National Incident 

Management System

Training Program 

May 2020

FEMA
NIMS Training Program

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Table of Contents

I. Background................................................................................................. 3

II. Introduction and Overview.............................................................................. 4

A. Introduction................................................................................................ 4

B. Audience..................................................................................................... 4

C. National Approach to NIMS Implementation....................................................... 5

D. NIMS Training Responsibilities........................................................................ 5

E. Personnel Qualifications................................................................................. 8

III. NIMS Core Curriculum................................................................................. 10

A. Overview................................................................................................... 10

B. ICS Training Progression............................................................................... 13

C. EOC Training Progression............................................................................. 15

D. JIS/PIO Training Progression........................................................................ 17

E. MAC Group Training Progression.................................................................. 20

IV. Organizational Training Program Development.................................................. 22

A. Developing an Organizational Training Plan...................................................... 22

B. Training Recommendations........................................................................... 22

C. Defining Organizational Training Priorities....................................................... 22

D. Organizational Training Plan Design Considerations............................................ 23

E. Instructor Qualifications............................................................................... 25

F. NIMS Training Course Equivalency................................................................. 26

G. Refresher Training Recommendations.............................................................. 26

Appendix A. Resources......................................................................................... 27

Appendix B. Additional Advanced Training............................................................... 30

Appendix C. Summary of Training Recommendations................................................. 34

Appendix D. Glossary.......................................................................................... 38

Appendix E. Abbreviations.................................................................................... 40
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I. Background

Each day across the nation, communities experience incidents and disasters that require an 

effective response from local agencies working across jurisdictions and using similar processes 

and systems. FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS) provides principles, 

structures, and processes that link the nation’s responders together, enabling them to meet 

challenges that are beyond the capacity of any single jurisdiction or organization.

The effectiveness of NIMS hinges on how well incident personnel at all levels understand their 

roles and responsibilities. Training is critical to building a common understanding and ensuring 

that responders apply NIMS concepts across state, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions and 

partners.

NIMS training is one piece of a comprehensive incident management program involving a 

continuous cycle of planning, organizing, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective 

actions.

In 2017, FEMA revised NIMS to incorporate lessons learned, best practices, and changes in 

national policy, including updates to the National Preparedness System.1 This NIMS Training 

Program incorporates the revised NIMS content and clarifies recommended training for incident 

personnel. This training program supersedes all prior versions of NIMS training and the Five-Year 

NIMS Training Plan.

1 The National Preparedness System outlines an organized process to help the whole community achieve the National 

Preparedness Goal (NPG). It comprises and explains existing policies, programs, and guidance, including the National 

Planning Frameworks, Federal Interagency Operational Plans, and National Preparedness Report.
NIMS Training Program

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II. Introduction and Overview

A. Introduction

NIMS provides stakeholders across the United States with shared vocabulary, systems, and 

processes to successfully deliver the capabilities described in the National Preparedness System. It 

defines systems and structures—including the Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency 

Operations Center (EOC), and Multiagency Coordination Group (MAC Group)—that guide how 

personnel work together during incidents.

Successful, unified efforts require qualified incident personnel who understand their respective 

roles in these systems. Incident personnel includes all individuals who have roles in incident 

management or support, whether on-scene, in an EOC, or through a MAC Group. 

This training program outlines a path for developing and maintaining NIMS and provides guidance 

for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in developing their training plans. The NIMS Training 

Program has the following objectives: 

1. Describe the national approach to NIMS training;

2. Define NIMS training for all incident personnel;

3. Provide guidance to individuals and organizations wishing to pursue advanced qualifications;

4. Define components of an organizational training plan; and

5. Define roles and responsibilities at all levels to provide consistent NIMS training on a national

scale.

This NIMS Training Program defines a national baseline to guide and promote NIMS training. It 

provides recommendations to assist AHJs in developing their own training plans, tailored to their 

specific needs. 

B. Audience

The audience for the NIMS Training Program consists of administrators and officers responsible 

for establishing organizational training requirements and training policies for incident personnel at 

all levels. 

Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 (HSPD-5) directs Federal agencies to adopt NIMS and 

encourages all other stakeholders to do the same—state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, 

private sector organizations, critical infrastructure owners and operators, and Nongovernmental 

Organizations (NGO) involved in incident management and support. The NIMS Training Program

defines the minimum NIMS training referenced in the NIMS Implementation Objectives,2 which 

present the NIMS implementation criteria for FEMA preparedness grants. 

2 To find the NIMS Implementation Objectives, see https://www.fema.gov/implementation-guidance-and-reporting.
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C. National Approach to NIMS Implementation

The interconnectivity of NIMS components allows personnel in diverse geographic areas with 

differing roles and responsibilities and operating within various functions of ICS or EOCs to 

integrate their efforts using a common set of structures, terminologies, and processes. Since 

incident management is decentralized, collaborative efforts across state, local, tribal, territorial, 

Federal, nonprofit, and private sector organizations are important. 

Training delivery is also decentralized, and effective training is crucial to ensure that all personnel 

and organizations understand their incident responsibilities and are able to collaborate and respond. 

The NIMS Implementation Objectives for Local, State, Tribal, and Territorial Jurisdictions3

document reflects the concepts and principles contained within NIMS. It provides goals for state, 

local, tribal, and territorial governments to pursue to promote consistency nationwide. The 

implementation objectives clarify the NIMS implementation requirements in FEMA preparedness 

grant notices of funding opportunity (NOFO). Federal departments and agencies, which also play 

an important role in effective NIMS implementation, can refer to the NIMS Implementation 

Objectives and Metrics for Federal Departments and Agencies.

As recipients and subrecipients of Federal preparedness grants, jurisdictions and organizations 

must achieve, or be actively working to achieve, all of the NIMS Implementation Objectives. 

These objectives require AHJs to ensure that all incident personnel receive training pertinent to 

their incident responsibilities, in alignment with the NIMS Training Program.

NIMS implementation does not affect any public assistance or other Federal funding that an 

organization or community would receive in the wake of a disaster or other emergency. FEMA 

provides grants to prepare state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and first responders—as 

well as ports, transit systems, and nonprofit organizations—to protect against, prevent, respond to, 

and recover from a variety of man-made and natural disasters. Preparedness grants allow these 

entities to develop and maintain lifesaving capabilities in advance of a catastrophic event through 

planning, purchasing equipment, providing training, conducting exercises, hiring personnel, and 

supporting operational costs. 

D. NIMS Training Responsibilities 

Extensive coordination at all levels is necessary to provide consistent NIMS training on a national 

scale. Because no single training or education provider can serve all needs across the nation, NIMS 

training exists as a component of the National Training and Education System (NTES)—a network 

of students, training providers, and higher education partners building a more secure and resilient 

nation. This NIMS Training Program sets forth an NTES-consistent approach to NIMS training, 

including outlining specific activities. 

