NOTICE: Effective April 16, 2026, FEMA has restored access to its Independent Study.

These courses are typically inaccessible during a lapse in appropriations, but FEMA is facing unprecedented circumstances. Users may now register for and complete these self-guided courses. However, FEMA's staffing and operations are still impacted by the lapse in appropriations. If users experience technical problems, FEMA staff are unable to provide assistance at this time. Please click here to read the full notice

Federal Emergency Management Agency | Emergency Management Institute

Independent Study

Picture of EMI Campus with Emergenct Mangement Institute sign in foreground and Buildings N and O in the background" title="The campus of FEMA's National Emergency Training Center, located in Emmitsburg, Md., offers a beautiful environment for first responders, emergency managers and educators to learn state-of-the-art disaster management and response.

IS-1.A: Emergency Manager: An Orientation to the Position

IS-1.A: Emergency Manager: An Orientation to the Position has been retired without a replacement.

EMI has removed the course IS-1.A. The replacement for this course is IS-230.D. Please take the current course IS-230.D. If you have taken this course and need to complete the exam it will be posted until 12/30/2016.

NOTICE: Effective April 16, 2026, FEMA has restored access to its Independent Study.

Federal Emergency Management Agency | Emergency Management Institute

IS-1.A: Emergency Manager: An Orientation to the Position

Quick Help Guide

Useful Documents & Forms

Featured Topics