training.

o Appendix B: NIMS Core Curriculum Course Summaries identifies course 

descriptions for each course in the NIMS core curriculum. Each summary 

outlines:

 Intended audience

 Prerequisite training requirements (when appropriate)
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 Course objectives

 Instruction standards 

 Instructor qualifications

o Appendix C: FEMA-Sponsored, NIMS Coursework identifies a comprehensive 

listing of FEMA training that supports implementation of NIMS concepts and 

principles in the following four areas:

 Preparedness

 Communications and Information Management

 Resource Management

 Command and Management
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CURRENT STATE OF NIMS TRAINING 

PROGRAM

Federal, State, tribal, and local department and agencies, and national organizations are at 

various stages of implementing the NIMS Training Program. This section summarizes some of 

the relevant accomplishments and current activities related to the NIMS Training Program goals. 

ICS Core Competencies 

Core competencies bring the functional requirements of NIMS down to the field level to the 

personnel carrying out NIMS. The NIC, in collaboration with its training partners, identified core 

competencies for the command and general staff positions within the ICS.

The FEMA ICS Core Competencies Management Working Group, comprised of Federal, State, 

tribal, and local officials, provides ongoing maintenance of these core competencies. The 

working group also determines appropriate minimum competencies and behaviors required to 

enable interoperability between emergency management functions. 

Additionally, the NIC identified core competencies for incident management in Multi-Agency 

Coordination Systems (MACS). The framework developed for this purpose describes a five-step 

process that translates required MACS functions into core competencies that can then be 

assigned to positions within any MACS management structure.

Everyone involved in emergency management (to include emergency operation center 

personnel in support of the field), regardless of discipline or level of government, should take the 

NIMS baseline curriculum courses (Independent Study-700 and ICS-100). Incident command 

occurs in the field; therefore, the NIC recommends that only individuals with a command and 

general staff role take advanced ICS courses. Fulfilling the training associated with this plan 

helps emergency management organizations, departments, and agencies to develop 

preparedness capabilities for effective and efficient incident management. As a result, trained 

emergency responders are available as mutual aid to support incident management in other 

jurisdictions, if requested. The NIMS Training Program should sustain a personnel qualification 

system that is coordinated, maintained, and meets the needs of the emergency management 

community. 

Personnel Qualification

The NIC has developed a multi-discipline work group to develop an all-hazards qualification 

guide that incorporates all-hazards career progressions into the NIMS Training Program. The 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s (NWCG) Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, used 

by the wildland fire discipline, is an example of a guide that the NIC may develop in the future.11

In order to first identify qualifications for individual positions, position task books are likely to be 

used for all positions to ensure that the individual has demonstrated the core competencies 

 

11 NWCG, Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1.
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required for the position. The NIC is working to develop model all-hazards position task books 

for command and general staff positions.

OPERATIONAL NEEDS DEFINE CORE COMPETENCIES

Operational needs are determined by a number of considerations: NIMS functions, as 

articulated in Preparedness, Communications and Information Management, Resource 

Management, and Command and Management components; related responsibilities and 

activities; and an incident’s size and/or complexity.

The operational needs translate into personnel core competencies that often encompass broad 

leadership and/or management skills. Ultimately, qualified personnel are required for emergency 

management roles.

COORDINATING NIMS TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordination is necessary between the NIC and NIMS training stakeholders to achieve 

consistent and systematic implementation of NIMS training and personnel qualification. The NIC 

provides national leadership and resources, particularly in the form of training and qualification 

guidance. Stakeholders develop and implement training programs, as well as train, qualify, and 

credential personnel. This process includes the following:

Foundational national documents (e.g. NIMS) are maintained and distributed by the NIC 

and provide national doctrine and strategy. These documents guide stakeholder plans, 

in conjunction with stakeholder assessments of specific hazards, risks, and 

vulnerabilities.

Based on NIMS, the NIC specifies core competencies and associated behaviors to 

provide a foundation for both personnel qualification and a national curriculum for NIMS 

training. Personnel qualification guidance, in the form of position task books, defines 

tasks that measurably demonstrate a candidate’s proficiency.

Stakeholders should develop and maintain plans, in conjunction with foundational 

national documents, which dictate functional capabilities for emergency management. 

Personnel qualification guidance specifies the means for demonstrating minimum 

capabilities for stakeholder personnel position assignments within the NIMS structure. 

Personnel credentialed to serve on complex multijurisdictional incidents nationwide 

(incidents that require responders to hold credentials under the NIMS national 

credentialing system) must be qualified within a system that meets or exceeds the 

national qualification guidance.12

The NIC will provide guidance to stakeholders to help determine what personnel require 

training and to seek qualification for emergency management positions. 

Stakeholders should develop a training plan for their personnel in consultation with their 

training staffs and/or providers. These plans often have significant programmatic, 

schedule, and budget implications for the stakeholder. Stakeholders may decide to 

 

12 The NIC recommends that systems used for smaller incidents also meet the national qualification guidance.
CURRENT STATE OF NIMS TRAINING PROGRAM

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develop their own training courses to suit their specific needs while still meeting the 

requirements of the NIMS Training Program.

13

Stakeholders will execute the training plans, resulting in trained, qualified, and, if 

appropriate, credentialed personnel.

Training and experience for stakeholder personnel qualification are acquired through 

course-based knowledge development; risk-free practical application, such as tabletop 

exercises and planned exercises; and on-the-job training, such as job shadowing, 

planned events, and incident management experience, can be obtained during small 

incidents and/or exercises.

Once trained in a particular area, personnel demonstrate their skills during exercises and 

by effective management of and response to actual incidents. The NIMS Training 

Program recognizes that training is necessary to develop qualified personnel, but that 

qualification also requires experience through exercises or time in the field and 

development of discipline-specific skills in emergency management.

Exercise and incident after-action reports should include an evaluation of the 

effectiveness and performance of incident management personnel. Recommendations 

for improvements should be incorporated throughout the national coordination process 

for NIMS training to:

o Tailor stakeholder training plans as well as training and qualification of specific 

personnel

o Provide feedback to the national curriculum for NIMS and training courses

o Suggest modifications of NIMS and stakeholder plans

 

13 This plan supersedes the previous guidance: FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS)—National 

Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance—FY 2007, Washington, DC: Department of Homeland 

Security, March 2007, as well as the original Five-Year NIMS Training Plan, released in February 2008.
CURRENT STATE OF NIMS TRAINING PROGRAM

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NIMS CORE CURRICULUM

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NIMS CORE CURRICULUM

The NIMS Training Program identifies those courses critical to train personnel capable of 

implementing all functions of emergency management. This program revises the NIMS core 

curriculum (see Figure 1, page 15) to ensure it adequately trains emergency and incident 

response personnel to all concepts and principles of each NIMS component. 

Baseline

The following courses are designed to provide a ―baseline‖, as they introduce basic NIMS and 

ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center- (EOC), 

MACS-, and ICS-related training:

IS-700 NIMS, an Introduction: This course introduces the NIMS concept. NIMS 

provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private sector, and 

nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. 

ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System: This course introduces ICS 

and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. It describes the history, 

features and principles, and organizational structure of the system. It also explains the 

relationship between ICS and NIMS.

Additional Training

The following courses are designed to provide an overview of key NIMS principles relating to 

MACS, public information, resource management, mutual aid, and communication and 

information management. FEMA recommends completion of the two baseline courses identified 

above prior to taking the following awareness and additional training relating to MACS, EOC, 

and ICS.

IS-701 NIMS MACS: This course introduces MACS and provides examples of how 

these systems can be used to improve incident response.

IS-702 NIMS Public Information: The public information systems described in NIMS 

are designed to effectively manage public information at an incident, regardless of the 

size and complexity of the situation or the number of entities involved in the response.

IS-703 NIMS Resource Management: This course provides training to help resource 

managers prepare before an incident and contribute effectively to incident response.

IS-704 NIMS Communication and Information Management: This course is designed 

for members of the general public; emergency management/response personnel; 

elected officials of State, tribal, and local governments; appointed officials of State, tribal,

and local governments; DHS employees; and employees of other Federal agencies.

IS-706 NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid, an Introduction: This independent study course 

provides an introduction to NIMS intrastate mutual aid and assistance. Participants will 

learn about the purpose and benefits of mutual aid and assistance, as well as the 

emphasis that NIMS places on mutual aid and assistance.
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IS-800 National Response Framework (NRF), an Introduction: The course introduces 

participants to the concepts and principles of the NRF.

ICS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents: This course is 

designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the 

ICS. ICS-200 provides training and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a 

supervisory position within the ICS.

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents: ICS-300 provides training and 

resources for personnel who require advanced knowledge and application of the ICS. 

This course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.

ICS-400 Advanced ICS: This course provides training and resources for personnel who 

require advanced application of ICS. This course expands upon information covered in 

ICS-100 through ICS-300. 

E/L-950 All-Hazards Incident Commander: This course is designed to provide State 

and local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective incident commander on an all-hazards 

incident management team (AHIMT). These responsibilities fall into two categories: (1) 

responding to the incident and command needs of the incident; and (2) effectively 

fulfilling the position responsibilities of an incident commander on an AHIMT. Exercises, 

simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their 

new knowledge.

E/L 952 All-Hazards Public Information Officer: This course is designed for a public 

information officer (PIO) assigned to an incident as a member of an AHIMT, local 

incident management teams (IMT), as well as for the PIO assigned to an incident as an 

assistant PIO in a variety of capacities. This course will help students develop a strong 

set of core PIO skills and the ability to apply them within the context of an AHIMT. This 

course is also distinct from other information function courses in that it combines 

elements from both the basic and advanced function to concentrate training on the 

fundamental duties and responsibilities of PIO in an all-hazard environment. The course 

material does not assume or require experience as a PIO, but also is not a basic PIO 

course. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to 

process and apply their new knowledge. 

E/L 954 All-Hazards Safety Officer: This course is designed to provide State and locallevel emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, 

and capabilities of an effective safety officer on an AHIMT. These responsibilities fall into 

two categories: (1) responding to the incident and the safety needs of the incident; and 

(2) effectively fulfilling the position responsibilities of a safety officer on an AHIMT. 

Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and 

apply their new knowledge. 

E/L 956 All-Hazards Liaison Officer: This course is designed to provide State and 

local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective liaison officer on an AHIMT. Exercises, 

simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their 

new knowledge. 
NIMS CORE CURRICULUM

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NIMS Training Program

E/L 958 All-Hazards Operations Section Chief: This course is designed to provide 

State and local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective operations section chief on an AHIMT.

These responsibilities fall into two categories: (1) responding to the incident and the 

command needs of the incident; and (2) effectively fulfilling the position responsibilities 

of an Operations Section Chief on an AHIMT. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a 

final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge. 

E/L 960 All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS): The course is designed to 

provide State and local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the 

duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective DIVS on an AHIMT. The course 

walks students through general information, including an overview of the operations 

section and information on incident mobilization, initial situation awareness, and unit 

management. It also provides detailed instruction on responding to the incident and the 

command needs of the incident, as well as emphasizing the importance of risk 

management and safety considerations.

E/L 962 All-Hazards Planning Section Chief: This course is designed to provide State 

and local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective planning section chief (PSC) on an 

AHIMT. These responsibilities fall into two categories: (1) managing the planning cycle;

and (2) tracking resources and incident status. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and 

a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

E/L 964 All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader (STIL): This course helps attendees 

establish the essential core competencies required to perform the duties of the SITL in 

an all-hazards incident. It addresses all responsibilities appropriate to a SITL operating 

in a State and local-level AHIMT, including processing information and intelligence and 

developing displays. The course is instructor-led training that supports learning through 

discussion, lecture, and active participation in multiple exercises. By requiring attendees 

to bring a SITL kit to the instruction, the course provides a realistic, hands-on approach 

to mastering the skills of a SITL.

E/L 965 All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader (RESL): This course provides an overview 

of unit leader responsibilities, the planning section, and the planning process to 

contextualize the resources unit for students unfamiliar with the planning process or ICS. 

It then explores specific RESL functions and responsibilities, including resource tracking 

systems, operational planning, and resource products/outputs. The status/check-in and 

demobilization functions are covered to provide students with the knowledge to perform 

those duties if necessary. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable 

students to process and apply their new knowledge.

E/L 967 All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief: This course is designed to provide State 

and local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective logistics section chief on an AHIMT. 

These responsibilities fall into two categories: (1) responding to the incident; and (2) 

effectively fulfilling the position responsibilities of a Logistics Section Chief on an AHIMT. 

Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and 

apply their new knowledge. 
NIMS CORE CURRICULUM

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NIMS Training Program

E/L 969 All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader: This course helps participants 

establish the essential core competencies required for performing the duties of the 

communications unit leader (COML) in an all-hazards incident. This course addresses all 

responsibilities appropriate to a COML operating in a State or local-level AHIMT. These 

responsibilities include the collection, processing, and dissemination as needed to 

facilitate operations of command, general staff, and unit leaders within the confines of an

AHIMT. The course is an instructor-led training that supports learning through 

discussion, lecture, and active participation in multiple exercises. By requiring 

participants to bring a COML kit to the instruction, the course provides a realistic, handson approach to mastering the skills of a COML.

E/L 970 All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader (SPUL): This course helps attendees 

establish the essential core competencies required for performing the duties of the SPUL 

in an all-hazards incident. By requiring attendees to bring jurisdiction-specific information 

to the instruction, the course provides a realistic, hands-on approach to mastering the 

skills of a SPUL organized by the fundamental steps of the ordering process. Attendees 

identify information required for ordering supplies, complete required forms and 

documentation related to ordering supplies, and learn to anticipate ordering 

requirements and supply needs for the incident. In addition to the ordering process, the 

course discussed mobilization, setting up and managing the supply unit, and 

demobilization. 

E/L 971 All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader (FACL): The course will help students 

establish the essential core competencies required for performing the duties of the FACL 

in an all-hazards incident. The course walks students through general information, 

including an overview of the logistics section and information on incident mobilization, 

initial situation awareness, and unit management. It also provides detailed instruction in 

setting up and maintaining incident facilities, including facilities infrastructure, services, 

layout, and security. Each unit contains a discussion-based exercise and there is a 

capstone tabletop exercise at the end of the course to give students hands-on practice 

functioning as a FACL. 

E/L 973 All-Hazards Finance/Administration Section Chief: This course is designed 

to provide State and local-level emergency responders with a robust understanding of 

the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective finance/administration section 

chief on an AHIMT. These responsibilities fall into two categories: (1) managing the 

finance/administration section personnel; and (2) managing the finances and 

administrative responsibilities during an incident. Exercises, simulations, discussions, 

and a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge. 

E/L 975 All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit Leader: The finance/administration 

unit leader course will help students establish the essential core competencies required 

for performing the duties of the finance/administration unit leader in an all-hazards 

incident. The course is designed to enable students to perform as any of the four 

finance/administration unit leaders (time unit leader, procurement unit leader, 

compensation and claims unit leader, cost unit leader). Students will learn information 

that is applicable across all four positions, such as unit set-up and management, 

information gathering, and interactions. Complex experiential exercises and discussions 
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September 2011 15

NIMS Training Program

will afford students the opportunity to each act as unit leaders while connecting all 

information learned back to real-world application. 

G-191 Incident Command System/Emergency Operations Center Interface: This 

course reviews ICS and EOC responsibilities and functions and depends heavily on 

exercises and group discussions to formulate the interface. This course works best when 

delivered to ICS and EOC personnel from the same community. The course provides an 

opportunity for participants to begin developing an ICS/EOC interface for their 

community.

G-775 Emergency Operations Center Management and Operations: This course 

provides participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage and operate 

EOCs and multiagency coordination systems at the Federal, State, tribal, and local 

levels of government. This course describes the role, design, and functions of EOCs and 

their relationships as components of a multiagency coordination system.

Figure 1. NIMS Core Curriculum14

 

14 Reference Appendix A for a listing of Federal training provider websites that may offer equivalent training. 

Reference Appendix C for a comprehensive list of EMI coursework that support NIMS concepts and principles.

Course ID Course Title

E/L-950 All-Hazards Incident Commander

E/L-952 All-Hazards Public Information Officer

E/L-954 All-Hazards Safety Officer

E/L-956 All-Hazards Liaison Officer

E/L-958 All-Hazards Operations Section Chief

E/L-960 All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor

E/L-962 All-Hazards Planning Section Chief

E/L-964 All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader

E/L-965 All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader

E/L-967 All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief

E/L-969 All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader 

E/L-970 All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader

E/L-971 All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader

E/L-973 All-Hazards Finance/Administration Section Chief

E/L-975 All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit Leader

ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)

ICS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

ICS-400 Advanced ICS

IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction

IS-701 NIMS Multiagency Coordination System

IS-702 NIMS Public Information

IS-703 NIMS Resource Management

IS-704 NIMS Communication and Information Management
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NIMS Training Program

The NIC will develop and regularly review the courses that are considered part of the NIMS 

curriculum according to professionally-recognized instructional standards (such as adult 

learning modeling). To assist in course instruction, FEMA, through EMI, USFA, and the Center 

for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), publishes detailed course summaries that include subject 

matter, guidelines, and instruction requirements for specific courses.

The guidance within the NIMS Training Program on Federal, State, tribal, and local training is 

not absolute. Incident and/or event complexity determines emergency and incident response 

personnel responsibilities as well as recommended audience for NIMS curriculum coursework 

delivery. The NIMS Training Program training recommendations reflect the following five levels 

of complexity identified in Figure 2:

15

Figure 2. Incident Complexity

Type 1

This type of incident is the most complex, requiring national resources for safe and effective 

management and operation.

All command and general staff positions are filled.

Operations personnel often exceed 500 per operational period and total personnel will usually 

exceed 1,000.

Branches need to be established.

A written incident action plan (IAP) is required for each operational period.

The agency administrator will have briefings, and ensure that the complexity analysis and delegation 

of authority are updated.

Use of resource advisors at the incident base is recommended.

There is a high impact on the local jurisdiction, requiring additional staff for office administrative and 

support functions.

Type 

2

This type of incident extends beyond the capabilities for local control and is expected to go into 

multiple operational periods. A Type 2 incident may require the response of resources out of area, 

including regional and/or national resources, to effectively manage the operations, command, and 

general staffing.

Most or all of the command and general staff positions are filled.

A written IAP is required for each operational period.

Many of the functional units are needed and staffed.

Operations personnel normally do not exceed 200 per operational period and total incident 

personnel do not exceed 500 (guidelines only).

The agency administrator is responsible for the incident complexity analysis, agency administration

briefings, and the written delegation of authority.

 

15 United States Fire Administration

IS-706 NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid, An Introduction

IS-800 National Response Framework, An Introduction

G-191 Incident Command System/ Emergency Operations Center (ICS/EOC) 

G-775 Interface Emergency Operations Center Management and Operations
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September 2011 17

NIMS Training Program

Type 3

When incident needs exceed capabilities, the appropriate ICS positions should be added to match 

the complexity of the incident.

Some or all of the command and general staff positions may be activated, as well as division/group 

supervisor and/or unit leader level positions.

A Type 3 IMT or incident command organization manages initial action incidents with a significant 

number of resources, an extended attack incident until containment/control is achieved, or an 

expanding incident until transition to a Type 1 or 2 IMT.

The incident may extend into multiple operational periods.

A written IAP may be required for each operational period.

Type 4

Command staff and general staff functions are activated only if needed.

Several resources are required to mitigate the incident, including a task force or strike team.

The incident is usually limited to one operational period in the control phase.

The agency administrator may have briefings, and ensure the complexity analysis and delegation of 

authority is updated.

No written IAP is required but a documented operational briefing will be completed for all incoming 

resources.

The role of the agency administrator includes operational plans including objectives and priorities.

Type 5

The incident can be handled with one or two single resources with up to six personnel.

Command and general staff positions (other than the incident commander) are not activated.

No written IAP is required.

The incident is contained within the first operational period and often within an hour to a few hours 

after resources arrive on scene.

Examples include a vehicle fire, an injured person, or a police traffic stop.

Organizations should use their jurisdictions’ hazard/threat analyses to determine the ―types‖ of 

incidents most likely and tailor their NIMS training to meet their needs (Figure 3). For example, if 

a jurisdiction faces significant and frequent threats, such as hurricanes or hazardous materials 

incidents, their training program should prepare responders for those threats. The NIC assumes 

that most jurisdictions will have, at a minimum, Type 4 incidents.

Figure 3. NIMS Training Determined by Incident Complexity

Additional Training 

(Advanced)

PositionSpecific High (Type 1)

ICS-400

Incident Complexity

ICS-300

IS-800

ICS-200

Baseline

ICS-100

IS-700 Low (Type 5)

NIMS Courses
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NIMS Training Program

Individuals who may be assigned supervisory roles during:

Type 1, 2, and 3 incidents should take the following training, at a minimum:

o ICS-100

o ICS-200

o ICS-300

o ICS-400

o IS-700 

o IS-800 

o Appropriate ICS Position-specific courses 

Type 4 incidents should take the following training, at a minimum:

o ICS-100

o ICS-200

o IS-700

Type 5 incidents should take the following training, at a minimum:

o ICS-100

o IS-700

Figure 4 illustrates the recommended progression of NIMS training from baseline courses (ICS100, IS-700) to the advanced ICS and all-hazards position-specific coursework.

Figure 4. Training for Field (ICS) Personnel

Advanced

PositionSpecific

Types 

1, 2,3

High

ICS-400

Incident Complexity

ICS-300

IS-800

ICS-200 Type 

4

Baseline

ICS-100

Type 

5 IS-700 Low

NIMS Courses

The guidelines in Figure 5 further assist with the determination of training needs for emergency 

management and response personnel in the field:
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September 2011 19

NIMS Training Program

Figure 5. ICS Field Operations Training Needs

Incident 

Type(s) Core Courses Additional Courses

1, 2

ICS-100

ICS-200

ICS-300

ICS-400

IS-700

IS-800

G-191 (ICS/EOC Interface)

Position-specific ICS courses (based on individual 

assignment or expected assignment)

E/L-947 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) –

Incident Management Team (IMT) Interface Course

Training based on jurisdiction risk and/or specific 

interest (see Appendix A for sources of Federal 

Training)

3

ICS-100

ICS-200

ICS-300

ICS-400

IS-700

IS-800

Position-specific ICS courses (based on individual 

assignment or expected assignment)

G-191

E/L-947

Training based on jurisdiction risk and/or specific 

interest (see Appendix A for sources of Federal 

training)

4

ICS-100

ICS-200

IS-700

Position-specific ICS courses (based on individual 

assignment or expected assignment

Training based on jurisdiction risk and/or specific 

interest (see Appendix A for sources of Federal 

training)

5

ICS-100

IS-700

Position-specific ICS courses (based on individual 

assignment or expected assignment

Training based on jurisdiction risk and/or specific 

interest (see Appendix A for sources of Federal 

training)

Additionally, the implementation of the NIMS Training Program suggests that the training needs 

for personnel working within an EOC or other element of the MACS will differ from training 

required of personnel operating in the field within ICS. Individuals who will be working in MACS 

including EOCs should take IS-700, ICS-100, IS-800, and other NIMS courses related to 

emergency management responsibilities. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the training requirements for 

personnel within EOCs/MACS and those in the field.
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September 2011 20

NIMS Training Program

Figure 6. Training for EOC/MACS Personnel

Additional NIMS Trainin

g

IS-701

IS-706

G-775

G-191

IS-800

Baseline

ICS-100

IS-700

NIMS Courses

Emergency management and response personnel in an EOC or MACS may wish to consider 

the guidelines in Figure 7 below:

Figure 7. EOC/MACS Training Needs

Core Courses Additional Courses

ICS-100

IS-700

IS-701

IS-706

IS-800

G-191

G-775

Specific training based on EOC/emergency 

management role or expected role

Training based on jurisdiction risk and/or 

specific interest (see Appendix A for sources of 

Federal Training)

Elected and appointed officials should have a clear understanding of their roles and 

responsibilities for successful emergency management and incident response. To that end, it is 

vital that elected and appointed officials understand and receive NIMS training. Therefore, 

FEMA recommends the following training for senior elected and appointed officials in Figure 8:

Figure 8. Senior Elected and Appointed Officials Training Needs

Recommended Core Courses Recommended Additional Courses

G-402 Incident Command System (ICS) 

Overview for Executives/Senior Officials 

(newly-developed Senior Officials Training 

course offered by EMI)

G-191

Training based on jurisdiction risk and/or 

specific interest (see Appendix A for sources of 

Federal Training)
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NIMS Training Program

NIMS TRAINING ELEMENTS

The NIC expects students, instructors, and those who support the procurement and 

implementation of the NIMS curriculum courses to maintain the minimum criteria established in 

the instructor guides and course summaries. 

The NIC encourages a varied composition of students for each of the courses offered in the 

NIMS core curriculum. Integrating personnel from multiple disciplines greatly enhances students 

learning experience in training, exercises, and professional development for incident response. 

This allows those from a single discipline to learn lessons from students from different 

disciplines, potentially creating a more well-rounded understanding of the course material. 

Stakeholders and instructors should optimize learning environments to include multiple 

disciplines.

Additionally, although the NIMS core curriculum identified in the NIMS Training Program 

focuses on individual training, exercising by teams within incident management organizations is 

equally critical and should be considered in stakeholder training plans.

