Course Summary & Final Assessment
Review and Certification
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of NIMS concepts
- Pass final assessment for course certification
Training Complete
Congratulations, Rookie!
Course Review: NIMS Fundamentals
What is NIMS?
A comprehensive, nationwide framework that guides the whole community to work together during incidents - not just ICS, not just a plan, but the entire system.
Three Guiding Principles
Flexibility (scales to any size), Standardization (everyone speaks the same language), Unity of Effort (coordinating while maintaining authority).
Three Major Components
Resource Management, Command and Coordination, Communications and Information Management.
Scope
NIMS applies to ALL incidents, ALL stakeholders, ALL the time.
Course Review: Resource Management
Four Preparedness Activities
Identifying/Typing resources, Qualifying/Credentialing personnel, Planning for resources, Acquiring/Inventorying resources.
Six-Step Incident Process
Identify Requirements → Order/Acquire → Mobilize → Track/Report → Demobilize → Reimburse/Restock.
Resource Typing
Categorizing resources by capability, category, kind, and type (1-4, with Type 1 being most capable).
Mutual Aid
Sharing resources between jurisdictions, including EMAC for state-to-state assistance.
Course Review: Management Characteristics
14 NIMS Management Characteristics
Course Review: Command & Coordination
Four NIMS Structures
- ICS: On-scene incident management
- EOC: Off-site coordination and support
- MAC Groups: Policy guidance and resource prioritization
- JIS: Coordinated public information
ICS Organization
Command (IC or Unified Command), Command Staff (PIO, Safety, Liaison), General Staff (Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Admin).
EOC Organization Models
ICS-like (mirrors field), Incident Support Model (info/planning focus), Departmental (existing structure).
EOC Activation Levels
Level 3 (Normal), Level 2 (Partial), Level 1 (Full Activation).
MAC Groups
Policy-level bodies with agency executives making cooperative decisions and prioritizing resources.
JIS Components
Public Information Officer (PIO) and Joint Information Center (JIC) ensure consistent public messaging.
Course Review: Communications
Four Key Principles
Interoperability, Reliability/Scalability/Portability, Resilience/Redundancy, Security.
Four Communication Types
Strategic (policy), Tactical (on-scene), Support (coordination), Public (alerts/media).
Standards
Common terminology, plain language (no codes or jargon), compatible technology, information security.
NIMS: The Complete Picture
Unifying How We Respond
NIMS is a comprehensive nationwide framework developed through a consensus process based on incident management best practices proven by thousands of responders. NIMS is about unifying how we respond. In time of crisis, our communities and country count on us to be able to work together as a team. We all must commit to a common way of doing business. And that way of doing business is NIMS.
As NIMS continues to mature, its purpose remains the same: to enhance unity of effort by providing a common approach for managing incidents.
Final Assessment Information
Earning Your Certification
Assessment Requirements
Passing Score: 75% or higher
Coverage: All course objectives across all lessons
Attempts: Multiple attempts allowed
Review the key terms
Make sure you understand NIMS, ICS, EOC, MAC Group, JIS, and all the other acronyms and concepts.
Know the numbers
14 Management Characteristics, 4 NIMS structures, 3 guiding principles, 3 major components, 3 EOC activation levels, 3-7 span of control.
Understand relationships
How do ICS, EOC, MAC Groups, and JIS work together? What supports what?
Remember definitions
Know what each term means and when each structure/process is used.
Additional Resources
Your NIMS training doesn't end here. FEMA has developed extensive resources to support NIMS implementation and your continued learning:
Primary NIMS Resources
FEMA NIMS Website
The hub for all NIMS information and implementation guidance
National Incident Management System (Third Edition, October 2017)
The complete official NIMS document
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_nims_doctrine-2017.pdf
NIMS Training Program Guide
Guidance on NIMS training requirements and courses
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-05/fema_nims-training-program_0.pdf
Training & Courses
FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI)
Home of all FEMA Independent Study courses including ICS training
EMI Secure Exam Site
Take IS-700.b final exam and other course exams here
ICS Resources
ICS Resource Center
Summary of ICS principles, job aids, position checklists, and reference materials
ICS Forms Booklet
Complete collection of standard ICS forms and instructions
https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/icsforms.htm
NIMS Intelligence and Investigations Function Guidance
Guidance on the I/I function within NIMS
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_nims-intel-invest-func-guidance.pdf
Additional Resources
Guidelines for the Credentialing of Personnel
Standards for personnel qualification, certification, and credentialing
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_guidelines-credentialing_personnel.pdf
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
Standardized methodology for designing and evaluating exercises
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/exercises/hseep
SAFECOM
Emergency communications interoperability resources and best practices
Recommended Next Courses
IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System
Deeper dive into ICS fundamentals and operations
IS-200.c: Basic ICS for Initial Response
Intermediate ICS for personnel involved in on-scene response
IS-800.d: National Response Framework
How the nation responds to all types of disasters and emergencies
Next Steps
- Complete the final assessment to earn your IS-700.b certification
- Take ICS-100 and ICS-200 to deepen your ICS knowledge
- Participate in exercises to practice applying NIMS principles
- Apply what you've learned during real incidents
Knowledge Check
Before the final assessment, let's review some key concepts from the course.
What are the three major components of NIMS?
NIMS Concept Map
Click on each node to review the major NIMS concepts you've learned throughout this course. This is your comprehensive review before the final assessment.
Click on any concept to review what you've learned.
Final Assessment
Ready to Certify
The final assessment covers all course learning objectives. You must score 75% or higher to earn your NIMS certification.
Format: Multiple choice questions covering all eight training days
Time: No time limit - take your time and read each question carefully
Your score will be recorded upon completion.
Opens the FEMA IS-700.b course page where you can register for the exam.