National Incident Management System (NIMS) Classes

FEMA released the refreshed National Incident Management System (NIMS) doctrine on October 17, 2017. NIMS provides a common, nationwide approach to enable the whole community to work together to manage all threats and hazards. NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity. The refreshed NIMS retains key concepts and principles from the 2004 and 2008 versions, while incorporating lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents, best practices, and changes in national policy.

The refreshed NIMS:

  • Retains key concepts and principles of the 2004 and 2008 versions of NIMS;
  • Reflects and incorporates policy updates and lessons learned from exercises and real-incidents;
  • Clarifies the processes and terminology for qualifying, certifying, and credentialing incident personnel, building  a foundation for the development of a national qualification system;
  • Clarifies that NIMS is more than just the Incident Command System (ICS) and that it applies to all incident personnel, from the incident command post to the National Response Coordination Center;
  • Describes common functions and terminology for staff in Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), while remaining flexible to allow for differing missions, authorities, and resources of EOCs across the nation; and
  • Explains the relationship among ICS, EOCs, and senior leaders/policy groups.

FEMA SID

FEMA Student Identification (SID) number is a unique number generated and assigned to anyone who needs or is required to take training provided by a FEMA organization. Your FEMA SID uniquely identifies you throughout the FEMA organization and all of its agencies. The goal is for your FEMA SID to serve as your personal identification number instead of your Social Security Number (SSN) in support of FEMA’s effort to decrease/cease the use of SSN for identifying and tracking individuals. Click on FAQ to learn more.

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Online ICS & NIMS Courses

IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System

ICS 100, Introduction to the Incident Command System, introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). 
Prerequisites: None CEUs: 0.2 Course Length: 2 Hours

IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

IS 200, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. This course provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS. 
Prerequisites: IS-100.C CEUs: 0.4 Course Length: 4 Hours

IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

IS 700, This course provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The National Incident Management System defines the comprehensive approach guiding the whole community – all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and the private sector – to work together seamlessly to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of incidents. The course provides learners with a basic understanding of NIMS concepts, principles, and components.
Prerequisites: None CEUs: 0.4 Course Length: 3.5 Hours

IS-702: Public Information Officer Awareness

The Public Information Officer Awareness Course (IS0029) is designed to familiarize participants with the concepts underlying the PIO role. This course can provide a basic understanding of the PIO function for those new to the position. Additionally, it can provide those in executive level roles the necessary knowledge of PIO roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
Prerequisites: None CEUs: 0.7 Course Length: 7 Hours

IS-703.B: National Incident Management System Resource Management

The goal of the National Incident Management System Resource Management course is to introduce federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers, first responders, and incident commanders from all emergency management disciplines to NIMS Resource Management. This includes private industry and volunteer agency personnel responsible for coordination activities during a disaster.
Prerequisites: IS-700 CEUs: 0.4 Course Length: 3.5 Hours

IS-706: NIMS Intrastate Mutual Aid – An Introduction

This course provides an introduction to NIMS intrastate mutual aid and assistance. You will learn about the purpose and benefits of mutual aid and assistance. You will also learn about the emphasis that NIMS places on mutual aid and assistance. The course explains how to develop mutual aid and assistance agreements and mutual aid operational plans.
Prerequisites: None CEUs: 0.7 Course Length: 7 Hours

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

The goal of the IS-0800.d, National Response Framework, An Introduction, is to provide guidance for the whole community. Within this broad audience, the National Response Framework focuses especially on those who are involved in delivering and applying the response core capabilities, including: private sector partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government officials, community leaders, emergency management practitioners and first responders
Prerequisites: IS-700 CEUs: 0.3 Course Length: 3.0 Hours

Professional Development Curriculum

Please see courses below for help creating a professional and competent emergency management workforce.

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Exercise Development Courses

Please see courses below to help develop, execute, and evaluate exercises.