Student Readiness and Training Sustainability

Students of NIMS training courses will be most prepared for additional training when they 

maintain the knowledge gained in prior courses. Since skills, abilities, and knowledge lapse 

when not directly and frequently applied, students will retain the most when offered 

opportunities at regular intervals to maintain their core competencies. Although the NIMS 

Training Program does not specify guidance for proficiency maintenance, any proactive steps 

that agencies, departments, organizations, and instructors can provide to students to 

demonstrate the learning outcomes of courses previously taken and maintain their 

competencies are encouraged.

FEMA and the NIC understand the importance of maintaining knowledge, skills, and abilities 

and their impacts on agency budgeting. Therefore, each agency should develop training 

sustainability requirements for emergency management and response personnel that meet their 

respective needs. State and local training programs should consider new technology and course 

delivery methods as a means to reinforce existing knowledge, skills, and abilities. At a minimum, 

in conjunction with participating in exercises and real events, emergency management and 

response personnel should refresh their NIMS training every three years.

Course Development, Instructor Qualifications, and Course Delivery

The NIC, in coordination with EMI, USFA, NWCG, CDP, and Federal departments and 

agencies, is responsible for the development and review of NIMS training curriculum.

The NIC develops and regularly reviews the courses that are considered part of the NIMS core 

curriculum according to professionally-recognized instructional standards that include 

adherence to established adult learning models. The NIC collaborates with course managers to 

define instructor qualifications and the number of required instructors per course. However, this 

does not prevent any stakeholder from prescribing stricter instructor qualifications. To assist in 
NIMS CORE CURRICULUM

September 2011 22

NIMS Training Program

course instruction, FEMA publishes subject matter guidelines and instruction requirements for 

specific courses. 

Stakeholders are responsible for ensuring that the course delivery meets or exceeds the 

standard of the NIMS Training Program. Complying with this expectation allows local 

organizations, departments, and agencies to manage and maintain the NIMS core curriculum 

course integrity as well as the core competencies among students of the same course 

nationwide. Stakeholders may fulfill their respective training program requirements by taking 

other agencies’ equivalent training courses. The NIC does not determine or audit course 

equivalency. This is the responsibility of the individual organization offering the course. 

Stakeholders using other agencies’ courses have a responsibility to audit or verify that these 

courses meet course equivalency guidelines.

Course instructors have a responsibility to deliver course materials and activities according to 

the minimum standards identified in the NIMS curriculum instructor guides and/or course 

summaries. Instructors are the agents who enable, facilitate, and evaluate the learning process 

for emergency management. Adhering to the NIMS training program standard ensures 

instructional and course integrity across the Nation, regardless of the jurisdiction, agency, 

organization, or association. 

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION

Personnel qualification as a whole consists of a combination of training, operational experience 

(during exercises or incidents), job shadowing, and other administrative requirements, such as 

agency association and criminal background checks. The NIMS Training Program considers 

qualified personnel to be more than simply the sum of their training, and developing 

expectations for the qualification of personnel is an important part of NIMS national training. 

Incident experience must supplement training for a candidate to meet minimum expectations 

needed to qualify for service in an all-hazards NIMS position during a complex incident.

Personnel qualification guidance identifies performance requirements, through position task 

books or tasks, for specific positions in a format that allows a trainee to be evaluated against 

written guidelines. These tasks, based on core competencies and associated behaviors, are the 

measurable activities that demonstrate proficiency associated with the competencies and 

behaviors. Successful performance of all tasks for a relevant position during exercises, job 

shadowing, and/or operations, as observed and recorded by an evaluator, results in a 

recommendation to the certifying agency that the trainee be qualified in that position.
REFERENCES

September 2011 23

NIMS Training Program

REFERENCES

National Incident Management System Incident Command System Emergency Responder Field 

Operating Guide. Washington, DC: Department of Homeland Security, draft, 24 May 2007. 

www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/erfog.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency. Disaster Workforce Task Books. Washington, DC: 

Emergency Management Institute, August 2006. 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, ICS Core Competencies. September 2007. 

www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/assets/ics_core_competencies_sep07.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency, ―National Incident Management System (NIMS)—

National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance—FY07.‖ Washington, DC: 

Department of Homeland Security, March 2007. 

www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/nims_tsctdg_0307v2.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency, ―NIMS Guide: National Credentialing Definition and 

Criteria.‖ Washington, DC: Department of Homeland Security, FEMA NG 0002, March 2007. 

www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/ng_0002.pdf

Gustafson, Kent L., and Robert Maribe Branch. Survey of Instructional Development Models

(4th ed.). Syracuse, NY: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology, 2002. 

Hansen, Hanne Foss. ―Choosing Evaluation Models: A Discussion on Evaluation Design,‖ 

Evaluation, vol. 11, no. 4 (2005), pp. 447-462.

Heifetz, Ronald A., and Donald L. Laurie. ―The Work of Leadership.‖ Harvard Business Review: 

On Point, Product #4150, January–February 1997, pp. 122–135.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 5: ―Management of Domestic Incidents.‖ 

Washington, DC: White House, February 2003.

HSPD-7: ―Critical Infrastructure Identification, Prioritization, and Protection.‖ Washington, DC: 

White House, December 2003.

HSPD-8: ―National Preparedness.‖ Washington, DC: White House, December 2003.

HSPD-12: ―Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and 

Contractors.‖ Washington, DC: White House, August 2004.

Joint Field Office Activation and Operations: Interagency Integrated Standard Operating 

Procedure. Washington, DC: Department of Homeland Security, interim approval April 2006. 

www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/NRP_JFO_SOP.pdf

Joint Field Office (JFO) Field Operations Guide (FOG). Washington, DC: Department of 

Homeland Security, June 2006. www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/NRP_JFO_FOG.pdf
REFERENCES

September 2011 24

NIMS Training Program

Kirkpatrick, Jim. ―The Hidden Power of Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels,‖ T+D [Training and 

Development], vol. 61, no. 8, August 2007.

Kravetz, Dennis J. ―Building a Job Competency Database: What the Leaders Do.‖ Bartlett, IL: 

Kravetz Associates, 1997. www.kravetz.com/art2/art2p1.html

Moulton, Steven. Competency Development, Integration and Application. Society for Human 

Resource Management Information Center, November 2003.

McGriff, Steven J. ―Instructional System Design (ISD): Using the ADDIE Model,‖ Instructional 

Systems, College of Education, Penn State University, September 2000. 

www.ehopac.org/TransformationReports/ISD-ADDIEmodel.pdf

National Incident Management System. Washington, DC: Department of Homeland Security, 

FEMA 501, December 2008. www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/NIMS_core.pdf

National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Washington, DC: Department of Homeland Security, 

2006. 

National Response Framework. Washington, DC: Department of Homeland Security, January 

2008. www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-core.pdf

National Strategy for Homeland Security. Washington, DC: White House, July 2002. 

www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/nat_strat_hls.pdf

National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructures and Key Assets.

Washington, DC: White House, February 2003. 

www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/Physical_Strategy.pdf

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Agency Administrator’s Guide to Critical Incident 

Management. Boise, ID: National Interagency Fire Center, January 2005 (draft). 

www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/pms926.doc

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. GIS Standard Operating Procedures on Incidents. 

PMS 936, NFES 2809. Boise, ID: National Interagency Fire Center, June 2006. 

www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/GSTOP7.pdf

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook. 

PMS 902. Boise, ID: National Interagency Fire Center, April 2004. 

www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/large.html#IIBMH

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide. PMS 310-1. 

Boise, ID: National Interagency Fire Center, May 2008. www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/GSTOP7.pdf 

Tabet, Karen E. Generic Competencies: Definition and Application. Society for Human 

Resource Management Information Center, November 2003.

United States Air Force. AF Manual 36-2234, Instructional System Development (ISD). 

November 1, 1993. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/edref/afman36-2234.pdf
REFERENCES

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NIMS Training Program

United States Coast Guard, Commandant Instruction 1550.23: ―Training Evaluation Policy.‖ 

Washington, DC, July 28, 1998. http://www.uscg.mil/directives/ci/1000-1999/CI_1550_23.pdf

United States House of Representatives. 107th Congress, 2nd Session. Homeland Security Act 

of 2002. Congressional Bills, GPO Access. 

United States Marine Corps, Systems Approach to Training Manual. Quantico, VA, June 2004.

Weatherly, Leslie. Competency Models Series Part III: Competency-Based Performance 

Management. Society for Human Resource Management white paper, February 2005.
REFERENCES

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APPENDIX A: FEDERAL TRAINING WEB RESOURCES

September 2011 27

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APPENDIX A:

FEDERAL TRAINING WEB RESOURCES

FEMA Website

NIMS Resource Center www.fema.gov/nims 

Emergency Management Institute www.training.fema.gov

Incident Command System (ICS)

Resource Center www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/index.htm

NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specific 

website www.training.fema.gov/AllHazards/cr1ecrlu/

United States Fire Administration,

National Fire Academy www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa

Center for Domestic Preparedness www.cdp.dhs.gov

Federal Partner Website

U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, 

Center for Disease Control and 

Prevention

www.cdc.gov

National Wildfire Coordinating Group http://training.nwcg.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security,

United States Coast Guard www.homeport.uscg.mil/ics
APPENDIX A: FEDERAL TRAINING WEB RESOURCES

September 2011 28

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APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

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NIMS Training Program

APPENDIX B:

NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE 

SUMMARIES

This section provides summaries of ―core‖ National Incident Management System (NIMS)

curriculum—including, ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700, and IS-800—and positionspecific coursework. NIMS training development guidance states that training may be offered 

through government agencies and/or private training vendors. It is not necessary to attend a 

Federally-sponsored NIMS course. However, to receive certification, all course content and 

instructor qualifications must meet or exceed the specific course objectives, activities (e.g. 

practical exercises), and depth of material described within this plan. Stakeholders that develop 

equivalent training are responsible for ensuring course equivalence by meeting the minimum 

requirements outlined in the course summaries.

The NIMS curriculum is expected to grow as the national NIMS training program matures.

Assessing NIMS curricular needs is a continual process that identifies further courses.16 Each 

course summary defines the minimum requirements for that course and does not necessarily 

reflect the entire course. Course summaries include: 

Intended student audience for the course

Course objectives supported by the topical content descriptions and intended learner 

outcomes

Cross-reference to NIMS topics

Course summaries also determine the means to deliver course material, including consideration 

of minimum contact hours and instructor qualifications (for instructor-led courses).

The following course codes categorize NIMS curriculum coursework:

E/L: Emergency Management Institute-delivered courses (on/off campus)

G: State-delivered courses

F/R: National Fire Academy course (on/off campus)

IS: Independent study courses

K: Instructor-led online EMI course

Updated and more detailed guidance can be found on the EMI training website. Guidance found 

on EMI’s training website will provide the most up-to-date, approved methodology for deploying 

a course eligible for a FEMA certificate.

17

 

16 This course guidance supersedes the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance–FY 2007 

(March 2007).

17 For additional information about course summaries or requirements for FEMA training certificates please contact 

EMI: www.training.fema.gov/EMI/.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 30

NIMS Training Program

ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System18

Purpose

This course provides training and resources for personnel who require a basic understanding of the 

Incident Command System (ICS). ICS-100 introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher level 

ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the 

Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the NIMS.

Audience

The target audience includes persons involved with emergency planning and response or recovery 

efforts. Recommended that ICS-100 participants use their skills in an operational environment before 

enrolling in ICS-200. This will provide necessary context and understanding of the skills they will develop 

when they take ICS-200.

EMI offers the following online discipline specific versions of ICS-100:

IS-100.HC—Introduction to the Incident Command System for Healthcare/Hospitals 

IS-100.HE—Introduction to the Incident Command System for Higher Education

IS-100.LE—Introduction to the Incident Command System for Law Enforcement 

IS-100.PW—Introduction to the Incident Command System for Public Works Personnel 

IS-100.SC—Introduction to the Incident Command System for Schools 

Prerequisites

N/A

Course Topics

ICS Overview

Basic Features of ICS

Incident Commander and Command Staff 

Functions

General Staff Functions

ICS Facilities

Common Responsibilities

Relation to NIMS Document

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics 

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: approximately 8 classroom hours 

Approximately 3 hours for interactive, web-based (independent study) course 

Instructor(s) Qualifications 

One instructor required, two recommended

Lead and unit instructors should have successfully completed ICS-100, ICS-200, and EMI’s IS-700 

(NIMS, An Introduction)

Lead instructors should have training and experience in adult education and have served as incident 

commander or in a command staff or general staff position

Service in a mid-level emergency management and incident response position within five years in 

real-world incidents, planned events, or accredited exercises

Recognized qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies 

 

18 Full course information can be found at www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is100a.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 31

NIMS Training Program

ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System18

Instructor Levels

Lead instructors must have sufficient experience in presenting all units of the course to be capable of 

last-minute substitution for unit instructors.