Developing, maintaining, and sustaining a training program that prepares all incident personnel to 

understand their responsibilities and work together during incidents involves many players. Their 

key roles and responsibilities are described below. 

3 To find the NIMS Implementation Objectives, see https://www.fema.gov/implementation-guidance-and-reporting
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FEMA 

FEMA is responsible for the following: 

• Managing and maintaining NIMS4;

• Defining the NIMS Implementation Objectives;

• Defining minimum NIMS training requirements for incident personnel, facilitating a

coordinated national response;

• Collaborating with stakeholders to lead the development and refinement of NIMS operational

tools and supporting guidance, including this training program;

• Issuing certificates of completion for individuals who complete FEMA-delivered courses; and

• Defining minimum qualification criteria, including minimum training for many deployable

positions that are included in the National Qualification System (NQS).

NQS promotes interoperability by establishing a common language for defining job titles, and by 

enabling AHJs to plan for, request, and have confidence in the capabilities of incident personnel 

deployed from other entities through mutual aid agreements and compacts. 

Additionally, for organizations that opt to participate in NQS, FEMA maintains NQS-specific 

guidance5, including the following resources: 

• NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System – This document describes the

components of a qualification and certification system, defines a process for certifying the

qualifications of incident personnel, describes how to establish and implement a peer review

process, and introduces the process of credentialing personnel.

• NIMS Job Titles/Position Qualifications – These resource typing documents define the

minimum criteria that personnel serving in specific incident-related positions must meet before

deploying to an incident. These criteria not only define required capabilities, but also describe

specific education, training, experience, physical/medical fitness, currency, and professional

and technical licenses and certifications, when appropriate.

• NQS Position Task Books (PTB) – These documents identify the competencies, behaviors, and

tasks that personnel should use in a performance-based approach to qualify for a defined

position. PTBs pair with NIMS Job Titles/Position Qualifications to define the minimum

qualification criteria for NQS positions.

• EOC Skillsets – An EOC Skillset describes an EOC function in terms of discrete

responsibilities aligned with demonstrable tasks. Skillsets can either reflect a function in an

EOC (such as Planning) or a level of responsibility (such as Leadership). Leaders use EOC

Skillsets to construct EOC PTBs.

4 See 6 U.S.C. § 319(b)(1).

5 To find NQS supplemental guidance and tools, see https://www.fema.gov/national-qualification-system.
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• Emergency Operations Center Skillsets User Guide – This document explains what EOC

Skillsets are and how to use them to construct EOC PTBs, supporting the qualification and

certification of EOC personnel.

NQS directly supports FEMA’s strategic plan to build a national incident workforce. It also serves 

as a tool to help AHJs meet the NIMS Implementation Objectives for incident workforce 

development. FEMA recommends that AHJs develop or participate in a qualification, certification,

and credentialing program that aligns with NQS.

Authority Having Jurisdiction 

An AHJ is an entity that can create and administer processes to qualify, certify, and credential 

personnel for incident-related positions. AHJs include state, tribal, territorial, and Federal 

government departments and agencies, along with training commissions, NGOs, companies, and 

local organizations such as police, fire, public health, and public works departments. 

AHJs build on FEMA’s minimum NIMS training standards and recommendations to determine 

training necessary for incident personnel under their purview. AHJs are responsible for the 

following: 

• Specifying NIMS training requirements beyond FEMA’s minimum standards, as appropriate;

• Establishing training and experience standards for instructors;

• Certifying instructors that meet the AHJ’s standards;

• Determining necessary refresher training for personnel;

• Issuing training certificates for non-FEMA courses;

• Determining equivalency of third-party training courses by validating that they meet or exceed

the FEMA-approved curriculum; and

• When implementing NQS: Referring to the NIMS Guideline for the NQS, NQS Job

Titles/Position Qualifications, and NQS PTBs.

Other Federal Departments and Agencies 

Other Federal departments and agencies are responsible for all AHJ responsibilities, plus the 

following: 

• Ensuring NIMS implementation within their organization;

• Ensuring that recipients of Federal preparedness grants and contracts under their administration

are implementing NIMS, as outlined in the NIMS Implementation Objectives and Metrics for

Federal Departments and Agencies; and

• Identifying the Emergency Support Function (ESF) capabilities, roles, and tasks that enable

them to fulfill their authorities/responsibilities.

Implementing Organizations 

State, local, tribal, territorial, Federal, and private sector stakeholders are responsible for the 

following: 
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• Developing and maintaining an organizational training plan, in coordination with local

emergency management plans;

• Establishing guidance for additional training;

• Ensuring that personnel meet the minimum training standards;

• Identifying the appropriate personnel to receive NIMS training based on their level of incident

responsibility, in coordination with local emergency management plans;

• Communicating NIMS training requirements to personnel;

• Maintaining training records;

• Ensuring that courses delivered meet FEMA’s minimum standards;

• Encouraging partner organizations, including NGOs and private sector entities with roles in

incident management, to participate in NIMS training; and

• When implementing NQS: Developing a qualification and certification process consistent with

the NIMS Guideline for the NQS.

Instructors 

Instructors are responsible for the following: 

• Maintaining appropriate qualifications; and

• Incorporating revised training content into courses when updates are available.

Incident Personnel 

Incident personnel are responsible for the following: 

• Completing NIMS training according to their level of incident responsibility; and

• Providing training records/certificates to their organization.

E. Personnel Qualifications

NIMS uses a performance-based approach to guide responders’ professional development and 

ensure that personnel deployed through mutual aid have the knowledge, experience, training, and 

capability to fulfill their assigned roles. Qualifying, certifying, and credentialing are essential steps 

that help prepare personnel to perform their assigned duties in a variety of environments. 

Common personnel qualifications provide a consistent national baseline for certifying and 

credentialing incident management, incident support, and emergency management personnel (see 

Figure 1). FEMA publishes minimum training requirements for specific positions in documents 

called Job Titles/Position Qualifications. The Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT)6is a master 

resource catalog that includes national resource typing definitions and Job Titles/Position 

Qualifications for commonly shared and deployed resources across all core capabilities. This

6 To access the RTLT, visit https://www.fema.gov/resource-management-mutual-aid.
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catalog supports a common language for mobilizing resources before, during, and after major 

incidents. 

Resource users at all levels can use these definitions when identifying and inventorying their 

resources for capability estimation, planning, and mobilization during mutual aid efforts. The 

RTLT has the functionality of a web services Application Programming Interface (API), which 

allows third-party systems to receive data from the master resource catalog to populate and update 

a jurisdiction’s own resource catalog.

