| The NIMS qualification, certification, and credentialing process uses a performance-based approach. This process enables communities to plan for, request, and have confidence in personnel assigned from other organizations through mutual aid agreements.
Nationally standardized criteria and minimum qualifications for positions provide a consistent baseline for qualifying and credentialing the incident workforce. Along with the job title and position qualifications, the position task book (PTB) is a basic tool that underpins the NIMS performance-based qualification process. PTBs describe the minimum competencies, behaviors, and tasks necessary to be qualified for a position. PTBs provide the basis for a qualification, certification, and credentialing process that is standard nationwide. FEMA recommends minimum qualifications, but it is AHJs across the Nation that establish, communicate, and administer the qualification and credentialing process for individuals seeking qualification for positions under that AHJ’s purview. AHJs have the authority and responsibility to develop, implement, maintain, and oversee the qualification, certification, and credentialing process within their organization or jurisdiction. AHJs may impose additional requirements outside of NIMS for local needs. In some cases, the AHJ may support multiple disciplines that collaborate as a part of a team (e.g., an Incident Management Team [IMT]). As a part of the National Qualification System (NQS), FEMA also has developed NIMS Job Titles/Position Qualifications and accompanying Position Task Books (PTB), and the NIMS Guideline for Mutual Aid. |
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