Unit instructors must be experienced in the lesson content they are presenting.

Adjunct instructors may provide limited instruction in specialized knowledge and skills at the discretion 

of the lead instructor. Adjunct instructors must be experienced, proficient, and knowledgeable of 

current issues in their field of expertise.

Training requirements for lead and unit instructors: Instructors should have formal instructor training 

(National Wildlife Coordinating Group Facilitative Instructor, M-410, EMI Master Trainer Program, 

Office for Domestic Preparedness Instructor Course, or equivalent).
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 32

NIMS Training Program

ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents19

Purpose

This course is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the 

ICS. This course focuses on the management of single resources.

Audience

ICS-200 provides training and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position 

within the ICS. The primary target audience is response personnel at the supervisory level.

Prerequisites

ICS-100

Note: FEMA’s NIC recommends that IS-700 and ICS-200 participants have experience using concepts 

and principles from ICS-100 in a response or exercise.

Course Topics 

Describe the ICS organization appropriate to 

the complexity of the incident or event

Use ICS to manage an incident

Leadership and Management

Delegation of Authority and Management by 

Objectives

Functional Areas and Positions

Briefings

Organizational Flexibility

Transfer of Command

Relation to NIMS Document 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 12.5 hours. 

Also available as an interactive, Web-based course. 

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General ICS Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA’s NIC recommends at least two instructors for ICS 200

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 

Lead instructor should have successfully completed ICS-300

Unit instructors should have successfully completed ICS-200

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written incident action plan (IAP) or encompassed more than 

one operational period

Recognized qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

19 Full course information can be found at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is200a.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 33

NIMS Training Program

ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents20

Purpose

ICS-300 provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. The 

course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.

Audience

This course is intended for individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents or Type 

3 incidents. 

Note: During a Type 3 incident, some or all of the command and general staff positions may be activated, 

as well as division or group supervisor and/or unit leader positions. These incidents may extend into 

multiple operational periods.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100 and ICS-200, IS-/ICS-700, IS-/ICS-800

Note:

Students must have taken the Emergency Management Institute, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

National Fire Academy, or National Wildfire Coordinating Group ICS courses. Other ICS courses will 

be reviewed for consistency with the ICS objectives prescribed by the National Integration Center 

(NIC).

FEMA recommends that ICS-300 participants have experience using concepts and principles from 

ICS 100 and 200 in a response or exercise and use their skills in an operational environment before 

taking ICS-400. This will provide necessary context and understanding of the skills they will develop 

when they take ICS-400. 

Course Topics

Describe how the NIMS command and 

management component supports the 

management of expanding incidents.

Describe the incident or event management 

process for supervisors and expanding 

incidents as prescribed by ICS.

Implement the incident management process 

in a simulated Type 3 incident.

Develop an incident action plan for a 

simulated incident.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 18 hours

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General ICS Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends at least two instructors for ICS-300

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800

Lead instructor should have successfully completed ICS-400

Unit instructors should have successfully completed ICS-300 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

 

20 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 34

NIMS Training Program

ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents20

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP or encompassed more than one operational period 

Recognized qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 35

NIMS Training Program

ICS-400: Advanced ICS21

Purpose

This course provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. 

This course expands upon information covered in ICS-100 through ICS-300 courses. These earlier 

courses are prerequisites for ICS-400.

Audience

The target audience for this course is senior personnel who are expected to perform in a management 

capacity in an area command or multiagency coordination entity.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, IS-700 and IS-800

Note: 

FEMA recommends experience using concepts and principles from ICS 100, 200, and 300 and use 

their skills in an operational environment before taking ICS-400. This will provide necessary context 

and understanding of the skills they will develop when they take ICS-400. 

Students must have taken the Emergency Management Institute, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

National Fire Academy, or National Wildfire Coordinating Group ICS courses. Other ICS courses will 

be reviewed for consistency with the ICS objectives prescribed by the NIC.

Course Topics

Explain how major incidents engender special 

management challenges.

Describe the circumstances in which an area 

command is established.

Describe the circumstances in which 

multiagency coordination systems are 

established.

Relation to NIMS Document 

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

IV.A.5 Incident Complex: Multiple Incident 

Management With a Single ICS 

Organization

IV.A.6 Area Command

IV.B Multiagency Coordination Systems

IV.B.1 Definition

IV.B.2 System Elements

IV.B.3 Examples of System Elements

IV.B.4 Primary Functions of MACS

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 14 hours 

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General ICS Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends at least two instructors for ICS-400 

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an emergency management and incident response position within five years in real-world 

incidents, planned events, or accredited exercises that required a written IAP or encompassed more 

than one operational period. Recognized qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult 

education methodologies

 

21 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 36

NIMS Training Program

IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction22

Purpose

This course provides training and resources for personnel who require a basic understanding of NIMS.

Audience

This course is intended for individuals with emergency management responsibilities including prevention, 

preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

Prerequisites

N/A

Course Topics

Describe the intent of NIMS.

Describe the key concepts and principles 

underlying NIMS.

Describe the purpose of the NIMS 

components, including preparedness, 

communications and information management, 

resource management, and command and 

management.

Describe the purpose of the National 

Integration Center.

Note: This course provides a basic introduction to 

NIMS. It is not designed to replace Incident 

Command System and position-specific training.

Relation to NIMS Document 

I Preparedness 

I.A Concepts and Principles

I.B Achieving Preparedness

II Communications and Information 

Management

II.A Concepts and Principles

III Resource Management

III.A Concepts and Principles 

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

IV.C Public Information

IV.C.2 System Description and Components

V Ongoing Management and Maintenance 

V.A National Integration Center

V.B Supporting Technologies

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 8 classroom hours 

Also available as an interactive, Web-based course

Instructor Qualifications

It is recommended that this training be taught by instructors with the following minimum qualifications:23

Successful completion of IS-700, IS-701 (NIMS Multiagency Coordination System), and IS-800 

(National Response Framework, An Introduction)

Formal instructor training (NWCG Facilitative Instructor, M-410, EMI Master Trainer Program, Office 

for Domestic Preparedness Instructor Course, or equivalent)

Experience teaching emergency management material to adults

Emergency management experience in a multiagency environment

 

22 Full course information can be found at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700a.asp.

23 The NIMS instructor guidelines for this course are also listed in the instructor guide for the course, which can be 

accessed at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS700a/IG%20files/IS700A_InstructorGuide.pdf, January 2009. 
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 37

NIMS Training Program

IS-701: NIMS Multiagency Coordination System (MACS)

Purpose

This course introduces MACS as described in the NIMS, and shows how these systems can be used to 

improve incident response. MACS consist of a combination of elements: personnel, procedures, 

protocols, business practices, and communications integrated into a common system. After taking this 

course, you should be able to improve the overall coordination with, and support for, incident 

management by developing and operating within MACS. (Note: While this course discusses the ICS, it is 

not a substitute for ICS 400, Advanced ICS.)

Audience

This course is intended for Federal, State, tribal, and local emergency managers; first responders 

including incident commanders from all emergency management disciplines; private industry personnel 

responsible for coordination activities during a disaster; and voluntary agency personnel.

Prerequisites

N/A; FEMA recommends completion of IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS), an 

Introduction.

Course Topics

This course will describe to participants the 

components of a MACS and establish relationships 

between all elements of the system. After taking 

the course, students should be able to:

Define multiagency coordination at the Federal, 

State, tribal, and local levels of government.

Define key terms related to MACS.

Identify typical priorities established between 

elements of the MACS.

Describe the process of acquiring and 

allocating resources required by incident 

management personnel related to the entire 

MACS. 

Identify potential coordination and policy issues 

arising from an incident relative to the entire 

MACS.

Relation to NIMS Document

II Communications and Information 

Management

II.A Concepts and Principles

III Resource Management

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

IV.B Multiagency Coordination Systems

IV.B.1 Definition 

IV.B.2 System Elements 

IV.B.3 Examples of System Elements 

IV.B.4 Primary Function of MACS

IV.C Public Information

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 16 hours

Approximately 5 hours for interactive, web-based course 

Instructor Qualifications

It is recommended that this training be team taught by instructors with the following minimum 

qualifications:

One instructor required, two recommended

Lead and unit instructors should have successfully completed ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, 

and EMI’s IS-700 (NIMS, An Introduction) and IS-800 (National Response Framework, An 

Introduction)

Lead and unit instructors should have performed as emergency operations center staff in at least two 

level II or higher emergency operation center activations
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 38

NIMS Training Program

IS-702: NIMS Publication Information Systems

Purpose

The NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private sector, and 

nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. This includes public 

information. The public information systems described in NIMS are designed to effectively manage public 

information at an incident, regardless of the size and complexity of the situation or the number of entities 

involved in the response. 

Audience

This course is designed for State, tribal and local public information officers.

Prerequisites

N/A; FEMA recommends completion of IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction.

Course Topics

The goal of this course is to facilitate NIMS 

compliance by providing students with the basic 

information and tools that students need to apply 

NIMS public information systems and protocols 

during incident management.

At the conclusion of this course, students should 

be able to:

Define NIMS public information systems to 

include onsite operations, the Joint Information 

System (JIS), and the Joint Information Center 

(JIC), and how they relate to each other. 

Describe the JIS/JIC process of gathering, 

verifying, coordinating, and disseminating 

information by public information and incident 

management personnel. 

Identify each agency involved in given 

emergency situations and the role of each in 

the JIS to ensure appropriate situational 

awareness information is communicated to the 

public. 

Define key terms related to public information 

systems to include the relationship with 

multiagency coordination systems and the 

field. 

Identify typical resource requirements for public 

information systems. 

Relation to NIMS Document

II Communications and Information 

Management

II.A Concepts and Principles

IV.C Public Information

IV.C.1 Introduction 

IV.C.2 System Description and Components 

IV.C.3 Public Information Communications 

Planning

Instruction Standards

This course is available only as a 3-hour interactive, Web-based course. 
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 39

NIMS Training Program

IS-703: NIMS Resource Management

Purpose

This course introduces resource management as described in the NIMS, and shows how systems for 

managing resources can be used to improve incident response. The course includes examples of best 

practices, lessons learned, and job aids to assist the participant in planning for resource management. 

The course includes the following lessons:

Lesson 1: Resource Management Overview 

Lesson 2: Resource Management Planning 

Lesson 3: Resource Typing and Readiness 

Lesson 4: Resource Management During Incidents 

Lesson 5: Resource Management and Complex Incidents 

Lesson 6: Course Summary 

Audience

This course is designed for Federal, State, tribal, and local emergency managers; first responders, 

including incident commanders from all emergency management disciplines; private industry personnel 

responsible for coordination activities during a disaster; and voluntary agency personnel. 

Prerequisites

N/A; FEMA recommends completion of IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction.

Course Topics

Establish systems for describing, inventorying, 

requesting, and tracking resources. 

Activate these systems prior to and during an 

incident. 

Dispatch resources prior to and during an 

incident. 

Deactivate or recall resources during or after 

incidents. 

Relation to NIMS Document

I Preparedness 

I.A Concepts and Principles

I.B Achieving Preparedness

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts 

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 16 total hours

Interactive, Web-based course: 5 hours

Instructor Qualifications

FEMA recommends that this training be taught by instructors (a minimum of two) with the following 

minimum qualifications:

Experience managing resources at a complex incident

Successful completion of ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800

Experience as an instructor teaching adults

Equivalencies

IS-703 supersedes G276, Resource Management. For purposes of the Advanced Professional Series, 

those who have completed G276 may still claim credit for it as an elective, or IS-703 will count as that 

elective.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 40

NIMS Training Program

IS-704: NIMS Communication and Information Management

Purpose

This interactive computer-based course introduces the communications and information management 

component of the NIMS. The NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, 

private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. Effective 

emergency management and incident response activities rely on flexible communications and information 

systems that provide a common operating picture to emergency management/response personnel and 

their affiliated organizations. Establishing and maintaining a common operating picture and ensuring 

accessibility and interoperability are the principal goals of the communications and information 

management component of NIMS. Properly planned, established, and applied communications enable 

the dissemination of information among command and support elements and, as appropriate, cooperating 

agencies and organizations. 

Audience

Individuals with emergency management responsibilities including prevention, preparedness, response, 

recovery, and mitigation.

Prerequisites

Completion of IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction.

Course Topics

Identify the components of NIMS 

Communications and Information 

Management. 

Identify capabilities required to achieve 

effective communications and information 

management. 

Assess the communications and information 

management capability of your jurisdiction or 

agency. 

Describe processes and forms for managing 

incident information flow. 

Identify strategies for continually improving 

communications and information management 

systems and maintaining their readiness. 