Figure 1: Qualification, Certification, and Credentialing of Incident Personnel

National Qualification System (NQS)

The NIMS Guideline for the NQS expands on NIMS by providing specific instructions for building a 

qualification system that aligns personnel capabilities with national guidelines for minimum qualification 

criteria. Implementing NQS helps ensure that personnel deploying through mutual aid agreements have the 

knowledge, experience, training, and capability to perform the duties of their requested roles. 

NQS also explains how jurisdictions can use PTBs and EOC Skillsets as performance-based tools for 

personnel qualification.
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III. NIMS Core Curriculum

A. Overview

NIMS training develops incident personnel capable of performing necessary functions in their AHJ

and assisting when mutual aid is necessary. Because incident personnel have diverse 

responsibilities and different knowledge and skill requirements, the NIMS Training Program

provides customized training progressions for personnel in each of the four NIMS Command and 

Coordination systems: 

1. ICS – responsible for tactical activities on-scene

2. EOC – responsible for operational and strategic coordination, resource acquisition, and

information gathering, analysis, and sharing

3. Public Information Officers (PIO) operating within the Joint Information System (JIS) –

responsible for outreach and communication to the media and public

• JIS ICS PIOs

• JIS EOC PIOs

4. MAC Group – responsible for policy guidance and senior-level decision-making

These systems guide how personnel work together during incidents. Courses for these systems are 

organized into Focus Areas. Focus Area training progressions include baseline training for all 

personnel, multiple levels of supervisory training based on an individual’s level of incident 

responsibility, and advanced training for individuals seeking advanced position qualifications. See 

Figure 2. 

An AHJ may determine that additional, advanced training is necessary to meet the requirements 

for a qualification program (such as NQS), but FEMA does not require this additional training for 

preparedness grant eligibility. 

Each AHJ determines which personnel will take which courses. Organizational leaders should base 

their determination on an individual’s level of incident responsibility and the organization’s 

relevant emergency management plans. AHJs should coordinate their efforts with local and state 

emergency management agencies. 

Individual Level of Incident Responsibility 

NIMS Training Program training guidelines are based on an individual’s level of incident responsibility rather 

than on agency, rank, or discipline. This is because of variations in position responsibilities across different 

organizations. An individual’s level of incident responsibility includes both the position within the incident 

management structure and the incident’s complexity. 
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Regardless of Focus Area, all NIMS training falls into three basic categories, which share many of 

the same foundational courses7:

• All Incident Personnel: Associated courses provide the foundational knowledge to help

nonsupervisory incident personnel understand where they fit in the overall incident structure.

Many incident personnel never advance beyond these baseline courses.

• Incident Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities: Associated courses provide additional

background on external incident management systems for mid-level incident personnel

responsible for establishing the initial incident command or for those preparing for a future

supervisory role.

• Incident Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors: Courses provide enhanced

knowledge and increased comfort in using NIMS structures and processes, for senior level

incident personnel. Trainees are typically those designated as ICS or EOC leaders/supervisors

for large or complex incidents that extend beyond a single operational period and generate an

Incident Action Plan (IAP).

7 Emergency Management Institute (EMI) course codes:

IS = independent study online

G = EMI-developed course delivered by state, local, tribal, and territorial instructors

E = EMI resident course delivered at EMI’s campus

L = EMI resident course delivered offsite

K = EMI resident course delivered via Adobe Connect

V = EMI resident course delivered via video teleconference

NFA = National Fire Academy course
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Personnel should complete all courses for their Focus Area and level. Advanced training is 

available for all Focus Areas but is not necessary for FEMA preparedness grant eligibility. AHJs

may have additional requirements. See Appendix B for more information.

Figure 2: Preparedness Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Criteria
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B. ICS Training Progression 

Personnel who will operate within ICS (field personnel) follow the ICS training progression. Each 

AHJ determines how far individuals need to progress based on their role within ICS and the size 

and complexity of the incident. See Figure 3 for details.

Figure 3: ICS Training Progression

All ICS Personnel: All incident personnel working within the ICS should complete the following 

courses for foundational knowledge of incident response:

• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS

and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.

• IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces

NIMS concepts and principles.

ICS Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities: Supervisory personnel working within the ICS 

should complete the following courses for additional background in incident management systems 

with leadership responsibilities:

• IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants

to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework (NRF).

• IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 – This course enables

personnel to operate efficiently within the ICS during an incident or event.

ICS Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors: Leaders who could be responsible in 

complex incidents should complete this level of training. These courses apply higher-level 

concepts, methods, and tools for larger, more complex incidents:
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• G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course

provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin

developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.

• E/L/G0300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents, ICS-300 – This

course provides training for personnel who require advanced ICS knowledge.

‒ FEMA recommends that students take the two-day classroom version of ICS-200 before

attending ICS-300 to ensure they have the foundational knowledge necessary to be 

successful in ICS-300.

• E/L/G0400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff–Complex

Incidents, ICS-400 – This course provides training in managing large, complex incidents or

events.

‒ FEMA recommends that students not take ICS-400 immediately following ICS-300 but

instead wait to take ICS-400 after gaining additional ICS experience.

ICS Advanced Training: This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA 

preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will broaden their

understanding of emergency management concepts:

• E/L0950-0987 – See Appendix B for additional advanced training options.

• O-0305: U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)/National Fire Academy (NFA) Type 3 All-Hazards

Incident Management Team (AHIMT) – Type 3 AHIMT training develops state, regional, and

tribal AHIMTs who can function under NIMS during a large or complex incident or major

event. This course is designed for those who are assigned to function in a Type 3 AHIMT

during a large/complex incident, typically one covering multiple operational periods.
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C. EOC Training Progression 

Personnel who staff an EOC follow the EOC training progression. Each AHJ determines how far 

individuals need to progress based on their role within the EOC and the size and complexity of 

incidents they will support. See Figure 4 for details. 

Figure 4: EOC Training Progression

All EOC Personnel: All incident personnel working within an EOC should complete the 

following courses for foundational knowledge of incident response:

• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS

and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.

• IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces

NIMS concepts and principles.

EOC Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities: Supervisory personnel working within an 

EOC should complete the following courses for additional background in incident management 

systems with leadership responsibilities:

• IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants

to the concepts and principles of the NRF.

• IS-2200: Basic EOC Functions – This course prepares incident personnel working in an EOC

to understand the role and functions of an EOC during incident response and the transition to

recovery.

‒ FEMA recommends that personnel with leadership responsibilities in an EOC complete IS2200 instead of IS-200.

• G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course

provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin

developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.
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EOC Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors: EOC leaders need enhanced knowledge. 

This course applies higher-level concepts, methods, and tools for larger, more complex incidents:

• E/L/G2300: Intermediate EOC Functions – This course describes the role, design, and function

of EOCs as components of a Multiagency Coordination System (MACS).

