The National Qualification System (NQS) provides a foundational guideline on the typing of personnel resources within the NIMS framework.
FEMA provides Job Titles and Position Qualifications for a wide variety of positions utilized in emergencies. Sacramento CERT is moving to have all deployable members typed and qualified using FEMA’s National Qualification System and Resource Typing guidance.
FEMA Qualification System (FQS)
The FEMA Qualification System (FQS) is a performance-based qualification system that gives employees the opportunity to demonstrate and document their knowledge and skills in their specific incident management or incident support positions. Performance-based training refers to incident-related performance (at a disaster, incident, or scheduled exercise) that demonstrates the employee’s knowledge, skills, and actual performance, as documented in the position task book for the specific position, during these types of situations.
To become qualified for an incident management or incident support position, each employee is evaluated on the job. FQS standardizes the qualifications for positions across the Agency so that an employee who is qualified to perform in a given disaster position in one FEMA region will be prepared to perform in the same position in another region.
Sacramento CERT members fall into one of four FEMA positions:
- FEMA CERT Volunteer
- FEMA CERT Section Chief
- FEMA CERT Team Leader
- FEMA Emergency Medical Responder
FEMA CERT Volunteer Type 2/1
FEMA National Qualification System Position Qualifications:
Position Task Books:
| RESOURCE CATEGORY | Emergency Management |
| RESOURCE KIND | Personnel |
| OVERALL FUNCTION | The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteer is a voluntary CERT team member who has training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization or disaster medical operations |
| COMPOSITION AND ORDERING SPECIFICATIONS | 1. This position can be ordered as a single resource 2. Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment 3. Requestor specifies additional qualifications necessary, based on incident complexity and needs 4. This position can be deployed outside the home jurisdiction |
Each type of resource builds on the qualifications of the type below it. For example, Type 1 qualifications include the qualifications in Type 2, plus an increase in capability. Type 1 is the highest qualification level.
| COMPONENT | TYPE 1 | TYPE 2 | NOTES |
| DESCRIPTION | Same as Type 2, PLUS: CERT supplemental training, which may include specialization in animal response, firefighter rehab or traffic and crowd management |
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 2 CERT Volunteer: 1. Is trained according to standard operating procedures that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has developed 2. Performs the CERT’s primary duties when responding to an incident |
Not Specified |
| EDUCATION | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| TRAINING | Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. IS-288 2. IS-505 3. CERT supplemental training courses |
Completion of the following: 1. IS-100 2. IS-200 3. IS-700 4. IS-800 5. Minimum of 18 hours of CERT Basic Training Course |
The AHJ may specify additional required training. Any additional training beyond Basic CERT is supplemental. |
| EXPERIENCE | Same as Type 2, PLUS: Experience: Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the NIMS Type 1 CERT Volunteer or equivalent AHJ documentation |
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Understanding of CERT basic principles Experience: Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 2 CERT Volunteer or equivalent AHJ documentation |
The AHJ documents and validates knowledge, skills and abilities. |
| PHYSICAL / MEDICAL FITNESS | Same as Type 2 | 1. Arduous 2. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization recommendations |
NIMS Guideline for the NQS defines physical/medical fitness levels for NQS positions. |
| CURRENCY | Same as Type 2 | 1. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every two years 2. The provider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include the following: background check currency within 12 months; sex-offender registry check; and a local, state and national criminal and driving history. |
Not Specified |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS |
Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified |
FEMA CERT Section Chief
FEMA National Qualification System Position Qualifications:
Position Task Book:
| RESOURCE CATEGORY | Emergency Management |
| RESOURCE KIND | Personnel |
| OVERALL FUNCTION | The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Section Chief is a volunteer who is responsible for a specific functional area within the CERT |
| COMPOSITION AND ORDERING SPECIFICATIONS | 1. This position can be ordered as a single resource 2. Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment 3. Requestor specifies additional qualifications necessary, based on incident complexity and needs 4. This position can be deployed outside the home jurisdiction |
Each type of resource builds on the qualifications of the type below it. For example, Type 1 qualifications include the qualifications in Type 2, plus an increase in capability. Type 1 is the highest qualification level.
