Fiscal Year 2024 Course Call: March 2023 

Information for State Fire Training Directors and Points of Contact

Thank you for considering the National Fire Academy (NFA) for your state’s training needs. The 

following information will assist you with selecting NFA 2-day on-campus (W coded) courses 

for delivery from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2024. 

Tips for a successful Course Call

Course Call is open March 1 through March 31. 

During this open Course Call period, you must select all your on-campus courses (State 

Weekend Program (SWP) courses). For your off-campus courses, you have the option of 

selecting your courses for the entire year or limiting your selection to courses that will be offered 

between Oct. 1 and March 31, 2024. You will have another opportunity to select off-campus 

courses for the second half of the year (March 1 through Sept. 30, 2024) when the second Course 

Call period opens in September 2023. 

See the following instructions: 

• Select a maximum of 9 “F” and/or “W” coded courses for the fiscal year (FY) (Oct. 1

through Sept. 30, 2024). 

• Email the NFA program manager about changes prior to course delivery. 

Remember:

Avoid scheduling a course during the following holidays. 

• Nov. 23, 2023 — Thanksgiving Day 

• Dec. 25, 2023 — Christmas Day

• Jan. 1, 2024 — New Year’s Day

• Jan. 17, 2024 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

• Feb. 19, 2024 — President’s Day

• March 31, 2024 — Easter 

• May 12, 2024 — Mother’s Day

• May 27, 2024 — Memorial Day

• June 16, 2024 — Father’s Day

• July 4, 2024 — Independence Day

• Sept. 2, 2024 — Labor Day

Select courses from your dashboard now 

(Course Call closes March 31) 
See also:

About our course offerings | Instructions for selecting courses | ACE policy | Train-the-Trainer 

offerings | Contact us | Course delivery requirements | Course list 

About our course offerings

Browse the list of courses available for delivery during our first semester. New courses may have 

been added or removed. If you have a course scheduled that is no longer on the list, you may still 

conduct that offering. 

Select a course link to review the course description, student selection criteria and detailed

course information. Some courses have a required pre-course assignment(s). 

NFA-sponsored courses are delivered over 2 full days. Contact hours do not include time for 

administrative activities, such as introductions, breaks, meals, exams and evaluations. You 

cannot alter the course schedule or number of instructional hours. 

All NFA 2-day courses require 1 NFA-approved instructor. 

The maximum number of students for most courses is 30. A few courses only allow a maximum 

of 20 students (see course list for specifics). If you need to request additional students, please 

contact us.

Classes traditionally start on Saturday morning. Contact the SWP manager if your state elects to 

have Friday night instruction. 

Instructions for selecting courses

All Course Call requests are made through the “dashboard.” The maximum number of courses 

for the FY (Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2024) is 9. 

For the 2-day on-campus SWP courses, you must submit your first, second and third choice of 

dates for the entire year, along with the courses you plan to offer for that weekend. This will 

confirm that bed space is reserved for your weekend. These courses have a “W” code. We would 

recommend that you do not schedule your SWP during the month of October. If you do so, you 

run the risk of cancellation. In the past, several SWPs have been canceled in October due to 

budget issues, hurricanes, etc. If you schedule in October, and the weekend must be canceled due 

to unforeseen circumstances, we will do our best to assist you in rescheduling your weekend 

within the following 12 months. However, there is no guarantee of available bed space or that we 

can accommodate your request. 

When selecting course dates, please remember that scheduling on a holiday may affect student 

attendance.
ACE policy

The American Council on Education (ACE) requires a final “letter” grade assigned to each 

student. To pass the course and earn a certificate, students must receive a final grade of C or 

higher (score of 70% or above).

REAL ID

The deadline to enroll in the REAL ID program is May 7, 2025. The REAL ID Act establishes 

minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies 

from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not 

meeting the Act’s minimum standards. If an individual/state does not comply with the REAL ID 

Act, then the person(s) will be denied access to federal facilities. For the most up-to-date 

information, go to https://www.dhs.gov/real-id. 

