FEMA Training

As part of the Civil Air Patrol's emergency services mission, CAP members are often required to complete specific FEMA training courses to fulfill qualifications outlined in Specialty Qualification Training Records (SQTRs). These courses provide the foundational knowledge needed to effectively participate in incident management, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other emergency operations in coordination with FEMA and other agencies.

FEMA offers a variety of training courses through its Emergency Management Institute (EMI), including the Incident Command System (ICS) courses required for many CAP roles. Completing these courses enhances CAP members' ability to operate within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) framework, ensuring smooth coordination with federal, state, and local emergency responders.

Required FEMA Courses for CAP Mission Qualifications:

The following FEMA courses are commonly required for various CAP emergency services qualifications:

• IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS)

  • This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training.

• IS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

  • Expands on IS-100 by focusing on ICS for single resources and initial incident response.

• ICS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents

  • This in-person course provides more advanced instruction in ICS and is often required for higher-level CAP qualifications, such as Incident Commander or Planning Section Chief.

• ICS-400: Advanced ICS Command and General Staff

  • Builds on ICS-300 and focuses on complex, large-scale incident management. Like ICS-300, it is typically required for more senior roles within CAP missions.

• IS-700: National Incident Management System (NIMS)

  • This course introduces NIMS, the framework used across the country to coordinate incident management across different jurisdictions.

• IS-800: National Response Framework (NRF)

  • Focuses on the broader National Response Framework and how federal, state, and local responders coordinate during major incidents.

Additional FEMA Courses:

Beyond the required ICS courses, CAP members can benefit from other FEMA courses offered through the Emergency Management Institute. Some courses are optional but recommended for those seeking to expand their knowledge in emergency management:

• K-0419: Shelter Field Guide Course
  This course provides essential guidance on managing shelters during disasters. It is available through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute and is particularly useful for members interested in shelter management during disaster response operations.

• Other EMI Courses:
  CAP members are encouraged to explore additional EMI courses to enhance their skills in disaster management, coordination, and response.

How to Access FEMA Courses:

Most FEMA courses, including IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800, are available online through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute. The ICS-300 and ICS-400 courses are generally offered in person and are completed at designated training centers. CAP's NESA-Mobile Training Team (MTT) also offers these courses remotely throughout the year.

To access FEMA courses:

1. Get a FEMA Student Identification (SID) number.

2. Visit the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) website.

3. Register for the required courses and complete them online.

4. Submit proof of course completion into Ops Quals and submit the SQTR for validation.