EOC Advanced Training: This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA 

preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will broaden their

understanding of emergency management concepts:

• FEMA’s Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) – This program includes

three academies: Basic, Advanced, and Executive.

• Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) –

This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.

• See Appendix B for more details.
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D. JIS/PIO Training Progression 

The JIS integrates incident information and public affairs into a cohesive organization to provide 

coordinated and complete information before, during, and after incidents. A JIS cuts across the 

three levels of incident management (on-scene/tactical, center/coordination, and policy/strategic) 

and helps ensure coordinated messaging among all incident personnel.

JIS/PIO personnel,

8 whether assigned to work in an ICS or an EOC environment, should follow the 

JIS/PIO Training Progression. Each AHJ determines how far individuals need to progress based on 

their role within incident command, and the size and complexity of incidents they are preparing 

for. See Figure 5 for details.

Figure 5: JIS/PIO Training Progression

All JIS/PIO Personnel: These courses provide baseline training for all incident JIS personnel. 

Some personnel assigned to JIS roles but not assigned as a PIO may not progress beyond these 

courses. For those who do, these courses provide the foundation upon which higher-level training 

builds:

• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS

and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.

• IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces

NIMS concepts and principles.

8

JIS/PIO personnel have a variety of titles, including PIO, External Affairs, Public Affairs, or an assigned ESF title. 

The NIMS Training Program uses JIS/PIO to cover all titles of staff working in an ICS, EOC, Joint Information Center 

(JIC), or MAC Group.
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• IS-29: Public Information Officer Awareness – This course provides introductory information

for JIS personnel.

JIS/PIO Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities: These courses provide basic training for

JIS personnel with leadership responsibilities—not only individuals serving in designated 

leadership positions, but also personnel preparing for a future supervisory role:

• IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants

to the concepts and principles of the NRF.

• IS-2200: Basic EOC Functions – This course prepares incident personnel working in an EOC

to understand the role and functions of an EOC during incident response and the transition to

recovery.

‒ FEMA recommends that EOC PIOs complete IS-2200 instead of IS-200.

• IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 – This course enables

personnel to operate efficiently within the ICS during an incident or event.

‒ FEMA recommends that ICS PIOs complete IS-200 instead of IS-2200.

• G0290: Basic Public Information Officer – This course prepares participants to function as

PIOs.

JIS/PIO Personnel Designated as Leaders/Supervisors: These courses, designed for JIS leaders 

and supervisors—such as EOC PIOs or PIOs rostered on an Incident Management Team (IMT)—

apply higher-level concepts, methods, and tools for larger, more complex incidents:

• G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course

provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin

developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.

• E/L/G2300: Intermediate EOC Functions – This course describes the role, design, and function

of EOCs as components of a MACS.

‒ FEMA recommends that EOC PIOs complete E/L/G2300 instead of E/L/G0300.

• E/L/G0300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents, ICS-300 – This course provides

training for personnel who require advanced ICS knowledge.

‒ FEMA recommends that ICS PIOs complete E/L/G0300 instead of E/L/G2300.

‒ FEMA recommends that students take the two-day classroom version of ICS-200 before

attending ICS-300 to ensure they have the foundational knowledge necessary to be 

successful in ICS-300.
19

• E/L/G0400: Advanced Incident Command System for Command and General Staff–Complex

Incidents, ICS-400 – This course provides training in managing large, complex incidents or

events.

‒ FEMA recommends that students not take ICS-400 immediately following ICS-300 but

instead wait to take ICS-400 after gaining additional ICS experience.

JIS/PIO Advanced Training: This training is above and beyond what is necessary for FEMA 

preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will gain exposure 

to and understanding of broader emergency management concepts:

• E0388: Advanced Public Information Officer – This course focuses on PIO responsibilities in

large-scale emergency situations, especially escalating incidents, and includes incident action

planning related to the JIC.

• EMI IEMC – This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.

• E/L0952: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer – This course focuses on

developing a strong set of core PIO skills.

• O-0305: U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)/National Fire Academy (NFA) Type 3 All-Hazards

Incident Management Team (AHIMT) – Type 3 AHIMT training develops state, regional, and

tribal AHIMTs who can function under NIMS during a large or complex incident or major

event. This course is designed for those who are assigned to function in a Type 3 AHIMT

during a large/complex incident, typically one covering multiple operational periods.

• See Appendix B for additional advanced training options for JIS/PIO leaders and supervisors.
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E. MAC Group Training Progression 

MAC Groups, sometimes called Policy Groups, typically consist of agency administrators or 

organizational executives or their designees.

Executives and senior officials, whether elected or appointed, must have a clear understanding of 

their roles and responsibilities for successful emergency management and incident response. To 

that end, it is vital that they receive NIMS training.

Figure 6 details the training progression for individuals in a MAC Group.

Figure 6: MAC Group Training Progression

All MAC Group Personnel: One course provides baseline training for senior officials. In 

addition, MAC Group personnel need a briefing from the emergency management director:

• G0402/ICS-402: ICS Overview for Senior Officials (Executives, Elected, and Appointed) –

This course provides an orientation to NIMS components for senior officials.

• Briefing from the emergency management director – MAC Group members should meet with

their emergency management director to understand the jurisdiction’s threats and hazards, as

well as their role in emergency response.
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MAC Group Advanced Training: This training is above and beyond what is necessary for 

FEMA preparedness grant eligibility. Students participating in these advanced courses will 

broaden their understanding of emergency management concepts:

• G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course

provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin

developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.

• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS

and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.

• IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces

NIMS concepts and principles.

• EMI IEMC – This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.

• See Appendix B for additional advanced training options.
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IV. Organizational Training Program

Development

A. Developing an Organizational Training Plan 

An organizational training plan identifies training requirements to support the development and 

maintenance of capabilities for all of the organization’s personnel. Within FEMA, this plan is a 

roadmap for building the capabilities necessary to meet the community’s identified risks. It is 

important that organizations design their training plan around specific organizational requirements 

as well as NIMS training recommendations. Organizational leaders should also note the following: 

• Their personnel might fall under multiple training programs, at state, local, tribal, territorial

and organizational levels;

• They should contact their AHJ for additional training requirements; and

• If they follow the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) approach,

they could combine the development of their organizational training plan with their HSEEP

planning and produce an integrated multiyear Training and Exercise Plan (TEP).

B. Training Recommendations

FEMA sets forth baseline training recommendations in this NIMS Training Program and in the 

NQS Job Titles/Position Qualifications. When developing their training plan, organizations should 

consider additional requirements, including: 

• Discipline-specific licensure, certification, and accreditation requirements;

• Compliance with federal preparedness grant and contract funding requirements;

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations;

• Other state, local, tribal, territorial, or Federal regulations, standards, and guidance; and

• Consensus codes and standards from professional associations.