COVID-19 safety

There will be additional safety requirements in place at the National Emergency Training Center 

(NETC) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As this is an evolving situation, please contact the 

SWP manager for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding the health and safety requirements. 
Questions?

2-day on/off-campus

courses

Lori Welch

301-447-1301

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov

SWP manager Vacant

FEMA-NFA-TwoDayOnCampus@fema.dhs.gov

Thank you for your ongoing support of the NFA and the delivery of our courses!
Attachment

National Fire Academy-Sponsored 2-Day On-Campus Course Delivery 

Requirements

The NFA also offers 2-day courses on campus during designated weekends (SWPs). These 

courses are designed for a full 2-day delivery. Do not plan to leave early on Sunday. Contact 

hours do not include time for administrative activities (introductions, breaks, meals, exams, 

evaluations, etc.). The course schedule and number of instructional hours may not be 

altered by the state or the contract instructor. All NFA 2-day courses require 1 NFAapproved instructor.

ACE provides an academic review of NFA courses and has policies that affect the NFA and its 

students. One of those is that grades are required for NFA courses. This means greater course 

rigor and documentation for assessing student learning. It also requires that instructors follow the 

course outline/schedule and adhere to the required number of hours. Students will be assessed 

(typically through an exam) and given a final grade. We must have a final “letter” grade for each 

of our students. These end-of-course grades are permanently recorded on student transcripts in 

the NETC Admissions Office. To pass the course and be issued a certificate, students must 

receive a final letter grade of C or higher (score of 70% or above). 

National Fire Academy certificates

Certificates will be emailed to the students by the NETC Admissions Office upon receipt of a 

signed, letter-graded roster indicating successful completion of the course. 

State responsibilities

Course Call

The state training director, or designated point of contact, shall select the courses. The selection 

shall be requested via the Course Call dashboard. For SWPs, all courses must be selected during 

the first open Course Call period, which is March 1 through March 31. States will be required to 

submit their first, second and third choice dates for the SWP, as well as the courses they plan to 

offer during their weekend. This will reserve bed space on campus. The SWP manager will then 

follow up with the individual states to confirm their dates, as well as discuss potential pairings 

and efficiencies by merging states and weekend dates. 

Student recruitment and selection

• The state requests and sponsors the weekend solely for participants from that state. For 

joint weekends, states are encouraged to discuss recruitment and how students will be 

placed into the different course offerings; for example, typically states will fill their 

individual course selections first. Additionally, there are occasions when someone from 

outside the hosting state will ask to attend a course during a weekend. Attendance is 

dependent upon space availability and hosting state approval. 
• The state recruits and selects students for the courses based on established student 

selection criteria. 

• Each student must complete the online General Admissions Application form 

(https://training.fema.gov/netc_online_admissions/); all data elements must be 

completed. Students applying for training must have a Federal Emergency 

Management Agency Student Identification Number (SID). This number is used in 

place of a Social Security number on the General Admissions Application form. For 

information on how to apply for an SID, visit the NFA’s webpage at: 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/admissions/how-to-apply.html. 

Rosters and applications

• The minimum number of students required to hold a course offering is 15; the maximum 

is 30. Some courses are capped at a maximum of 20 students (see course list) to allow for 

optimal learning. The program manager will work with the state to decide to cancel or 

allow a course delivery.

• Submit student rosters at least 40 calendar days in advance of the scheduled weekend. 

All course applications need to be completed online and signed by the designated state

coordinator. Online applications must be received by the NETC Admissions Office at 

least 40 days prior to the scheduled weekend. 

• Notify students of acceptance/rejection and inform them of NETC administrative 

requirements and policies (e.g., dress code policy, student conduct, identification and 

security information, and registration requirements).

• Some courses have a required pre-course assignment, as stated in the course description. 