| COMPONENT | SINGLE TYPE | NOTES |
| DESCRIPTION | The CERT Section Chief is a volunteer who: 1. Is trained to perform the duties of an Incident Command System (ICS) command function for the CERT during a CERT response 2. Is responsible for a specific functional area within the CERT, such as Operations, Planning/Intelligence or Logistics 3. Assigns activities and accounts for team volunteers within the functional area 4. Is trained according to standard operating procedures that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has developed |
Not Specified |
| EDUCATION | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| TRAINING | Completion of the following: 1. IS-100 2. IS-200 3. IS-244 4. IS-288 5. IS-315 6. IS-505 7. IS-700 8. IS-703 9. IS-800 10. Minimum of 18 hours of CERT Basic Training Course 11. Specific section training, as the AHJ determines |
Any additional training beyond Basic CERT is supplemental. |
| EXPERIENCE | Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Understanding of the functions of a Section Chief 2. Understanding of the functions of the assigned functional area: Experience: Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) CERT Section Chief, or equivalent AHJ documentation |
The AHJ documents and validates knowledge, skills and abilities. |
| PHYSICAL / MEDICAL FITNESS | 1. Arduous 2. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization recommendations |
NIMS Guideline for the NQS defines physical/medical fitness levels for NQS positions. |
| CURRENCY | 1. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every two years 2. The provider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include the following: background check currency within 12 months; sex-offender registry check; and a local, state and national criminal and driving history. |
Not Specified |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS | Not Specified | Not Specified |
FEMA CERT Team Leader Type 2/1
FEMA National Qualification System Position Qualifications:
Position Task Books:
| RESOURCE CATEGORY | Emergency Management |
| RESOURCE KIND | Personnel |
| OVERALL FUNCTION | The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteer is a voluntary CERT team member who has training in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization or disaster medical operations |
| COMPOSITION AND ORDERING SPECIFICATIONS | 1. This position can be ordered as a single resource 2. Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment 3. Requestor specifies additional qualifications necessary, based on incident complexity and needs 4. This position can be deployed outside the home jurisdiction |
Each type of resource builds on the qualifications of the type below it. For example, Type 1 qualifications include the qualifications in Type 2, plus an increase in capability. Type 1 is the highest qualification level.
| COMPONENT | TYPE 1 | TYPE 2 | NOTES |
| DESCRIPTION | Same as Type 2, PLUS: Additional training on how to manage a CERT program |
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 2 CERT Team Leader is trained according to standard operating procedures that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has developed and is responsible for: 1. Ensuring team safety 2. Communicating with the CERT Section Chief 3. Liaising with other responders 4. Carrying out assigned tasks 5. Directing team activities |
Not Specified |
| EDUCATION | Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| TRAINING | Same as Type 2, PLUS: 1. IS-240 2. IS-241 3. IS-242 4. IS-1300 5. IS-2200 6. G427 |
Completion of the following: 1. IS-100 2. IS-200 3. IS-244 4. IS-288 5. IS-317 6. IS-505 7. IS-700 8. IS-703 9. IS-800 10.Minimum of 18 hours of CERT Basic Training Course |
Any additional training beyond Basic CERT is supplemental. |
| EXPERIENCE | Same as Type 2, PLUS: Experience: Successful completion of the National Qualification System (NQS) Position Task Book (PTB) for the NIMS Type 1 CERT Team Leader or equivalent AHJ documentation |
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Understanding of CERT Team Leader functions as defined by CERT Basic Training or the AHJ Experience: Successful completion of the NQS PTB for the NIMS Type 2 CERT Team Leader or equivalent AHJ documentation |
The AHJ documents and validates knowledge, skills and abilities. |
| PHYSICAL / MEDICAL FITNESS | Same as Type 2 | 1. Arduous 2. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) immunization recommendations |
NIMS Guideline for the NQS defines physical/medical fitness levels for NQS positions. |
| CURRENCY | Same as Type 2 | 1. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every two years 2. The provider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include the following: background check currency within 12 months; sex-offender registry check; and a local, state and national criminal and driving history. |
Not Specified |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS |
Not Specified | Not Specified | Not Specified |
FEMA CERT Emergency Medical Responder
FEMA National Qualification System Position Qualifications:
Position Task Books:
- FEMA has not provided a Position Task Book for Emergency Medical Responder
| RESOURCE CATEGORY | Emergency Medical Services |
| RESOURCE KIND | Personnel |
| OVERALL FUNCTION | The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) is an out-of-hospital practitioner whose primary focus is to initiate immediate lifesaving care to patients while ensuring patient access to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. |
| COMPOSITION AND ORDERING SPECIFICATIONS | 1. This position can be ordered as a single resource. 2. Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation and meals, prior to deployment. |
Each type of resource builds on the qualifications of the type below it. For example, Type 1 qualifications include the qualifications in Type 2, plus an increase in capability. Type 1 is the highest qualification level.
| COMPONENT | SINGLE TYPE | NOTES |
| DESCRIPTION | The EMR: 1. Functions as part of a comprehensive EMS response, community, health or public safety system with clinical protocols and medical oversight 2. Performs basic interventions, with minimal equipment and resources, to manage life threats, medical needs and psychological needs until other personnel can arrive 3. Assesses patient needs, initiates treatment and requests additional resources, as necessary 4. Assists in caring for patients during Ambulance transport 5. Provides an important link within the 911 and EMS systems |
Not Specified |
| EDUCATION | Successful completion of a state-, tribe- or territory-approved EMR training program that meets or exceeds a uniform national standard for quality |
Not Specified |
| TRAINING | Completion of the following: 1. IS-5 2. IS-100 3. IS-200 4. IS-700 5. IS-800 |
Not Specified |
| EXPERIENCE | Ongoing, active participation with an EMS-providing entity, organization or agency | Not Specified |
| PHYSICAL / MEDICAL FITNESS | 1. Arduous 2. Maintains immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s immunization recommendations |
The NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System National Incident Management System (NIMS) Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines physical/medical fitness levels for NIMS positions. |
| CURRENCY | 1. Ongoing, active participation with an EMS-providing entity, organization or agency 2. Immunizations up-to-date and commensurate with mission assignment |
Not Specified |
| PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS |
State-, tribe- or territory-granted active status of legal authority to function as an EMR | Not Specified |