C. Defining Organizational Training Priorities

A training plan should reflect the organization’s mission, leadership priorities, threats, hazards, and 

equipment, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Other things that influence 

organizational training priorities include organizational structure and matters such as legal, 

cultural, budgetary, political, and geographic factors, personnel capacity, operational plans, and 

exercise requirements. 
23

D. Organizational Training Plan Design Considerations 

Organizations should design their training plan around both NIMS training recommendations and 

specific organizational requirements. An organizational training plan defines the capabilities that 

the organization will develop and maintain. The plan should identify specific positions and 

personnel necessary for fulfilling these defined capabilities. 

Some incident positions have defined training needs. Tools like NQS Job Titles/Position 

Qualifications, NQS PTBs, the RTLT, and EOC Skillsets are potential resources for determining 

recommended training. 

Organizational training plans should detail training requirements, how individuals will obtain 

training, and how the organization will track completions. The tracking process will also help the 

organization assess risk associated with untrained incident personnel. 

The training plan should define how personnel will maintain their skills to stay current with core 

concepts and emerging practices in the field. This may include periodic retraining, continuing 

education, or other training as determined by the AHJ. 

The training plan should follow a multiyear approach. Resource constraints will likely make it 

difficult to achieve all capability targets simultaneously. As outlined in HSEEP doctrine, exercises 

provide opportunities to assess and validate capabilities and identify areas that need improvement. 

The training plan should harmonize with plans from all stakeholder organizations associated with 

incident personnel.

The organization’s training plan should focus on defining training priorities, necessary capabilities, 

and position training recommendations. Subordinate organizations (such as a department within a 

local government or an office within an agency) can then carry out tasks such as identifying 

individual training needs, prioritizing training activities, and scheduling personnel for courses. 

AHJs employing this approach should still develop a centralized method for managing their NIMS 

training plan, including monitoring supporting activities and outcomes. 

Not All Training Requires Formal Classroom Instruction 

Formal education/training is not always the best way to obtain and maintain competencies and 

behaviors. On-the-job training and hands-on practical experience can enhance, and sometimes 

replace, formal classroom instruction. Organizations may consider using planned events (such as 

sporting events, fairs, and so on) or exercise-based training as a means to train personnel in NIMS 

principles. Organizations should consider not only what training is necessary but also what method 

will best meet the training need. 

Components of a Training Plan 

An organization’s training plan may contain a variety of components. Regardless of the model it 

follows, a training plan should inform the end user and stakeholders of the following: 

• Audience for the training program;

• Training requirements by incident position;
NIMS Training Program

24

• Any directives, rules, statutes, or policies that drive training requirements;

• Training priorities and how the organization sets or maintains them;

• Frequency of plan changes or reviews;

• How the organization tracks training completion;

• Timelines for refresher trainings; and

• How new employees receive training.

Additional topics that organizations could add to their training plans include the following:

• Primary threats and hazards for the community;

• Necessary capabilities and resources, including people, money, and time;

• Identified capability gaps9;

• Timeline for the plan and the cycle to revise the plan;

• Course schedules and training providers;

• Methods and requirements for requesting, scheduling, and hosting training; and

• Constraints that impact the plan;

• Inclusion of the organization’s training plan as a component of their multiyear TEP developed

during the Training and Exercise Program Workshop (TEPW); and

• Method of assessing the training plan’s execution and achievements10 (for example, afteraction reports, improvement plans, or lessons learned from exercises and incident response).

Organizations could obtain additional assistance on developing a training plan from their local or

state emergency management agency or through FEMA’s regional offices.

11

9 A gap is a required capability that the jurisdiction does not have. Organizations can address gaps through internal 

development (planning, organizational changes, equipment, training, or exercises) or through external sourcing.

10 A continuous improvement program designed to show training strengths and weaknesses can help jurisdictions and 

organizations prioritize training gaps, improve the quality of training delivery, and provide feedback to FEMA for 

NIMS training improvements.

11 The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) maintains a list of state, territory, and tribal training coordinators at 

https://cdp.dhs.gov/contact/saa. To see a list of FEMA Regional NIMS Coordinators, visit 

https://www.fema.gov/fema-regional-nims-contacts.
25

E. Instructor Qualifications 

General ICS Instructor Guidelines 

FEMA is responsible for maintaining national guidelines for incident management training at all 

jurisdictional levels, including guidelines for ICS instructors. 

FEMA recommends that all ICS instructors complete E/L0449: Incident Command System 

Curricula Train-the-Trainer (TTT) or a similar course in preparation to deliver the curriculum. 

EMI requires that all ICS All-Hazards Position-Specific Training Program instructors complete 

TTT for the courses they are slated to teach. 

For additional course information, see the National Preparedness Course Catalog.12

Instructor Training13

AHJs have final say in determining their instructors’ qualifications and certifications. FEMA 

recommends that instructors hold certification from a recognized program of instruction or hold a 

recognized qualification in techniques of instruction and adult education methodologies. 

FEMA recommends as a best practice that instructors retake the prerequisite and primary courses 

that their organization has authorized them to instruct whenever new versions of these courses are 

released. Instructors do not need to retake select FEMA courses, such as TTT courses. 

Examples of instructor qualifications and courses include the following: 

• National Fire Academy (NFA) educational methodology course;

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Facilitative Instructor Course (M-410);

• Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) Instructor Training Course;

• State certified fire, rescue, law enforcement, or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) instructor

courses;

• FEMA EMI E/L0141: Instructional Presentation and Evaluation Skills;

• U.S. Army’s Small Group Instructor Training Course (SGITC);

• Army Basic Instructor Course (ABIC), formerly called the Total Army Instructor Training

Course (TAITC);

• State teaching certificate; or

• Advanced degree in education, educational psychology, technical education, or a related

program.

12 To find the National Preparedness Course Catalog, see https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/frts/npcc.

13 To find the NIMS ICS Instructor Qualifications, including general instructor training, instructor levels, operational 

and training experience, and course-specific qualifications, see https://training.fema.gov/nims/docs/nims ics instructor 

qualifications.pdf. Instructor requirements for FEMA contracted instructors are available here:

https://training.fema.gov/instructors/csr.aspx.
NIMS Training Program

26

Operational and Training Experience 

Instructors should be experienced incident managers with expertise in the subject matter they 

teach. AHJs set organizational requirements for incident experience. For example, an AHJ could 

require that all instructors have experience within the past five years in real-world incidents or in

exercises that lasted at least one operational period and that involved an IAP.

F. NIMS Training Course Equivalency 

FEMA’s NIMS course curriculum provides a baseline standard to ensure consistency in training.

