DHS/FEMA seal
Date: October 20, 2009 
NA: 07-09 
National Integration Center 

NIMS Alert 

202-646-3850 

Vendor-provided NIMS ICS Course and Instructor Validation and Certification 

The purpose of this NIMS Alert is to clarify the role of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as it relates to vendor-provided 
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) course and 
instructor validation or certification. 

DHS and FEMA have received numerous inquiries requesting DHS/FEMA certification of privately-
offered NIMS ICS courses. In response to these inquiries, DHS and FEMA do not certify or validate 
any private vendor’s NIMS ICS training course(s), course curricula, course materials, or instructors, 
regardless of content or instructor qualifications. State, local, and private sector partners that rely on 
these vendors to provide NIMS training must ensure the vendor training courses meet or exceed the 
minimum criteria set in the Five-Year NIMS Training Plan “Course Summaries” (Appendix B). 
These summaries clearly state course objectives, discussion topics, and minimum requirements for 
instructional time and instructor qualifications for in-classroom courses. 

Issued in February 2008, the Five-Year NIMS Training Plan ensures instructional and course 
integrity of the NIMS curriculum courses across the nation. Through the Five-Year NIMS Training 
Plan, the National Integration Center defines instructor qualifications and required instructors per 
course. This does not preclude any State, tribal, or local partner from maintaining more restrictive 
instructor qualifications. 

For more information on the Five-Year NIMS Training Plan visit: 

www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/NIMSTrainingCourses. 

Questions can be directed to IMSI via e-mail: FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov or via telephone: 
202.646.3850. 

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