Welcome to Rookie Academy

Your NIMS Training Begins Here

10 minutes

National Incident Management System Training

You're about to begin one of the most important training programs in emergency response. The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is the backbone of how first responders across the entire country work together. From small-town fire departments to massive federal disaster responses, everyone speaks the same language because of NIMS.

By the end of this training, you'll understand how professionals coordinate during emergencies, and you'll be one step closer to becoming a certified first responder.

What You'll Learn

This course gives you the foundation you need to work with any emergency response team in the country. Here's what you'll master:

Understand what NIMS is and why every responder needs to know it

Learn how resources (people, equipment, supplies) are managed during emergencies

Master the 14 Management Characteristics that make incident response work

Know the Incident Command System (ICS) inside and out

Understand Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) and how they support field operations

See how all the NIMS structures connect and work together

Learn communications protocols that keep everyone on the same page

Your Training Journey

Your training is divided into 8 Training Days. Each one builds on the last, taking you from the basics to full NIMS certification.

1

NIMS Fundamentals

The core concepts and principles that drive everything

20 min
2

Resource Management

How to get the right resources to the right place at the right time

25 min
3

Management Characteristics

The 14 characteristics that make incident management work

25 min
4

Incident Command System

The command structure used on every incident scene

35 min
5

Emergency Operations Centers

The headquarters that supports field operations

25 min
6

NIMS Structures & Interconnectivity

How MAC Groups, JIS, and other structures work together

25 min
7

Communications & Information

Keeping everyone connected and informed

25 min
8

Final Assessment

Prove your knowledge and earn your certification

20 min
Total Duration: ~3.5 hours

Why This Matters

Real Responders. Real Stakes.

When disasters strike, there's no time to figure out who's in charge or how to request help. NIMS exists because every second counts. It's the system that let firefighters from California work alongside crews from New York during 9/11. It's how local EMS coordinates with the National Guard during hurricanes. And it's how your local fire department works with neighboring towns on mutual aid calls.

Real World Example

Think about a major wildfire. You might have:

  • Local fire departments from dozens of towns
  • State forestry crews
  • Federal agencies like the Forest Service
  • Law enforcement for evacuations
  • EMS for injuries
  • Red Cross for shelter
  • National Guard for support

Without NIMS, this would be chaos. With NIMS, they all speak the same language, follow the same command structure, and work as one team.

How This Training Works

Here's how to get the most out of your Rookie Academy training:

1

Progress Through Each Day

Complete each Training Day in order. Each one builds on what you learned before.

2

Knowledge Checks

After each section, you'll face quick knowledge checks. These aren't meant to trick you, they're there to make sure you've got the concepts down.

3

Take Notes

Key terms and concepts are highlighted throughout. These are the things that will show up on your final assessment.

4

Pass the Final

To earn your NIMS certification, you need to score at least 75% on the final exam. Take your time with the material, and you'll be ready.

Pro Tip: Don't rush through the content just to check boxes. This knowledge will be essential when you're working real incidents.

Knowledge Check

Let's check your understanding of what NIMS is and why it matters.

Question 1 of 3

What is the primary purpose of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)?