Many of these FEMA-delivered courses have prerequisites, which are outlined in the National 

Preparedness Course Catalog.14

AHJs hosting non-FEMA NIMS courses are responsible for issuing course completion certificates. 

FEMA does not evaluate training from other sources to determine equivalency or similarity to 

standard NIMS training. AHJs should determine whether these training opportunities meet NIMS 

curriculum standards; an AHJ may accept or reject a course as equivalent to a FEMA course. 

Factors an AHJ should consider in determining whether a course or training event meets FEMA 

standards include the following: 

• Do the training requirements align with the appropriate PTB?

• Do the course objectives match?

• Is the time allocated to objectives similar to that of a FEMA course?

• Are the instructor qualifications similar to those outlined in the NIMS Training Program?

• Is there a valid post-course assessment to determine whether students achieved desired

outcomes?

FEMA encourages stakeholders to share training resources for NIMS implementation across the 

community. 

Training developers providing courses to meet NIMS training recommendations should ensure that 

curriculum and delivery meet or exceed the NIMS curriculum’s baseline standard. 

G. Refresher Training Recommendations 

Refresher training is important since skills, abilities, and knowledge lapse when individuals do not 

apply them directly and frequently. Due to changes in doctrine and policy, FEMA reviews and 

updates courses regularly, creating new course versions. FEMA recommends as a best practice that 

incident personnel refresh their NIMS training every three years or when new course versions 

come out. However, because resources may be limited, the AHJ, not FEMA, dictates any 

requirements for refresher training.

14 To find the National Preparedness Course Catalog, see https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/frts/npcc.
27

Appendix A. Resources 

Doctrine, Guidance, and Resources

• National Incident Management System (NIMS): NIMS defines the national terminology for

qualifying, certifying, and credentialing incident personnel. It also defines the operational

systems that guide the NIMS Training Program Focus Areas. At the NIMS webpage, users can

find links to NIMS documents and information on training, implementation, updates, and the

FEMA Regional NIMS Coordinators. https://www.fema.gov/national-incident-managementsystem

• NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System: This guide describes the

components of a qualification and certification system, defines a process for certifying the

qualifications of incident personnel, describes how to establish and implement a peer review

process, and introduces the process of credentialing personnel. https://www.fema.gov/nationalqualification-system

• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP): This program provides a

set of guiding principles for exercise programs, as well as a common approach to exercise

program management, design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.

https://www.fema.gov/hseep

• State, Territory, and Tribal Training Coordinators: States, territories, and tribal

jurisdictions appoint training officers to provide guidance and assistance related to training.

https://cdp.dhs.gov/contact/saa

• ICS Resource Center: EMI’s ICS Resource Center provides information and links to an

extensive array of ICS training materials, job aids, position checklists, and forms.

https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/index.htm

Training Consortium Resources

FEMA supports many national-level NIMS training providers, including the following:

• Emergency Management Institute (EMI): EMI supports the Department of Homeland

Security and FEMA’s goals by improving the ability of U.S. emergency management officials

at all levels of government to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and

mitigate the potential effects of all types of disasters and emergencies.

https://training.fema.gov/emi.aspx

• Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP): The CDP develops and delivers training for

emergency response providers from state, local, tribal, and territorial, and Federal

governments. The CDP offers more than 50 training courses at its resident campus in Anniston,

Alabama. Training at the CDP campus is federally funded at no cost to emergency response

professionals from multiple emergency disciplines. In addition to on-campus training, the CDP
NIMS Training Program

28

provides critical, advanced hands-on training in local jurisdictions across the country. 

https://cdp.dhs.gov

• U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Academy (NFA): The USFA and

its NFA work to build a culture of preparedness and ready the nation’s fire and EMS personnel

to respond to and recover from emergency incidents. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/training/nfa

• National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC): The NDPC is a Homeland

Security/FEMA training partner providing quality training to emergency responders throughout

the United States and its territories under the Homeland Security National Training Program

(HSNTP) cooperative agreement. https://www.ndpc.us

In addition to these Federal training centers, state, local, tribal, and territorial providers deliver 

many FEMA NIMS courses under the oversight of State Training Officers (STO), Territory

Training Officers, or Tribal Training Coordinators. Training officers are another resource for 

learning about upcoming training opportunities. Numerous vendors also provide NIMS-related 

training.

Training Plan Development Resources

An organization’s training plan development team should derive training requirements from the 

capabilities that the AHJ determines are necessary to prepare for identified threats and hazards. In 

addition to the NIMS Training Program, several tools can serve as resources:

• FEMA’s National Training and Education Division (NTED) Training Resource and

Development Center (TRDC): The TRDC includes the processes, resources, and forms

necessary to develop a course. NTED’s course development and review process includes five

phases: Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE). These phases align

with the ADDIE instructional systems design model.

https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/trdc/state/

• FEMA Training Catalog: More than 700 courses covering many topics related to the 32 core

capabilities are included in a searchable website.

https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/frt/npcc

• Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) and Stakeholder

Preparedness Review (SPR): THIRA and SPR are FEMA-developed methods that AHJs can

use to define the threats and hazards the community or organization anticipates and the

capabilities it must have. THIRA and SPR are interdependent processes that jurisdictions use

to evaluate their preparedness. https://www.fema.gov/threat-and-hazard-identification-andrisk-assessment

• Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT): The RTLT is an online catalog of NIMS resource

typing definitions and Job Titles/Position Qualifications documents. The RTLT provides

common resource definitions classified by capability, category, kind, and type. A jurisdiction

can use the RTLT to identify required capabilities using common, defined resources. For

personnel, the Job Titles/Position Qualifications can help identify potential training needs.

https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public
29

• NIMS Guideline for the Credentialing of Personnel: This guide describes the national

credentialing standards and provides written guidance on how all levels of government can use

those standards to facilitate multijurisdictional coordinated responses.

http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nims/nims_cred_guidelines_report.pdf

• NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position-Specific Training Program Website: Maintained by EMI,

this site provides training information for personnel responsible for managing incidents. This

training enables participants to perform the responsibilities of specific ICS positions.

https://training.fema.gov/allhazards/

• NWCG NIMS Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1: This comprehensive

guide describes the minimum requirements for training, experience, physical fitness, and

currency standards for personnel in wildland fire positions. It also documents the system that

NWCG member organizations use to qualify personnel for these positions.

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1

• National Qualification System (NQS): Many RTLT job titles correlate to an NQS ICS PTB

or EOC Skillset. These include specific baseline NIMS training needs for each position.

https://www.fema.gov/national-qualification-system

Example of How an Organization Can Use These Tools to Develop a Training Plan

A jurisdiction conducts its THIRA and identifies a potential for an earthquake. Using SPR, the AHJ 

determines it has a capability gap in incident management. To address this gap, the AHJ decides to

develop a Type 3 IMT within the jurisdiction. The positions necessary for a Type 3 IMT are listed on the

RTLT. NQS PTBs for each position contain the baseline training required. The training required to develop 

the Type 3 IMT becomes part of the organizational training plan.