The state is responsible for notifying the students of any pre-course assignments to be 

completed prior to the course start date. Some courses may require the students to have 1 

or more specific textbooks. The state is responsible for notifying the students of any 

textbook requirements. 

• Additional student applications will not be accepted after the original online applications 

are received in the NETC Admissions Office. In the case of an emergency cancellation 

by a student, a replacement can only be approved by the NFA superintendent or deputy 

superintendent. 

• If a student cancels, they must notify the state coordinator and the NETC Admissions 

Office at NETCAdmissions@fema.dhs.gov. 

• Finalize and review plans for the weekend with the SWP manager.
Housing and registration procedures

• Inform students that lodging registration is located in the lobby of Building C-West and 

will begin after 2 p.m. All students will be issued an NFA ID badge. Housing will be 

provided for the state coordinator and up to 2 assistants for Friday and Saturday nights 

only. Submit names of the state staff who will be attending 30 calendar days in advance 

of the scheduled weekend, along with a letter on department letterhead, signed by the 

supervisor, stating that each staff member has completed a successful criminal history 

check. A sample copy is available from the SWP manager.

• More information on access to the NETC campus can be found at the following link: 

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/nfa/on-campus-students/campus-access.html. If driving a 

personal vehicle, the license plate information is also required for registration. 

• Any student/state staff special housing accommodations/requests should be identified and 

coordinated with the SWP manager.

Transportation 

Arrange transportation to the NETC campus and advise the SWP manager as to what 

arrangements have been made at least 15 calendar days in advance of the scheduled weekend. 

Information should include the number of buses, time of arrival at NETC and a passenger list for 

each bus. This will alert campus security for the arrival of your students. 

In the past, we have offered ground transportation from the airport to the NETC campus. Due to 

funding limitations, we can no longer offer this service. Transportation from your state to 

NETC is the responsibility of the students. We do not offer stipend reimbursement (travel 

expenses) for 2-day on-campus classes.

Food services

• Coordinate meals/special requests and meal ticket purchases by contacting the food 

service contractor at 301-447-1551. Arrange for Saturday evening dinner/social with the 

food service contractor. 

• Anyone wishing to purchase beverages at the Command Post Pub must obtain a 

recreational membership card; the cost is $2 per person. The recreational membership 

passes, either individual or bulk, will be available to purchase and pick up at the 

Command Post Pub after 4 p.m. on Friday of the State Weekend. Contact pub manager 

Mark Haines to make arrangements for the passes. He can be reached at 

mark.haines@associates.fema.dhs.gov or 301-447-1550 after 4:30 p.m. 

• Arrangements with the food service contractor and Command Post Pub should be made 

30 calendar days in advance of the scheduled weekend. 
Orientation/weekend assistance

• Provide “welcome” remarks on behalf of the state for the orientation program on Friday 

night. 

• Provide assistance and support for the weekend activities. 

• Attend 7:30 a.m. meeting on Saturday with the contract instructors and SWP manager. 

State/local host post-course assessment

A follow-up email will be sent to the state/local host after the class requesting comments/ 

feedback on the course delivery. This email response should be sent to 

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov. 

National Fire Academy contract instructor responsibilities

• Direct all questions concerning the course delivery, student application requirements, 

course cancellations and payment/invoicing directly to the program manager.

• Direct all questions concerning curriculum content directly to the appropriate NFA 

training specialist (curriculum manager).

• Instructors must provide their own transportation to and from NETC.

• Housing is provided on campus per the instructor purchase order. 

• Classrooms and equipment are set up in advance for the 2-day on-campus programs. 

Instructors should check out their classrooms to ensure that everything they need is there. 

• Participate in a brief introduction meeting with other instructors, the SWP manager and 

state staff members at 7:30 a.m. on the Saturday of the program. The meeting is held in 

the State Weekend Operations Center in Building J, Room 124. 

• Administer, review, correct and provide feedback on quizzes, tests, final exams, written 

assignments, papers, etc., using established grading rubrics and any test administration 

practices as established by the course training specialist.