Relation to NIMS Document

I Preparedness 

I.A Preparedness Concepts and Principles

I.A.1 Unified Approach

I.B Achieving Preparedness

I.B.3 Preparedness Roles

I.B.4 Preparedness Elements

II Communications and Information 

Management

II.A Underlying Concepts of Communications 

and Information Management

II.A.1 Common Operating Picture

II.A.2 Interoperability

II.A.3 Reliability, Scalability, and Portability

II.A.4 Resiliency and Redundancy

II.B Effective Management of Incident 

Communications and Information

II.B.1 Standardized Communication Types

II.B.2 Policy and Planning

II.B.3 Agreements

II.B.4 Equipment Standards and Training

II.C Organization and Operations

II.C.1 Incident Information

II.C.2 Communications Standards and Formats

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System

IV.B Multiagency Coordination System

IV.C Public Information

Instruction Standards

This course is available only as a 2-hour interactive, Web-based course. 
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 41

NIMS Training Program

IS-706: NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid – An Introduction

Purpose

This course provides an introduction to NIMS intrastate mutual aid and assistance. Incident response 

personnel will learn about the purpose and benefits of mutual aid and assistance. Personnel will also 

learn about the emphasis that NIMS places on mutual aid and assistance. The course explains how to 

develop mutual aid and assistance agreements and mutual aid operational plans.

Audience

This course is designed for State, tribal, and local emergency response and coordination personnel.

Prerequisites

Completion of IS-700: NIMS, an Introduction.

Course Topics

Describe the purpose, benefits, and uses of 

mutual aid and assistance. 

Explain how mutual aid and assistance 

agreements relate to NIMS. 

Identify what information should be included in 

a mutual aid and assistance agreement. 

Explain the process for developing mutual aid 

and assistance agreements. 

Identify the elements of a mutual aid and 

assistance operational plan. 

Relation to NIMS Document

I Preparedness 

I.A Concepts and Principles

I.B Achieving Preparedness

I.B.3 Preparedness Roles

I.B.4 Preparedness Elements

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts 

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1. Management Characteristics

Instruction Standards

This course is available only as a 2.5-hour interactive, Web-based course. 
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 42

NIMS Training Program

IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction24

Purpose

This course provides an introduction to the National Response Framework.

Audience

This course is intended for government executives, private-sector and nongovernmental organization 

leaders, and emergency management practitioners. This includes senior elected and appointed leaders, 

such as Federal department or agency heads, State governors, mayors, leaders, and city or county 

officials—those who have a responsibility to provide for effective response.

Prerequisites

N/A

Course Topics

At the end of this course, participants will be able 

to:

Describe the purpose of the National Response 

Framework.

Explain the response doctrine established by 

the National Response Framework.

Identify the roles and responsibilities of entities 

as specified in the National Response 

Framework.

Explain the actions that support national 

response.

Identify the response organizations used for 

multiagency coordination.

Describe how planning relates to national 

preparedness.

Relation to NIMS Document 

I Preparedness 

I.A Concepts and Principles

I.B Achieving Preparedness 

I.B.2 NIMS and Its Relationship to the National 

Response Framework

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

IV.A.5 Incident Complex: Multiple Incident 

Management With a Single ICS 

Organization

IV.A.6 Area Command

IV.B Multiagency Coordination Systems

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 3 hours 

Interactive, Web-based course also available

Instructor Qualifications

It is recommended that this training be taught by instructors with the following minimum qualifications:

Successful completion of ICS-100 (Introduction to Incident Command), EMI’s IS-700 (NIMS, An 

Introduction), IS-701 (NIMS Multiagency Coordination System), and IS-800 (NRF, An Introduction)

Formal instructor training (NWCG Facilitative Instructor, M-410, EMI Master Trainer Program, 

Office for Domestic Preparedness Instructor Course, or equivalent)

Experience teaching emergency management material to adults

Emergency management experience in a multiagency environment

 

24 Full course information can be found at http://www.training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is800b.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 43

NIMS Training Program

E/L 950: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specific Incident Commander25

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective IC on 

an All-Hazards Incident Management Team. These responsibilities fall into two categories: 1) response to 

the incident and command needs of the incident, and 2) effectively fulfilling the position responsibilities of 

an Incident Commander on an All-Hazards ICS Incident Management Team. Exercises, simulations, 

discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Demonstrate, through exercises and a final 

exam, an understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Incident Commander on an AHIMT. 

Describe the interaction and cooperation that 

occurs between the Agency Administrator and 

the Incident Commander for the successful 

management of an incident. 

Define incident objectives, strategies, and 

tactics as they are utilized by the Incident 

Commander for effective incident 

management. 

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 35 total (5 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

25 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 44

NIMS Training Program

E/L 952: NAll-Hazards Position Specific Public Information Officer26

Purpose

This course is designed for a PIO assigned to an incident as a member of an All-Hazard Incident 

Management Team (AHIMTs), Local IMTs, as well as for the PIO assigned to an incident as an assistant 

PIO in a variety of capacities. This course will help students develop a strong set of core PIO skills and the 

ability to apply them within the context of an AHIMT. This course is also distinct from other information 

function courses in that it combines elements from both the basic and advanced function to concentrate 

training on the fundamental duties and responsibilities of PIO in an all-hazard environment. The course 

material does not assume or require experience as a PIO, but also is not a basic PIO course. Exercises, 

simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Describe the fundamentals of information 

operations during incident management. 

Develop a Communications Strategy for 

disseminating incident information. 

Describe the importance of effective media 

relations and the role of the Public Information 

Officer in developing and maintaining such 

relationships. 

Describe the role of the Public Information 

Officer as it pertains to handling special 

situations within incidents. 

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 35 total (5 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

26 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 45

NIMS Training Program

E/L 954: All-Hazards Position Specific Safety Officer27

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective SOFR 

on an All-Hazards Incident Management Team. These responsibilities fall into two categories: 1) 

responding to the incident and the safety needs of the incident, and 2) effectively fulfilling the position 

responsibilities of a Safety Officer on an All-Hazards IMT. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final 

exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Demonstrate, through exercises and a final 

exam, an understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Safety Officer on an All- Hazards Incident 

Management Team. 

Describe the roles and responsibilities of the 

Safety Officer in assuming the position and 

creating an attitude of safety on an incident.

Use multiple methods of communicating safety 

risks and mitigations through the Incident 

Safety Plan, Assistant Safety Officers, Safety 

Messages, and briefings.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 28 total (4 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

27 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 46

NIMS Training Program

E/L 956: All-Hazards Position Specific Liaison Officer28

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Liaison Officer on an All-Hazards Incident Management Team. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a 

final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS 400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Demonstrate, through exercises and a final 

exam, an understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Liaison Officer on an AHIMT. 

Define the role and importance of the Liaison 

Officer as a member of the command staff.

Describe the roles and responsibilities of the 

Liaison Officer regarding stakeholders, and 

evaluate Liaison Officer success.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 14 total (2 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

28 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 47

NIMS Training Program

E/L 958: All-Hazards Position Specific Operations Section Chief29

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Operations Section Chief on an All-Hazards Incident Management Team. These responsibilities fall into 

two categories: 1. response to the incident and command needs of the incident, and 2. effectively fulfilling 

the position responsibilities of an Incident Commander on an All-Hazards ICS Incident Management 

Team. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their 

new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites 

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS 400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Demonstrate an understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Operations Section Chief on an AHIMT.

Describe the purpose of the Strategy, Tactics, 

and Planning meetings and the Operations 

Section Chief’s role and responsibilities in 

developing the Operational Planning 

Worksheet (ICS Form 215) and the Incident 

Action Plan. 

Describe Operations Section Chief 

responsibilities as they relate to planning 

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 28 total (4 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

29 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 48

NIMS Training Program

E/L 960: All-Hazards Position Specific Division/Group Supervisor30

Purpose

The course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective DIVS 

on an AHIMT. The course walks students through general information, including an overview of the 

Operations Section and information on incident mobilization, initial situation awareness and unit 

management. It also provides detailed instruction on responding to the incident and the command needs 

of the incident, as well as emphasizing the importance of risk management and safety considerations.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Course Introduction: Identify the course 

objective and position-specific resource 

materials for the position of Division/Group 

Supervisor (DIVS). 

Overview of the Operations Section: Describe 

the function and components of the Operations 

Section. 

Division/Group Management and Personnel 

Management: Describe the supervision and 

personnel management responsibilities of the 

Division/Group Supervisor. 

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 21 total (3 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800 

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

30 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 49

NIMS Training Program

E/L 962: All-Hazards Position Specific Planning Section Chief31

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Planning Section Chief (PSC) on an All-Hazards Incident Management Team. These responsibilities fall 

into two categories: PSC duties 1) managing the planning cycle and 2) tracking resources and incident 

status. Exercises, simulations, discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their 

new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Describe the function of the Planning Section 

and the roles and responsibilities of the 

Planning Section Chief. 

Describe the information gathered from the 

initial meetings, briefings and documents 

Describe the purpose, timing and structure of 

each of the meetings, briefings and documents 

in the Planning Cycle.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 28 total (4 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

31 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 50

NIMS Training Program

E/L 964: All-Hazards Position Specific Situation Unit Leader32

Purpose

This course helps emergency management and response personnel establish the essential core 

competencies required for performing the duties of the SITL during an all-hazards incident. This course 

addresses all responsibilities appropriate to a SITL operating in a local- or state-level AHIMT. These 

responsibilities include processing information and intelligence and developing displays. The course is an 

instructor-led training that supports learning through discussion, lecture, and active participation in multiple 

exercises. By requiring attendees to bring Situation Unit Leader Kit to the instruction, the course provides 

a realistic, hands-on approach to mastering the skills of a SITL.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Describe the function of the Situation Unit and 

the roles and responsibilities of the Situation 

Unit Leader

Identify how to obtain, analyze, and 

disseminate necessary incident intelligence

Explain how to effectively establish and 

maintain the Situation Unit

Participate in a Planning Meeting and 

Operational Briefing

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 35 total (5 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

32 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 51

NIMS Training Program

E/L 965: All-Hazards Position Specific Resources Unit Leader33

Purpose

This course provides an overview of Resources Unit Leader responsibilities, the Planning Section and the 

planning process to contextualize the Resources Unit for emergency management and response 

personnel unfamiliar with the planning process or the Incident Command System (ICS). It then explores 

specific RESL functions and responsibilities including resource tracking systems, operational planning, 

and resource products/outputs. The Status/Check-in and Demobilization functions are covered to provide 

students with the knowledge to perform those duties if necessary. Exercises/simulations, discussions, and 

a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Establish and manage the Resources Unit; 

Participate as a RESL in the planning process

Complete required documents to support the 

incident

Manage and document the demobilization of 

incident resources.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 28 total (4 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

33 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 52

NIMS Training Program

E/L 967: All-Hazards Position Specific Logistics Section Chief34

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State, tribal, and local-level emergency management and response 

personnel with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective LSC 

on an All-Hazards Incident Management team. These responsibilities fall into two categories: Logistics 

Section Chief duties (1) responding to the incident; and (2) effectively fulfilling the position responsibilities 

of a Logistics Section Chief on an All-Hazards ICS Incident Management Team. Exercises, simulations, 

discussions, and a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS 400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Demonstrate, through exercises and a final 

exam, an understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Logistics Section Chief on an AHIMT 

Identify the course objective and positionspecific resource materials for the position of 

Logistics Section Chief. 

Describe the responsibilities of the Logistics 

Section Chief in relationship to the 

responsibilities of Unit Leaders within the 

Section.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 35 total (5 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

34 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 53

NIMS Training Program

E/L 969: All-Hazards Position Specific Communications Unit Leader35

Purpose

This course helps emergency management and response personnel establish the essential core 

competencies required for performing the duties of the COMM UL in an all-hazards incident. This course 

addresses all responsibilities appropriate to a COMM UL operating in a local- or state-level AHIMT. These 

responsibilities include the collection, processing and dissemination of information as needed to facilitate 

Operations of Command, General Staff, and Unit Leader positions within the confines of a Type 3 AH 

Incident Management Team. The course is an instructor-led training program that supports learning 

through discussion, lecture, and active participation in multiple exercises. By requiring attendees to bring a 

Communications Unit Leader Kit to the instruction, the course provides a realistic, hands-on approach to 

mastering the skills of a COMM UL.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Identify the functions of the Communications 

Unit and the duties and responsibilities of the 

COML. 

Arrive at an all-hazards incident properly 

equipped, gather information to assess the 

assignment, and begin initial planning activities 

of a COML. 

Plan, staff, manage, and demobilize the 

Communications Unit in a safe and effective 

manner to meet the needs of the incident. 