By using THIRA to identify risk, SPR to identify required capabilities, and common RTLT resource types 

and NQS PTBs, an organization can determine the baseline training required and the number of personnel 

to receive training.
30

NIMS Training Program

Appendix B. Additional Advanced 

Training

This appendix lists courses not included in the NIMS Core Curriculum that incident personnel can 

take to pursue advanced position qualifications.

Additional Advanced Training for ICS

All-Hazards Position-Specific Courses: These 18 courses provide training in the capabilities, 

behaviors, and tasks required to effectively perform in a specific leadership position on a Type 3

All-Hazards IMT. These courses are designed to support the completion of key position tasks for 

an NQS PTB:

‒ E/L0950 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Incident Commander Course

‒ E/L0952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer Course

‒ E/L0954 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Safety Officer Course

‒ E/L0956 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer Course

‒ E/L0958 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief Course

‒ E/L0960 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Division/Group Supervisor Course

‒ E/L0962 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Planning Section Chief Course

‒ E/L0964 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader Course

‒ E/L0965 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Resources Unit Leader Course

‒ E/L0967 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Logistics Section Chief Course

‒ E/L0969 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader Course

‒ E/L0970 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Supply Unit Leader Course

‒ E/L0971 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Facilities Unit Leader Course

‒ E/L0973 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Section Chief Course

‒ E/L0975 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Finance/Administration Unit Leader Course

‒ E/L0984 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Task Force/Strike Team Leader Course

‒ E/L0986 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Air Support Group Supervisor Course

‒ E/L0987 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Introduction to Air Operations Course
31

Group Training for ICS Leaders and Supervisors: In addition to individual training, IMT

training is available through the USFA’s NFA. The Type 3 AHIMT course (O-0305) enables IMT 

members to work together in an exercise-based group training context. This course is designed to 

help individual responders perform effectively as IMT members.

Additional Advanced Training for EOC

FEMA’s Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP): The EMPP provides a 

structured framework for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter and progress 

through the emergency management field and meet the challenges of a complex, dynamic 

environment. The EMPP curriculum is designed to provide a lifetime of learning for a career in 

emergency management. It includes three academies: Basic, Advanced, and Executive.

Group Training for EOC Leaders and Supervisors: In addition to individual training, EOC 

team training is available through EMI’s IEMC. This exercise-based training allows EOC

personnel to practice simulated crisis situations within a structured learning environment. The

organization selects the hazards and core capabilities to simulate.

Additional Advanced Training for JIS/PIO 

Advanced Training for PIO Leaders and Supervisors: These PIO-specific courses cover ICS 

organizational structures for large, complex incidents and the position-specific knowledge and 

skills necessary for members of Type 3 All-Hazards IMTs. These advanced courses are for JIS 

leaders in organizations that have identified a need for additional, advanced PIO training:

• E0388: Advanced Public Information Officer – This course focuses on PIO responsibilities in

large-scale emergency situations, especially escalating incidents, and includes incident action

planning related to the JIC.

• E0389: Master Public Information Officer, Part 1 – This course demonstrates how to use

networking to influence programs, applies strategic and executive concepts to a public

information study case, and promotes public information training and exercises in the

organization by developing a specific TEP.

• E0390: Master Public Information Officer, Part 2 – This course performs organizational

analysis of a JIC functional exercise and discusses techniques for analyzing interpersonal

relationships within a JIC.

• E0394: Master Public Information Officer, Part 3 – This course reviews multiple JIC

functional exercise reports, discusses how strategic PIO leaders coordinate stakeholders’

actions to achieve a common purpose, and asks students to develop, design, and implement a

research project.

• E/L0952: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer – This course focuses on

developing a strong set of core PIO skills.

Group Training for JIS Leaders and Supervisors: In addition to individual training, IMT 

training is available through the USFA. The O-0305 course provides opportunities for IMT 

members to work together in an exercise-based group training context.
NIMS Training Program

32

Additional Advanced NIMS Training for MAC Groups

Advanced Training for Senior Officials: Additional training is available for senior officials or 

MAC Group/Policy Group members who wish to pursue advanced training based on jurisdictional 

risk or specific interests:

• G0191: Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface – This course

provides an opportunity for emergency management and response personnel to begin

developing an ICS/EOC interface for their communities.

• IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100 – This course introduces ICS

and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.

• IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction – This course introduces

NIMS concepts and principles.

• IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction – This course introduces participants

to the concepts and principles of the NRF.

• IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 – This course enables

personnel to operate efficiently within the ICS during an incident or event.

• IS-2200: Basic EOC Functions – This course prepares incident personnel working in an EOC

to understand the role and functions of an EOC during incident response and the transition to

recovery.

• EMI IEMC – This is an exercise-based training series for EOC personnel.

Tribal Curriculum

The EMI Tribal Curriculum is a series of courses designed in collaboration with tribal people, for 

tribal governments, to meet the unique emergency management needs of these sovereign nations. 

These courses consider issues including tribal culture, tradition, sovereignty, and governance. 

These courses are in addition to the Focus Area training progressions. There are currently five 

courses in the EMI Tribal Curriculum:

• E/L0580: Emergency Management Framework for Tribal Governments – This course provides

tribal incident responders with a basic understanding of emergency management principles and

of their role in leading their tribes in developing and implementing emergency management

systems.

• E/L0581: Emergency Operations for Tribal Governments – This course focuses on developing

standard operating procedures, testing operational readiness, and promoting the integration of

emergency operations across functional agency lines.

• E/L0582: Mitigation for Tribal Governments – This course provides information on reducing

potential losses from natural or other hazards using mitigation opportunities and techniques.
33

• L0583: Emergency Management Overview for Tribal Leaders – This course provides elected

and appointed tribal offices with the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare their

communities to respond to and recover from incidents.

• L0552: Continuity of Operations (COOP) for Tribal Governments – This course covers the

development and implementation of a COOP program. Topics include the legal basis for

continuity, continuity planning, determining essential functions, vital records management, and

pandemic influenza implications for continuity operations.

Visit https://training.fema.gov/tribal/ for additional information.
NIMS Training Program

Appendix C.Summary of Training Recommendations

The matrices provided here outline recommended levels of training for incident personnel by Focus Area. Each AHJ 

determines required courses based on its needs. 

ICS Focus Area 

ICS personnel may also take EOC courses, based on AHJ plans, risk, or specific areas of interest.