• Maintain security over all teaching materials (e.g., tests, answer keys, answer sheets and 

student grades). Note: These materials must not be reproduced or distributed without 

written permission of the NFA training specialist or deputy superintendent. 
• At the conclusion of the course delivery, the instructor will submit all course delivery 

materials — student evaluations unless using online evaluations, signed student roster 

with letter grades recorded, projects, test and exam grade sheets — to the SWP manager. 

Test documents and any extra materials that were not used shall be returned to the SWP 

manager to ensure security and integrity of the course assessment process. Note: Graded 

exam answer sheets shall be given to the students for their review, but they must be 

collected and returned to the NFA with the course delivery materials. 

• Meet with students who wish to appeal their end-of-course grade and notify the NFA 

training specialist and/or program manager before each meeting is conducted with the 

student. Notify the state representative of this meeting. 

• Brief students on and initiate the end-of-course evaluation process. Instructors will 

receive logon cards with directions for completing the online evaluation. Instructors shall 

provide sufficient time during regular class hours for students to complete the end-ofcourse evaluation survey and excuse themselves from the classroom during this time. In

addition, instructors shall brief students on the NFA’s long-term evaluation process. 

• Per instructions, assist the students with the online course evaluation process. 

• Certificates will be emailed to the students by the NETC Admissions Office upon 

successful completion of the course. Note: If a student does not receive a final letter 

grade of C or higher (score of 70% or above), the student will not receive a certificate. A 

student who receives an incomplete or failure for a course shall be allowed the 

opportunity to remediate the grade to a passing score in accordance with NFA-specific 

Standard Operating Procedure 700.5 Student Performance Measures: Individual 

Assessment and Course Repeats.

• After the class, a follow-up email will be sent to the instructor requesting comments/ 

feedback on the course delivery. The instructor’s response must be sent to 

FEMA-NFA-OutreachTraining@fema.dhs.gov, and it should contain the course title, 

date of delivery and location. 

Students may review graded exam answer sheets. After student review, collect and return all 

completed answer sheets to the NFA with the course delivery materials.
2-Day On-Campus Program Information for Students

Academics

Students who attend the 2-day on-campus courses will be formally evaluated to verify the degree 

to which learning objectives and/or outcomes were met. This is accomplished mainly by taking 

an exam at the completion of the course. Students will be issued a grade that will be recorded on 

their transcript in the NETC Admissions Office. A passing score is a final letter grade of C or 

higher (score of 70% or above). 

Cancellations and no-shows

To admit the greatest possible number of students, the following policy is in place to manage the 

problem of late cancellations and no-shows. If you are unable to attend a course, you must notify 

the state coordinator and the NETC Admissions Office at NETCAdmissions@fema.dhs.gov. 

This should be done 30 days before the course start date, except in cases of emergency 

cancellation. A student who does not cancel attendance in writing may be denied admission to 

NFA courses for the next 24 months. 

Dress code 

It is each student’s responsibility to use good judgment in selecting attire that projects a 

professional image and is appropriate for both climate differences and classroom activities. 

Generally, the standard is business casual. NFA staff have the authority to determine that a 

student’s attire is inappropriate. Students whose attire is deemed inappropriate will be required to 

change into more appropriate clothing before being allowed to continue class. 

Males: shirts with collars, slacks, departmental uniforms (no T-shirts), shoes and socks. Optional 

items include sweaters, sports coats, ties, etc.

Females: dresses, blouses with slacks or skirts, departmental uniforms (no T-shirts), and shoes. 

Optional items include sweaters, blazers, etc.

Shorts, tank tops, ball caps, etc., are not permitted in the classrooms or the auditorium. Bathing 

suits/trunks are not permitted outside the pool area. Miniskirts and bare midriffs are not 

acceptable.