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards:

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 28 total (4 days)

Instructor Qualifications: (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

35 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 54

NIMS Training Program

E/L 970: All-Hazards Position Specific Supply Unit Leader36

Purpose

This course helps emergency management and response personnel establish the essential core 

competencies required for performing the duties of the SPUL during an all-hazards incident. By requiring 

attendees to bring jurisdiction-specific information to the instruction, the course provides a realistic, handson approach to mastering the skills of a SPUL organized by the fundamental steps of the ordering 

process. Attendees identify information required for ordering, as well as complete required forms and 

documentation related to ordering, and anticipate ordering and supply needs for the incident. In addition to 

the ordering process, the course discussed mobilization, setting up and managing the Supply Unit, and 

demobilization

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program

Course Topics

Describe the function and components of the 

Logistics Section and the Supply Unit.

Describe the ordering process in its entirety.

Describe the information required when an 

order originates to be able to process that 

order.

Maintain an appropriate inventory level of 

supplies.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 28 total (4 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

36 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 55

NIMS Training Program

E/L 971: All-Hazards Position Specific Facilities Unit Leader37

Purpose

The course will help emergency management and response personnel establish the essential core 

competencies required for performing the duties of the FACL during an all-hazards incident. The course 

walks students through general information, including an overview of the Logistics Section and information 

on incident mobilization, initial situation awareness, and unit management. It also provides detailed 

instruction in setting up and maintaining incident facilities, including facilities infrastructure, services, 

layout, and security. Each unit contains a discussion-based exercise and there is a capstone tabletop 

exercise at the end of the course to give students hands-on practice functioning as a FACL.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Describe the function and components of the 

Logistics Section and the Facilities Unit; 

Describe the information gathered and 

preparation needed during the pre-incident, 

dispatch/mobilization, and arrival phases; 

Design and establish the layout of incident 

facilities; 

Establish and manage the Facilities Unit

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 35 total (5 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

37 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 56

NIMS Training Program

E/L 973: All-Hazards Position Specific Finance/Admin. Section Chief38

Purpose

This course is designed to provide State and local-level emergency management and response personnel 

with a robust understanding of the duties, responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Finance/Administrative SC on an All-Hazards Incident Management Team. These responsibilities fall into 

two categories: FSC duties 1) managing the Finance/Administration Section personnel and 2) managing 

the finances and administrative responsibilities during an incident. Exercises, simulations, discussions, 

and a final exam enable students to process and apply their new knowledge. 

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Demonstrate, through exercises and a final 

exam, an understanding of the duties, 

responsibilities, and capabilities of an effective 

Finance/Administration Section Chief on an 

All- Hazards Incident Management Team 

Describe how to gather, organize and 

communicate information necessary to 

perform as a Finance/Administration Section 

Chief 

Identify key strategies for interacting with 

members of the Incident Management Team, 

and personnel outside of the IMT.

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 21 total (3 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

38 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 57

NIMS Training Program

E/L 975: All-Hazards Position Specific Finance/Admin. Unit Leader Course39

Purpose

The Finance/Administration Unit Leader course will help emergency management and response personnel 

establish the essential core competencies required for performing the duties of the Finance/Administration 

Unit Leader during an all-hazards incident. The course is designed to enable students to perform as any of 

the four Finance/Administration Unit Leaders (Time Unit Leader, Procurement Unit Leader, Compensation 

and Claims Unit Leader, Cost Unit Leader). Students will learn information that is applicable across all four 

positions, such as Unit set-up and management, information gathering, and interactions. Complex 

experiential exercises and discussions will afford students the opportunity to act as each Unit Leaders 

while connecting all information learned back to real-world application.

Audience

NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are regularly assigned to 

functional, support, or unit leader positions on Type III or Type IV All-Hazards Incident Management 

Teams (AHIMT), or by those persons who desire to seek credentials/certification in those positions.

Prerequisites

ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300; IS-700, IS-800. 

Note: Completion of the ICS-400 course is highly recommended for all Position Specific training classes, 

and is a requirement to serve as an instructor for the program.

Course Topics

Describe the purpose and functions of the 

Finance/Administration Section and establish a 

Finance/Administration Unit. 

Use appropriate information and clear 

communication to interact and coordinate with 

incident personnel.

Manage a Finance/Administration Unit. 

Relation to NIMS Document 

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV.A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1 Management Characteristics

IV.A.2 Incident Command and Command Staff 

IV.A.3 General Staff

Instruction Standards

Minimum course actual student contact classroom hours: 21 total (3 days)

Instructor Qualifications (in addition to the General Position Specific Instructor Guidelines) 

FEMA recommends that at least two instructors be used to teach all Position Specific courses

Successful completion of accredited ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400; IS-700, and IS-800

Service in an incident management position within five years in real-world incidents, planned events, 

or accredited exercises that required a written IAP and/or went more than one operational period

Instructors should hold certification as instructors from a recognized program of study such as State 

Fire Instructor (NFPA 1041, Level II or above); EMI Master Trainer Program; or other recognized 

qualifications in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies

 

39 Course information can be found in the EMI course catalog, available at 

http://training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 58

NIMS Training Program

G-191: Incident Command System/ Emergency Operations Center Interface

Purpose

The course provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin 

developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities. The course reviews ICS and EOC responsibilities 

and functions and depends heavily on exercises and group discussions to formulate an interface. This

course works best when delivered to Incident Command System and Emergency Operations Center 

personnel from the same community.

Audience

Participants should be personnel who are active in a community’s ICS and EOC activities.

Prerequisites

N/A; FEMA recommends IS-100, IS-200 and/or EOC management courses.

Course Topics

At the end of this course, participants will be able 

to:

Describe ICS principles. 

Describe MAC/EOC principles. 

Identify the roles of ICS and EOC during 

emergency operations. 

Using scenarios, analyze the ICS and EOC 

systems and identify various interface issues. 

Apply ICS/EOC interface concepts in an 

exercise situation. 

Begin developing an ICS/EOC interface action 

plan for their communities. 

Relation to NIMS Document

I Preparedness 

I.A Concepts and Principles

I.B Achieving Preparedness

I.B.3 Preparedness Roles

I.B.4 Preparedness Elements

III Resource Management

IV Command and Management

IV A Incident Command System 

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 8 hours

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors should have formal instructor training (NWCG Facilitative Instructor, M-410, EMI Master 

Trainer Program, Office for Domestic Preparedness Instructor Course or equivalent). 

Instructors must have sufficient experience in presenting all units of the course. It is recommended that 

instructors have: 

Successfully completed ICS-100 through ICS-400

Successfully completed IS-275—The EOC’s Role in Community Preparedness, Response, and 

Recovery Activities; IS-701—NIMS Multiagency Coordination Systems; IS-702—NIMS Public 

Information Systems; and IS-703—NIMS Resource Management

Served in the ICS command staff or in a general staff (supervisory position) 

Served in a leadership position at an EOC

Adjunct instructors may provide limited instruction in specialized knowledge and skills at the discretion of 

the lead instructor. Adjunct instructors must be experienced, proficient, and knowledgeable of current 

issues in their field of expertise.
APPENDIX B: NIMS CORE CURRICULUM COURSE SUMMARIES

September 2011 59

NIMS Training Program

G-775: Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and Operations

Purpose

This course explores the role, design, and functions of EOCs and their relationships as components of a 

multiagency coordination system. The course contains disaster-related examples, activities, and case 

studies that relate to EOCs and multiagency coordination systems at the Federal, State, tribal, and local 

levels of government.

Audience

This course is open to all Federal, State, tribal, and local emergency management and response 

personnel; first responders including incident commanders from all emergency management disciplines; 

private industry personnel responsible for coordination activities during a disaster; and voluntary 

organizations active in disaster (VOAD) personnel.

Prerequisites

N/A; FEMA recommends IS-700 and IS-701.

Course Topics

At the end of the course, participants should be 

able to:

Relate EOC operations to NIMS requirements.

Describe the role that EOCs play in overall 

multiagency coordination.

Describe the relationship between the EOC 

and the on-scene ICS structure.

Identify staffing, information, systems, and 

equipment needs at the EOC.

Determine whether participants’ EOC 

organizations are conducive to effective 

coordination.

Identify potential alternate locations suitable for 

EOC operations should the primary EOC 

facility become damaged or inoperable.

Create a test, training, and exercise plan for 

critical EOC operations.

Develop a strategy and schedule for reviewing 

EOC resource requirements and technology 

needs.

Relation to NIMS Document

I Preparedness 

I.A Concepts and Principles

I.B Achieving Preparedness

I.B.3 Preparedness Roles

I.B.4 Preparedness Elements

III Resource Management

III.A.1 Concepts 

III.A.2 Principles

III.B Managing Resources

IV Command and Management

IV A Incident Command System 

IV.A.1. Management Characteristics

Instruction Standards

Minimum course length for actual instructor-led classroom: 12 hours

Instructor Qualifications

Instructors should have experience and training in delivering adult education/training.

Two instructors are recommended for this course. Each instructor should have the following:

Experience and training in delivering adult education/training

Management-level experience working in an EOC
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 60

NIMS Training Program

APPENDIX C:

FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

Below are FEMA courses (sorted alphabetically and by course code) that support the integration 

and implementation of NIMS as identified in:

Emergency Management Institute Training Catalog:

www.training.fema.gov/EMICourses/EMICatalog.asp

National Fire Academy Course Catalog: www.usfa.dhs.gov/nfa/catalog/index

FEMA does not certify or validate any private vendor’s NIMS training course(s), course 

curricula, course materials, or instructors, regardless of content or instructor qualifications. 

State, local, and private sector partners that rely on these vendors to provide NIMS training 

must ensure the vendor training courses meet or exceed the minimum criteria as identified in 

course instruction guides. Courses must be taught using instructors that meet the 

recommended instructor qualification criteria and follow the timelines stated in the instructor 

guide. While instructors are encouraged to ―localize‖ courses, they cannot shorten courses or 

otherwise change course design.

The following course codes categorize NIMS curriculum coursework:

E/L: Emergency Management Institute-delivered courses

F/R: National Fire Academy course (off /on campus)

G: State-delivered courses

IS: Independent Study courses

K: Instructor led on-line EMI course

The following acronyms apply to course titles:

IEMC – Integrated Emergency Management Course

TTT – Train the Trainer
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 61

NIMS Training Program

SORTED ALPHABETICALLY40

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

IS 007.A A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance Preparedness

E 483 Administration of Public Assistance for Community 

Recovery Preparedness

E 194 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts Preparedness - Mitigation

E 282 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II Preparedness - Mitigation

E 388 Advanced Public Information Officers Command and Management -

Public Information

E 392 All-Hazards Emergency Management Higher Education 

Conference (IO) Preparedness - Training

IS 005.A An Introduction to Hazardous Materials Preparedness

IS 010 Animals in Disaster - Module A - Awareness and

Preparedness Preparedness

IS 011 Animals in Disaster - Module B - Community Planning Preparedness

IS 271 Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk Preparedness - Mitigation

E 179 Application of HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Disaster 

Operations Preparedness - Mitigation

E 296 Application of HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Risk Assessment Preparedness - Mitigation

E 190 ArcGIS for Emergency Managers Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 022 Are you Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen 

Preparedness Preparedness - Training

E 313 Basic HAZUS Multi-Hazard Preparedness - Mitigation

G 290 Basic Public Information Officer Command and Management -

Public Information

G 285 Benefit-Cost Analysis Using LD Module: Intermediate 

Training Preparedness - Mitigation

G 278 Benefit-Cost Analysis: Entry-Level Preparedness - Mitigation

E 275 Benefit-Cost Users Workshop Preparedness - Mitigation

E 276 Benefit-Cost Analysis: Entry-Level Training Preparedness - Mitigation

E 155 Building Design for Homeland Security Preparedness

E 156 Building Design for Homeland Security for COOP TTT Preparedness

IS 008.A Building for Earthquakes of Tomorrow: Complying w/EO 

12699 Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 650 Building Partnerships with Governments Preparedness

R 308 Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at 

Natural and Man-Made Disasters Preparedness - Training

R 314 Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Preparedness - Training

 

40 Course summaries for ICS Position-specific training, while developed by EMI, are conducted primarily at the 

State and local level. Guidance found on EMI’s training website will provide the most up-to-date, approved 

methodology for deploying a course eligible for a FEMA certificate. Additional information about course 

summaries or requirements for FEMA training certificates is available at www.training.fema.gov.
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 62

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

Target Hazards

R 825 Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at 

Target Hazards [Volunteer Incentive Program] Preparedness - Training

R 312 Command and Control of Incident Operations Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

R 831 Command and Control of Incident Operations [Volunteer 

Incentive Program]

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 575 Communications Interoperability Communications and Information 

Management

IS 324 Community Hurricane Preparedness Preparedness - Planning

E 317 Comprehensive Data Management Preparedness - Mitigation

E 206 Conducting Hazard Mitigation Disaster Operations TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 546.A Continuity of Operations (COOP) Awareness Preparedness - Planning