34

Courses 

Incident Positions 

IS100IS700IS800IS200G 

0191

E/L/G 

0300

E/L/G 

0400

Position-specific 

PTB training 

All incident personnel supporting ICS X X 

ICS personnel with leadership responsibilities X X X X 

ICS personnel with leadership responsibilities preparing 

for additional responsibility X X X X X X 

ICS personnel in leadership/supervisory roles X X X X X X X 

IMT unit, strike team, resource team, or task force 

leaders preparing for complex incidents X X X X X X X 

IMT command, section, branch, division, or group leaders 

preparing for complex incidents X X X X X X X X 
35

EOC Focus Area

EOC personnel may also take ICS courses, based on AHJ risk or specific areas of interest.

Courses 

Incident Positions 

IS-100 IS700

IS800 IS-2200 G

0191 E/L/G2300

EMI Integrated 

Emergency 

Management 

Course

Emergency 

Management 

Professional 

Program 

(EMPP)

All incident personnel supporting EOCs X X

EOC personnel with leadership

responsibilities X X X X X

EOC personnel in 

leadership/supervisory roles X X X X X X

Jurisdictional emergency managers, 

EOC directors, senior EOC staff X X X X X X X X
NIMS Training Program

36

PIO Focus Area

Advanced and master PIO courses are available for ICS and EOC PIOs. 

Courses 

Incident 

Positions 

IS100IS700IS29IS800IS2200IS200

G

0290

G 

0191

E/L/G 

0300

E/L/G 

2300

E/L/

G 

0400

E

0388

EMI 

IEMC

E/L 

0952

O0305

All PIO incident 

personnel 

X X X

EOC PIOs with 

leadership 

responsibilities 

X X X X X X

ICS PIOs with 

leadership 

responsibilities 

X X X X X X

EOC PIOs in 

leadership/ 

supervisory roles

X X X X X X X X

ICS PIOs in 

leadership/ 

supervisory roles

X X X X X X X X X

EOC PIOs for 

complex 

incidents

X X X X X X X X X X

ICS PIOs for 

complex 

incidents

X X X X X X X X X X X
37

MAC Group Focus Area

Advanced courses are available for MAC Group leaders seeking additional, advanced training.

Courses 

Incident Positions 

Briefing from 

emergency 

management 

director

G0402/ICS403 G0191 IS100IS700IS800IS-200 or

IS-2200

EMI 

IEMC

MAC Group/Policy Group members/senior 

officials X X

MAC Group/Policy Group members/senior 

officials that want additional training based on 

jurisdictional risk or specific interest

X X X X X X X X
38

NIMS Training Program

Appendix D. Glossary 

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): An entity that can create and administer processes to 

qualify, certify, and credential personnel for incident-related positions. AHJs include state, tribal, 

territorial, and Federal government departments and agencies, along with training commissions, 

NGOs, companies, and local organizations such as police, fire, public health, and public works 

departments.

Certification: The process of authoritatively attesting that a person meets FEMA’s established 

qualifications for key incident management functions and that the person is, therefore, qualified 

for a specific position.

Competency: An element of a PTB that describes an observable, measurable pattern of 

knowledge, skills, abilities, or other characteristics necessary to perform a behavior/activity and 

its associated tasks. A competency specifies what skill set a person must have to complete a task 

successfully.

Criteria: A category within the Job Titles/Position Qualifications that lists the minimum 

conditions/standards a trainee must meet for qualification.

Credentialing: The process of providing documentation that identifies personnel and 

authenticates/verifies their qualifications for a particular position.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC): A facility, temporary or permanent, that a jurisdiction 

or organization establishes from which to provide centralized and coordinated multiagency 

support for on-scene incident management.

Equivalency: Alternate education, training, or experience that meets the requirements for 

specific position qualification criteria, as the AHJ determines.

Incident/event complexity: The level of difficulty, severity, or overall resistance that incident 

management personnel face while trying to manage an incident or event to a successful 

conclusion, or while managing one type of incident or event compared to another type.

National Qualification System (NQS): A system that establishes resource management 

guidance and tools to assist stakeholders in developing processes for qualifying, certifying, and 

credentialing deployable emergency personnel. Using NQS ensures personnel deploying through 

mutual aid agreements and compacts have the capabilities to perform the duties of their assigned 

roles.

Position qualifications: The minimum criteria for individuals to be eligible to fill a specific 

position.

Position Task Book (PTB): A document that describes the minimum competencies, behaviors, 

and tasks necessary to qualify or recertify for a NIMS position. The PTB documents a trainee’s 

performance of specified tasks.
39

Recertification: A process in which the AHJ determines what training, tasks, or experience an 

individual must perform or possess in order to requalify for a specific NIMS or AHJ-endorsed

position.

Qualifying incident/event: An incident or event that the AHJ determines meets the complexity, 

time duration, and relevancy criteria for a position, representing sufficient opportunity for 

individuals to exercise the roles and responsibilities of the positions they are preparing to fill.

Type: A measurement assigned to a resource or an incident, based on the minimum capabilities

necessary to perform the response function. The capability level is based on size, power, capacity 

(for equipment), and experience/qualifications (for example, for strike teams). Type 1 requires 

greater capabilities than Types 2, 3, 4, and so on.
NIMS Training Program

40

Appendix E. Abbreviations 

ABIC Army Basic Instructor Course

ADDIE Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate

AHIMT All-Hazards Incident Management Team

AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction

API Application Programming Interface

CDP Center for Domestic Preparedness

COOP Continuity of Operations

EMI Emergency Management Institute

EMPP Emergency Management Professional Program

EMS Emergency Medical Services

EOC Emergency Operations Center

ESF Emergency Support Function

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

HSEEP Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program

HSNTP Homeland Security National Training Program

HSPD Homeland Security Presidential Directive

IAP Incident Action Plan

ICS Incident Command System

IEMC Integrated Emergency Management Course

IMT Incident Management Team

JIC Joint Information Center

JIS Joint Information System

MAC Group Multiagency Coordination Group

NDPC National Domestic Preparedness Consortium

NFA National Fire Academy
41

NGO Nongovernmental Organization

NIMS National Incident Management System

NOFO Notice of Funding Opportunity

NQS National Qualification System

NRF National Response Framework

NTED National Training and Education Division

NTES National Training and Education System

NWCG National Wildfire Coordinating Group

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

PIO Public Information Officer

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

PTB Position Task Book

RTLT Resource Typing Library Tool

SGITC Small Group Instructor Training Course

SPR Stakeholder Preparedness Review

STO State Training Officer 

TEP Training and Exercise Plan

TEPW Training and Exercise Program Workshop

THIRA Threat and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment

TTT Train-the-Trainer

TRDC Training Resource and Development Center

USFA U.S. Fire Administration