Professional conduct

Problems occasionally arise on the NETC campus while students are in residence as part of the 

on-campus programs. In most instances, this behavior is limited to a small group of students; 

however, the acts of a few reflect negatively on the specific state fire training program and the 

national fire service community. 
Each individual has the personal responsibility to exhibit professional conduct while on the 

campus. The designated representative of the state fire training agency has the responsibility and 

authority to monitor and, with campus security personnel, take necessary action to correct the 

unprofessional conduct.

As a student, your assistance in this matter is appreciated. Should you encounter difficulties or 

disruptions, you are encouraged to notify the campus Security Office (Building V) by dialing 

extension 1111 on any campus phone or directly dialing 301-447-1111. The Security Office is 

operational 24 hours a day.

Campus security has the authority to request the name(s) of any individual or student who may 

be disruptive or discourteous. It is expected that an individual’s name will be provided if 

requested. The security officer will then inform the state representative of the circumstances 

surrounding the incident.

In instances of alleged misconduct, the state representative and a U.S. Fire Administration 

(USFA) staff member will be responsible for determining all the facts related to the incident. 

Decisions regarding dismissal of the student will be made at the conclusion of the review. The 

final authority for dismissal rests with the senior USFA official on campus at the time. However, 

in instances where misconduct occurs outside class hours, the state representative has the 

authority to dismiss a student at any time. Student dismissal procedures and notification will 

follow the guidelines described in the NETC Information Handbook, which can be found on the 

desks in the dormitory rooms. Specifically, please refer to NETC Standard Operating Procedure 

119-22 Conduct on the NETC campus.

Quiet hours in the dormitories begin at 11 p.m. Those who violate the campus quiet-hours policy 

are subject to dismissal from campus as outlined in the conduct policy.

If there is a weekend social, the state representative will abide by Maryland law concerning the 

service and consumption of alcohol. People under the age of 21 will not be served under any 

circumstances. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the dormitories at any time.

Housing

Rooms are assigned randomly once you are accepted into a course. Because of the random 

assignment of rooms, you may or may not be lodged in the same building as your classmates. 

Every effort is made to ensure that you have a single room. However, if the student count is high, 

you may be doubled with another student. Please do not call to request a single room. Relatives 

and friends of NETC students cannot stay on campus. Campus accommodations are for NETC 

students only. Students should not arrive on campus before Friday at 2 p.m.

Messages

The incoming campus telephone number is 301-447-1048 for messages. This number is 

operational 24 hours a day.
Recreation

The campus has several areas available for student recreation. 

• Student Center (Building B) with wide-screen televisions and card, billiard and pingpong tables. 

• Athletic facilities (Building H) with exercise room, gymnasium and swimming pool.

• Command Post Pub, located in the Student Center, serves snacks, beer and wine. The 

legal drinking age within Maryland is 21. Students under 21 who are found consuming 

alcohol while at NETC will be dismissed. The pub is open Friday and Saturday from 4:30 

p.m. to 11 p.m. 

• A NETC Recreation Association pass is required if you intend to use athletic facilities or 

purchase beverages at the pub. The pass can be purchased at the pub for $2. Athletic 

equipment is available for checkout at the pub. This includes softball equipment, tennis 

rackets, footballs, volleyballs, basketballs, horseshoes and golf clubs. Bicycles can be 

checked out in the Building C lobby. 

Medical emergencies

An emergency medical technician is on campus 24 hours a day. Report any medical emergencies 

to Security (“911” or “0”) on any campus phone. Students requiring medical attention may be 

taken to the emergency room at a local hospital or may request assistance in arranging an 

appointment with a local physician. Any medical expenses are the responsibility of the student. 

The local hospitals will accept medical insurance identification, cash, check or major credit card.

Personal needs

A convenience store is located on campus in the basement of Building D. Please check posted 

hours. 

Security policies

No weapons are allowed on campus. Alcohol will be available in the Command Post Pub area 

and, if requested by the state, at the Log Cabin. No other alcohol will be allowed on campus and 

will be confiscated.