L 522 Continuity of Operations for Governments Preparedness - Planning

E 550 Continuity of Operations Planning TTT Preparedness - Planning

E 551 COOP Devolution Planning Workshop TTT Preparedness - Planning

IS 548 COOP Managers Training Preparedness - Planning

E 548 COOP Program Manager TTT Preparedness - Planning

E 241 Cooperating Technical Partners Program: Special 

Topics Preparedness - Mitigation

E 604 Course Development Preparedness - Training

IS 821 Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Preparedness - Planning

E 263 Dam Break Analysis Using HEC/HMS and HEC/RAS Preparedness - Mitigation

E 202 Debris Management Preparedness

G 202 Debris Management Planning for State and Local 

Officials Preparedness

IS 241 Decision Making and Problem Solving Preparedness - Training

E 384 Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Preparedness

IS 244 Developing and Managing Volunteers Resource Management

E 132 Discussion-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation Preparedness - Exercises

E 488 Donations Management Workshop TTT Resource Management

G 434.A Earthquake: Safety Program for Schools Preparedness - Mitigation

E 436 Earthquakes: A Teacher’s Package for K-6 TTT Preparedness - Training

IS 242 Effective Communication Preparedness - Training

IS 031 eGrants for States and Tribes Preparedness - Mitigation

E 123 EMAP Accreditation Manager Orientation Preparedness

E 124 EMAP Assessor Training Preparedness

E 580 Emergency Management Framework for Tribal 

Governments Preparedness

G 110 Emergency Management Operations Course (EMOC) Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

E 581 Emergency Management Operations for Tribal 

Governments Preparedness
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 63

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

G 775 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and

Operations 

Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

E 947 Emergency Operations Center (EOC)-Incident 

Management Team (IMT) Interface Command and Management

G 357 Emergency Response to Criminal and Terrorist Incidents Preparedness - Planning

F 549 Emergency Response to Terrorism: Strategic and 

Tactical Considerations for Supervisors (ERT:STCS)

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 250

Emergency Support Function (ESF) #15 External Affairs: 

A New Approach to Emergency Communication and 

Information

Command and Management -

Public Information

IS 279 Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting 

Flood-Prone Residential Structures Preparedness - Mitigation

E 252 Environmental and Historic Preservation Cadre Training Preparedness - Mitigation

E 247 EO 11988 and EO 11990: Floodplain Management and 

Protections of Wetlands TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 775 EOC Management and Operations Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

IS 807 ESF #7 - Logistics Management and Resource Support Preparedness - Planning

IS 808 ESF #8 - Public Health and Medical Services Preparedness - Planning

IS 809 ESF #9 - Search and Rescue Preparedness - Planning

IS 810 ESF #10 - Oil and Hazardous Materials Resources Preparedness - Planning

IS 811 ESF #11 - Agriculture and Natural Resources Preparedness - Planning

IS 812 ESF #12 - Energy Preparedness - Planning

IS 813 ESF #13 - Public Safety and Security Preparedness - Planning

IS 814 ESF #14 - Long-Term Community Recovery Preparedness - Planning

G 358 Evacuation and Re-Entry Planning Preparedness - Planning

K 606 Evaluation of Training Preparedness - Training

R 306 Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in 

Emergency Management Preparedness - Training

G 135 Exercise Control/Simulation Preparedness - Exercises

E 131 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning Preparedness - Exercises

IS 130 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning Preparedness - Exercises

G 138 Exercise Practicum for the Master Exercise Practitioner Preparedness - Exercises

G 137 Exercise Program Manager/Management Preparedness - Exercises

E 731 External Affairs Overview Command and Management -

Public Information

IS 230.a Fundamentals of Emergency Management Preparedness - Training

R 243 Hazardous Materials Incident Management Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 340 Hazardous Materials Prevention and Planning Preparedness - Planning

E 174 HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Earthquake Preparedness - Mitigation

E 172 HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Flood Preparedness - Mitigation

E 170 HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Hurricanes Preparedness - Mitigation

E 146 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training Preparedness - Exercises
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 64

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

E 147 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training TTT Preparedness - Exercises

G 146 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training Preparedness - Exercises

G 147 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training TTT Preparedness - Exercises

G 408 Homeland Security Planning for Local Governments Preparedness - Planning

IS 055 Household Hazardous Materials Preparedness

L 324 Hurricane Planning Preparedness - Planning

G 363 Hurricane Readiness for Coastal Communities Preparedness - Planning

E 271 Hydrologic Engineering Center: Hydrologic Modeling 

Systems Preparedness - Mitigation

E 264 Hydrologic Engineering Center: Software Course 

(Riverine Analysis System) (IO) Preparedness - Mitigation

G 300 ICS 300: Intermediate Incident Command System for 

Expanding Incidents

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 400 ICS 400: Advanced Incident Command System, 

Command and General Staff, Complex Incidents

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 930 IEMC: Community-Specific Preparedness - Exercises

E 910 IEMC: Earthquake Preparedness and Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 920 IEMC: Hazardous Materials Preparedness and

Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 915 IEMC: Homeland Security Preparedness and Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 905 IEMC: Hurricane Preparedness and Response Preparedness - Exercises

F 321 Incident Command for High-rise Operations (ICHO) Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 402 Incident Command System (ICS) Overview for 

Executives and Senior Officials, ICS-402

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 449 Incident Command System Curricula TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 200 Incident Command System for Single Resources and 

Initial Action Incidents

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

F 322 Incident Command System for Structural Collapse 

Incidents (ICSSCI)

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 191 Incident Command System/Emergency Operations 

Center Interface (ICS/EOC)

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

F 729 Incident Safety Officer (ISO) Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 605 Instructional Delivery Preparedness - Training

E 262 Instructional Delivery for Subject Matter Experts Preparedness - Training

G 265 Instructional Delivery Skills Preparedness - Training

E 603 Instructional Design Preparedness - Training

E 141 Instructional Presentation and Evaluation Skills Preparedness - Training

IS 820 Introduction to National Response Framework (NRF) 

Support Annexes Preparedness - Planning

IS 317 Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team 

(CERT) Preparedness
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 65

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

IS 520 Introduction to COOP Planning for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness - Planning

IS 393.A Introduction to Hazard Mitigation Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 331 Introduction to Radiological Emergency Preparedness 

(REP) Exercise Evaluation Preparedness

IS 386 Introduction to Residential Coastal Construction Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 100 Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS), 

ICS-100

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.HC Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Healthcare/Hospitals

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.HE Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100

for Higher Education

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.LE Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100, for 

Law Enforcement

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.PW Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Public Works Personnel

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.SC Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Schools

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 291 Joint Information System/Center Planning for State and 

Local PIOs

Command and Management -

Public Information

IS 240 Leadership and Influence Preparedness - Training

G 194.3 Letters of Map Change Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 111 Livestock in Disaster Preparedness

G 194.1 Local Floodplain Manager Roles and Responsibilities Preparedness - Mitigation

G 288 Local Volunteer and Donations Resource Management

E 601 Management and Supervision of Training Preparedness - Training

E 273 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Preparedness - Mitigation

E 270 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

G 273 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Preparedness - Mitigation

E 272 Managing Floodplain Post-Disaster Preparedness - Mitigation

G 386 Mass Fatalities Incident Response Preparedness Planning

E 609 Master Trainer Program Practicum Preparedness - Training

G 318 Mitigation Planning Workshop for Local Governments Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 701 Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS) Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

L 363 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education Preparedness - Planning

E 361 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools Preparedness - Planning

IS 362 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools Preparedness - Planning

E 274 National Dam Safety Technical Workshop Preparedness - Mitigation

E 278 National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating 

System Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 706 National Incident Management System (NIMS), 

Intrastate Mutual Aid, An Introduction Resource Management

IS 702 National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Public Command and Management 
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 66

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

Information Systems Public Information

IS 860.a National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) Preparedness - Planning

E 237 National Preparedness Training and Exercise 

Conference Preparedness - Training

G 194.2 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Rules and 

Regulations in Depth Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 704 NIMS Communication and Information Management 

System

Communications and Information 

Management

E 969 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 949 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader 

TTT Preparedness - Training

E 960 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 961 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor TTT Preparedness - Training

E 971 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 972 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E 973 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Section 

Chief 

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 974 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 975 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit 

Leader 

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 976 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit 

Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E 950 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Incident Commander Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 951 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Incident Commander TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 956 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 957 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 967 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 968 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 958 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 959 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 962 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Planning Section Chief Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 963 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Planning Section Chief TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 953 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 67

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

E 965 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 966 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E 954 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Safety Officer Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 955 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Safety Officer TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 964 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 978 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E 970 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 977 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

IS 703 NIMS Resource Management Resource Management

IS 700 NIMS, An Introduction Preparedness

F 806 NIMS--Incident Command System for the Fire Service Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 837 NRF Incident Annex: Terrorism Incident Law 

Enforcement and Investigation Preparedness - Planning

IS 831 NRF Support Annex: Biological Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 832 NRF Support Annex: Catastrophic Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 833 NRF Support Annex: Cyber Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 834 NRF Support Annex: Food and Agriculture Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 835 NRF Support Annex: Mass Evacuation Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 836 Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex Preparedness - Planning

E 133 Operations-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation Preparedness - Exercises

E 136 Operations-Based Exercise Development Preparedness - Exercises

IS 346 Orientation to Hazardous Materials for Medical 

Personnel Preparedness

E 602 Performance and Needs Analysis Preparedness - Training

G 194.4 Preparing for Post-Disaster Responsibilities Preparedness

E 344 Protecting Communities and Acquiring Resources Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 394.A Protecting Your Home or Small Business from Disaster Preparedness - Mitigation

G 289 Public Information Officer Awareness Command and Management -

Public Information

E 341 Radiological Accident Assessment Concepts Preparedness

E 340 Radiological Emergency Program and Planning Preparedness - Planning

E 386 Residential Coastal Construction Preparedness - Mitigation

G 277 Residential Coastal Construction Preparedness - Mitigation

E 279 Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings Preparedness - Mitigation

G 279 Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings Preparedness - Mitigation

G 439 Seismic Sleuths: A Teacher’s Package on Earthquakes 

TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 15.a Special Events Contingency Planning Preparedness - Planning
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 68

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

IS 197.SP Special Needs Planning Considerations for Service and 

Support Providers Preparedness - Planning

E 208 State Coordinating Officer Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

E 257 State Director Training Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

L 945 State IEMC National Response Framework (NRF) Preparedness - Exercises

E 289 State Volunteer and Donations Management Resource Management

L 460 The Role of Community Officials in Emergency 

Management Preparedness

G 436 Tremor Troops: A Teacher's Package for K-6 Preparedness - Training

E 431 Understanding the Emergency Management Assistance 

Compact (EMAC) Resource Management

E 212 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Preparedness - Mitigation

E 287 Voluntary Agency Liaison: Functions and Methods Preparedness

G 310 Weapons of Mass Destruction Tabletop Exercises Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.06 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Suicide Bomber 

Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.05 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Biological-Anthrax 

Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.04 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Chemical VX Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.03 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Chemical-Sarin Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.01 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Nuclear Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.02 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Radiological Scenario Preparedness - Exercises
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 69

NIMS Training Program

SORTED BY COURSE CODE41

E/L: Emergency Management Institute-delivered courses

F/R: National Fire Academy course (off /on campus)

G: State-delivered courses

IS: Independent Study courses

K: Instructor led on-line EMI course

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

E 123 EMAP Accreditation Manager Orientation Preparedness

E 124 EMAP Assessor Training Preparedness

E 131 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning Preparedness - Exercises

E 132 Discussion-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation Preparedness - Exercises

E 133 Operations-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation Preparedness - Exercises

E 136 Operations-Based Exercise Development Preparedness - Exercises

E 141 Instructional Presentation and Evaluation Skills Preparedness - Training

E 146 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training Preparedness - Exercises

E 147 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training TTT Preparedness - Exercises

E 155 Building Design for Homeland Security Preparedness

E 156 Building Design for Homeland Security for COOP TTT Preparedness

E 170 HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Hurricanes Preparedness - Mitigation

E 172 HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Flood Preparedness - Mitigation

E 174 HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Earthquake Preparedness - Mitigation

E 179 Application of HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Disaster 

Operations Preparedness - Mitigation

E 190 ArcGIS for Emergency Managers Preparedness - Mitigation

E 194 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts Preparedness - Mitigation

E 202 Debris Management Preparedness

E 206 Conducting Hazard Mitigation Disaster Operations TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

E 208 State Coordinating Officer Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

E 212 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Preparedness - Mitigation

E 237 National Preparedness Training and Exercise 

Conference Preparedness - Training

E 241 Cooperating Technical Partners Program: Special 

Topics Preparedness - Mitigation

E 247 EO 11988 and EO 11990: Floodplain Management and 

Protections of Wetlands TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

E 252 Environmental and Historic Preservation Cadre Training Preparedness - Mitigation

 

41 Course Summaries for ICS Position-specific training, while developed by EMI, are conducted primarily at the 

State and local level. Guidance found on EMI’s training website will provide the most up-to-date, approved 

methodology for deploying a course eligible for a FEMA certificate. For additional information about Course 

Summaries or requirements for FEMA training certificates: www.training.fema.gov
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 70

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

E 257 State Director Training Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

E 262 Instructional Delivery for Subject Matter Experts Preparedness - Training

E 263 Dam Break Analysis Using HEC/HMS and HEC/RAS Preparedness - Mitigation

E 264 Hydrologic Engineering Center: Software Course 

(Riverine Analysis System) (IO) Preparedness - Mitigation

E 270 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

E 271 Hydrologic Engineering Center: Hydrologic Modeling 

Systems Preparedness - Mitigation

E 272 Managing Floodplain Post-Disaster Preparedness - Mitigation

E 273 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Preparedness - Mitigation

E 274 National Dam Safety Technical Workshop Preparedness - Mitigation

E 275 Benefit-Cost Users Workshop Preparedness - Mitigation

E 276 Benefit-Cost Analysis: Entry-Level Training Preparedness - Mitigation

E 278 National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating 

System Preparedness - Mitigation

E 279 Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings Preparedness - Mitigation

E 282 Advanced Floodplain Management Concepts II Preparedness - Mitigation

E 287 Voluntary Agency Liaison: Functions and Methods Preparedness

E 289 State Volunteer and Donations Management Resource Management

E 296 Application of HAZUS Multi-Hazard for Risk Assessment Preparedness - Mitigation

E 313 Basic HAZUS Multi-Hazard Preparedness - Mitigation

E 317 Comprehensive Data Management Preparedness - Mitigation

E 340 Radiological Emergency Program and Planning Preparedness - Planning

E 341 Radiological Accident Assessment Concepts Preparedness

E 344 Protecting Communities and Acquiring Resources Preparedness - Mitigation

E 361 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools Preparedness - Planning

E 384 Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Preparedness

E 386 Residential Coastal Construction Preparedness - Mitigation

E 388 Advanced Public Information Officers Command and Management -

Public Information

E 392 All-Hazards Emergency Management Higher Education 

Conference (IO) Preparedness - Training

E 431 Understanding the Emergency Management Assistance 

Compact (EMAC) Resource Management

E 436 Earthquakes: A Teacher’s Package for K-6 TTT Preparedness - Training

E 449 Incident Command System Curricula TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 483 Administration of Public Assistance for Community 

Recovery Preparedness

E 488 Donations Management Workshop TTT Resource Management

E 548 COOP Program Manager TTT Preparedness - Planning
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 71

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

E 550 Continuity of Operations Planning TTT Preparedness - Planning

E 551 COOP Devolution Planning Workshop TTT Preparedness - Planning

E 580 Emergency Management Framework for Tribal 

Governments Preparedness

E 581 Emergency Management Operations for Tribal 

Governments Preparedness

E 601 Management and Supervision of Training Preparedness - Training

E 602 Performance and Needs Analysis Preparedness - Training

E 603 Instructional Design Preparedness - Training

E 604 Course Development Preparedness - Training

E 605 Instructional Delivery Preparedness - Training

E 609 Master Trainer Program Practicum Preparedness - Training

E 731 External Affairs Overview Command and Management -

Public Information

E 905 IEMC: Hurricane Preparedness and Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 910 IEMC: Earthquake Preparedness and Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 915 IEMC: Homeland Security Preparedness and Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 920 IEMC: Hazardous Materials Preparedness and

Response Preparedness - Exercises

E 930 IEMC: Community-Specific Preparedness - Exercises

E 947 Emergency Operations Center (EOC)-Incident 

Management Team (IMT) Interface Command and Management

E 950 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Incident Commander Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 951 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Incident Commander TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 953 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 954 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Safety Officer Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 955 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Safety Officer TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 956 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 957 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 958 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 959 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 960 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 962 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Planning Section Chief Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 963 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Planning Section Chief TTT Command and Management - 
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 72

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

Incident Command System

E 964 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 965 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 967 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 968 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 969 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 970 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 971 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 973 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Section 

Chief

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 974 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration TTT Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E 975 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit 

Leader 

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

E/L 949 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader 

TTT Preparedness - Training

E/L 961 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor TTT Preparedness - Training

E/L 966 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E/L 972 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E/L 976 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit 

Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E/L 977 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

E/L 978 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader TTT Preparedness - Training

F 321 Incident Command for High-rise Operations (ICHO) Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

F 322 Incident Command System for Structural Collapse 

Incidents (ICSSCI)

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

F 549 Emergency Response to Terrorism: Strategic and 

Tactical Considerations for Supervisors (ERT:STCS)

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

F 729 Incident Safety Officer (ISO) Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

F 806 NIMS-Incident Command System for the Fire Service Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 110 Emergency Management Operations Course (EMOC) Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

G 135 Exercise Control/Simulation Preparedness - Exercises

G 137 Exercise Program Manager/Management Preparedness - Exercises

G 138 Exercise Practicum for the Master Exercise Practitioner Preparedness - Exercises

G 146 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program 

(HSEEP) Training Preparedness - Exercises

G 147 Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program Preparedness - Exercises
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 73

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

(HSEEP) Training TTT

G 191 Incident Command System/Emergency Operations 

Center Interface (ICS/EOC)

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 194.1 Local Floodplain Manager Roles and Responsibilities Preparedness - Mitigation

G 194.2 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Rules and 

Regulations in Depth Preparedness - Mitigation

G 194.3 Letters of Map Change Preparedness - Mitigation

G 194.4 Preparing for Post-Disaster Responsibilities Preparedness

G 202 Debris Management Planning for State and Local 

Officials Preparedness

G 265 Instructional Delivery Skills Preparedness - Training

G 273 Managing Floodplain Development Through the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

Preparedness - Mitigation

G 277 Residential Coastal Construction Preparedness - Mitigation

G 278 Benefit-Cost Analysis: Entry-Level Preparedness - Mitigation

G 279 Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Buildings Preparedness - Mitigation

G 285 Benefit-Cost Analysis Using LD Module: Intermediate 

Training Preparedness - Mitigation

G 288 Local Volunteer and Donations Resource Management

G 289 Public Information Officer Awareness Command and Management -

Public Information

G 290 Basic Public Information Officer Command and Management -

Public Information

G 291 Joint Information System/Center Planning for State and 

Local PIOs

Command and Management -

Public Information

G 300 ICS 300: Intermediate Incident Command System for 

Expanding Incidents

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 310 Weapons of Mass Destruction Tabletop Exercises Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.01 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Nuclear Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.02 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Radiological Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.03 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Chemical-Sarin Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.04 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Chemical VX Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.05 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Biological-Anthrax 

Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 310.06 Weapons of Mass Destruction: Suicide Bomber 

Scenario Preparedness - Exercises

G 318 Mitigation Planning Workshop for Local Governments Preparedness - Mitigation

G 357 Emergency Response to Criminal and Terrorist Incidents Preparedness - Planning

G 358 Evacuation and Re-Entry Planning Preparedness - Planning

G 363 Hurricane Readiness for Coastal Communities Preparedness - Planning

G 386 Mass Fatalities Incident Response Preparedness - Planning

G 400 ICS 400: Advanced Incident Command System, 

Command and General Staff, Complex Incidents

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

G 402 Incident Command System (ICS) Overview for 

Executives and Senior Officials, ICS-402

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 74

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

G 408 Homeland Security Planning for Local Governments Preparedness - Planning

G 434.A Earthquake: Safety Program for Schools Preparedness - Mitigation

G 436 Tremor Troops: A Teacher's Package for K-6 Preparedness - Training

G 439 Seismic Sleuths: A Teacher’s Package on Earthquakes 

TTT Preparedness - Mitigation

G 575 Communications Interoperability Communications and Information 

Management

G 775 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and

Operations 

Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System

IS 005.A An Introduction to Hazardous Materials Preparedness

IS 007.A A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance Preparedness

IS 008.A Building for Earthquakes of Tomorrow: Complying w/EO 

12699 Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 010 Animals in Disaster - Module A - Awareness and

Preparedness Preparedness

IS 011 Animals in Disaster - Module B - Community Planning Preparedness

IS 15.a Special Events Contingency Planning Preparedness - Planning

IS 022 Are you Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen 

Preparedness Preparedness - Training

IS 031 eGrants for States and Tribes Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 055 Household Hazardous Materials Preparedness

IS 100 Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS) Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.HC Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Healthcare/Hospitals

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.PW Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Public Works

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.LE Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Law Enforcement

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.HE Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Higher Education

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 100.SC Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 

for Schools

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 111 Livestock in Disaster Preparedness

IS 130 Exercise Evaluation and Improvement Planning Preparedness - Exercises

IS 197.SP Special Needs Planning Considerations for Service and 

Support Providers Preparedness - Planning

IS 200 Incident Command System for Single Resources and 

Initial Action Incidents

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

IS 230.a Fundamentals of Emergency Management Preparedness - Training

IS 240 Leadership and Influence Preparedness - Training

IS 241 Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Preparedness - Training

IS 242 Effective Communication Preparedness - Training

IS 244 Developing and Managing Volunteers Resource Management

IS 250 Emergency Support Function (ESF) #15 External Affairs: 

A New Approach to Emergency Communication and 

Command and Management -

Public Information
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 75

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

Information

IS 271 Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 279 Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting 

Flood-Prone Residential Structures Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 317 Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team 

(CERT) Preparedness

IS 324 Community Hurricane Preparedness Preparedness - Planning

IS 331 Introduction to Radiological Emergency Preparedness 

(REP) Exercise Evaluation Preparedness

IS 340 Hazardous Materials Prevention and Planning Preparedness - Planning

IS 346 Orientation to Hazardous Materials for Medical 

Personnel Preparedness

IS 362 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Schools Preparedness - Planning

IS 386 Introduction to Residential Coastal Construction Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 393.A Introduction to Hazard Mitigation Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 394.A Protecting Your Home or Small Business from Disaster Preparedness - Mitigation

IS 520 Introduction to COOP Planning for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness - Planning

IS 546.A Continuity of Operations (COOP) Awareness Preparedness - Planning

IS 548 COOP Managers Training Preparedness - Planning

IS 650 Building Partnerships with Governments Preparedness

IS 700 NIMS, An Introduction Preparedness

IS 701 Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS) Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

IS 702 National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Public 

Information Systems

Command and Management 

Public Information

IS 703 NIMS Resource Management Resource Management

IS 704 NIMS Communication and Information Management 

System

Communications and Information 

Management

IS 706 National Incident Management System (NIMS), 

Intrastate Mutual Aid, An Introduction Resource Management

IS 775 EOC Management and Operations Command and Management -

Multiagency Coordination System 

IS 807 ESF #7 - Logistics Management and Resource Support Preparedness - Planning

IS 808 ESF #8 - Public Health and Medical Services Preparedness - Planning

IS 809 ESF #9 - Search and Rescue Preparedness - Planning

IS 810 ESF #10 - Oil and Hazardous Materials Resources Preparedness - Planning

IS 811 ESF #11 - Agriculture and Natural Resources Preparedness - Planning

IS 812 ESF #12 - Energy Preparedness - Planning

IS 813 ESF #13 - Public Safety and Security Preparedness - Planning

IS 814 ESF #14 - Long-Term Community Recovery Preparedness - Planning

IS 820 Introduction to National Response Framework (NRF) 

Support Annexes Preparedness - Planning

IS 821 Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Preparedness - Planning

IS 831 NRF Support Annex: Biological Incident Preparedness - Planning
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 76

NIMS Training Program

Course

Association to NIMS

Code Number Title

IS 832 NRF Support Annex: Catastrophic Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 833 NRF Support Annex: Cyber Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 834 NRF Support Annex: Food and Agriculture Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 835 NRF Support Annex: Mass Evacuation Incident Preparedness - Planning

IS 836 Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex Preparedness - Planning

IS 837 NRF Incident Annex: Terrorism Incident Law 

Enforcement and Investigation Preparedness - Planning

IS 860.a National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) Preparedness - Planning

K 606 Evaluation of Training Preparedness - Training

L 324 Hurricane Planning Preparedness - Planning

L 363 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education Preparedness - Planning

L 460 The Role of Community Officials in Emergency 

Management Preparedness

L 522 Continuity of Operations for Governments Preparedness Planning

L 945 State IEMC National Response Framework (NRF) Preparedness - Exercises

R 243 Hazardous Materials Incident Management Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

R 306 Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in 

Emergency Management Preparedness - Training

R 308 Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at 

Natural and Man-Made Disasters Preparedness - Training

R 312 Command and Control of Incident Operations Command and Management - 

Incident Command System

R 314 Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at 

Target Hazards Preparedness - Training

R 825 Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at 

Target Hazards [Volunteer Incentive Program] Preparedness - Training

R 831 Command and Control of Incident Operations [Volunteer 

Incentive Program] 

Command and Management - 

Incident Command System
APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 77

NIMS Training Program

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APPENDIX C: FEMA-SPONSORED, NIMS COURSEWORK

September 2011 78

NIMS Training Program