Smoking policy

All buildings on campus are smoke-free. The smoking or burning of any tobacco product or 

smokeless electronic vaporizers (e-cigarettes), candles or incense in any building at NETC is 

prohibited. Please smoke in designated smoking areas.
Transportation/parking

Students/guests must register cars at the time of program registration. Parking is provided north 

of Building J. Please do not park in faculty/staff parking areas or other restricted parking zones. 

Please refer to the campus map for location of parking. Campus maps are provided at the time of 

registration.

Post-course assessment

Provide feedback on the course delivery when requested by the NFA. 

National Fire Academy certificates

The NETC Admissions Office will email certificates to students upon receipt of a letter-graded 

roster indicating successful completion of the course. 
Attachment

Course List (2-Day) 

Fiscal Year 2024 State Weekend Program Dates

PLEASE NOTE: 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FY 2024 resident schedule has not been finalized. At this 

time, we cannot provide a list of available dates for the SWP for FY 2024. Once the schedule is 

finalized for both schools, an updated weekend availability list will be sent. We are sorry for this 

inconvenience. 

Prerequisite requirements are listed on individual course webpages. 

Emergency Medical Services

W0166 — EMS Functions in ICS1 

Arson

W0770 — Fire Investigation: First Responders 

Terrorism

W0549 — Emergency Response to Terrorism: Strategic Considerations1

Leadership and Executive Development

W0520 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Within Communities2

W0521 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership to Facilitate Adaptive Change2

W0522 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations2

W0523 — Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Ethically2

W0602 — Shaping the Future3 

W0646 — Leadership in Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional Growth (new)3

W0647 — Leadership in Supervision: Perspectives in Thinking (new)3

W0648 — Leadership in Supervision: Frameworks to Success (new)3

W0760 — New Fire Chief: Challenging Issues 

W0761 — New Fire Chief: Administrative Issues

W0762 — New Fire Chief: Contemporary Issues
Fire Prevention: Management

W0633 — Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist15

W0634 — Youth Firesetting Program Manager15

W0635 — Best Practices in Community Risk Reduction

W0636 — Building Organizational Support for Community Risk Reduction1

W0637 — Wildland Urban Interface: Fire-Adapted Communities — Introduction and

Leadership, Course I4

W0638 — Wildland Urban Interface: Fire-Adapted Communities — Strategies for Developing a 

 Fire-Adapted Community, Course II1, 4

W0639 — Wildland Urban Interface: Fire-Adapted Communities — Developing a Community 

Wildfire Protection Plan, Course III1, 4

Fire Prevention: Technical

W0142 — Residential Sprinkler Plan Review

W0193 — Campus Fire and Life Safety I: Risk Assessment1

W0194 — Campus Fire and Life Safety II: Public Education

W0195 — Campus Fire and Life Safety III: Codes and Systems

Incident Management

W0321 — Incident Command for Highrise Operations

W0322 — Incident Command System for Structural Collapse Incidents

W0376 — Incident Command System and Resource Management for the Fire Service

W0455 — Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations

W0457 — Decision-Making for Initial Company Operations

W0458 — Preparation for Initial Company Operations

W0609 — Introduction to Unified Command for All-Hazard Incidents

W0610 — Wildland Urban Interface Firefighting for the Structural Company Officer

W0612 — Command and Control of Wildland Urban Interface Fire Operations for the Structural 

Chief Officer

Responder Health and Safety

W0349 — Fire Service Safety Culture: Who Protects Firefighters From Firefighters?

W0722 — Health and Safety Program Manager

W0729 — Incident Safety Officer
Planning and Information

W0497 — Introduction to NFIRS 5.0

1

 Prerequisite and/or pre-course assignment. Read the course description for details. 

2

 Textbook required. 

3 In-demand courses; corequisite for the NFA’s Managing Officer Program.

4

 Maximum of 25 students. 

5

 Maximum of 20 students.