Admissions Process

To apply for a course, complete the NETC Online Admissions Application.

Course Formats

Courses can be offered in the following formats:

§  On-campus (E): In-person training at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland

§  Virtual (K): Online training through a virtual classroom environment

Additional information for Reasonable Accommodations, Travel, Housing, and How to Apply can be found on the last page of this document.

 

Table of Contents

0102: Fundamentals Of Threats And Hazards.......................................................................... 4

0110: National Emergency Management Basic Academy Train-TheTrainer.............................. 5

0139: Exercise Design and Development................................................................................ 6

0146: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)....................................... 7

0202: Debris Management Planning for State, Tribal, Territorial and Local Officials................. 8

0278: National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System...................................... 9

0289: State Volunteer and Donations Management.............................................................. 10

0376: State Public Assistance Operations............................................................................. 11

0388: Advanced Public Information Officer............................................................................ 12

0419: Shelter Field Guide Training for State and Local Communities..................................... 13

0427: CERT Program Manager.............................................................................................. 14

0705: Fundamentals of Grants Management........................................................................ 15

0956: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer (LOFR) — Pilot Course......................................... 16

2304: Emergency Operations Center Planning Skillsets......................................................... 17

8540: Basic Interagency Logistics Seminar........................................................................... 19

 

 

Course Number	Course Title	Course Dates	Location
K0102	Fundamentals of Threats and Hazards	Jan 26 - 30, 2026	Virtual
E0110	National Emergency Management Basic Academy Train the Trainer	Jan 26 - 30, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD
K0139	Exercise Design and Development	Jan 12 - 15, 2026	Virtual
K0146	Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Training Course	Jan 12 - 15, 2026	Virtual
K0202	Debris Management Planning for State, Tribal, Territorial and Local Officials	Jan 5 - 8, 2026	Virtual
E0278	National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System	Jan 5 - 8, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD
E0289	State Volunteer and Donations Management	Jan 12 - 15, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD
K0376	Public Assistance Management for SLTT Personnel	Jan 12 - 15, 2026	Virtual
E0388	Advanced Public Information Officer	Jan 26 - 30, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD
K0419	Shelter Field Guide Training for State and Local Communities	Jan 21 - 22, 2026	Virtual
K0427	CERT Program Manager	Jan 13 - 16, 2026	Virtual
K0705	Fundamentals of Grants Management	Jan 26 - Feb 12, 2026	Virtual
E0956	NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer (LOFR) — Pilot Course	Jan 12 - 14, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD
E2304	Emergency Operations Center Planning Skillsets	Jan 26 - 30, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD
E8540	Basic Interagency Logistics Seminar	Jan 26 - 30, 2026	Emmitsburg, MD

Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step in your emergency management training. Visit our complete training catalog to explore this course and many others designed to build your skills and advance your career. You can browse course schedules, read detailed descriptions, and find everything you need to register.

Visit the training catalog today: https://www.firstrespondertraining.gov/frts/npccatalog

Whether you are just starting in emergency management or looking to expand your expertise, we offer courses that will help you better serve your community. Your training journey starts with one click.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0102: Fundamentals Of Threats and Hazards

Overview

This course participants with a clear, plain-language overview of the science behind today’s hazards. The course explains how Earth processes create natural threats, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, landslides, and floods; how weather and climate drive storms, cyclones, winter weather, and drought; and the fundamentals of chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, and nuclear hazards. The goal is to connect scientific concepts to practical steps that strengthen preparedness and mitigation. For more information, visit the Emergency Management Basic Academy.

Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will understand how Earth science drives natural hazards and how climatology explains severe and long-duration weather events. They will recognize the scientific basis of chemical and biological threats and explain the foundations of explosive, radiological, and nuclear hazards. They will also be able to describe how applying this scientific understanding can improve emergency preparedness in their communities.

Target Audience

The course is designed for newly appointed emergency managers at the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels, as well as professionals transitioning into emergency management from other fields who seek a comprehensive understanding of hazard science.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the FEMA NDEMU Basic Academy: [email protected].

 

 

0110: National Emergency Management Basic Academy Train-The-Trainer

Overview

The National Emergency Management Basic Academy (NEMBA) is designed for individuals pursuing a career in emergency management and provides a foundational education in emergency management knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The goal of the Basic Academy is to support the careers of Emergency Managers through a training experience combining knowledge of all fundamental systems, concepts, and practices of contemporary emergency management. The Basic Academy provides adult learners, facilitated by skilled faculty members, a solid foundation upon which to build a career in the emergency management profession. For more information, visit the Emergency Management Basic Academy.

Target Audience

The National Emergency Management Basic Academy is designed for newly appointed emergency managers with less than 3 years of experience, including members of state, local, tribal, and territorial homeland security or emergency services programs; non-governmental organizations (NGOs), voluntary agencies, or professional organizations; private sector emergency management offices; college or university emergency management staff; and FEMA, Federal partners, military and emergency managers at other departments or agencies.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the FEMA NDEMU Basic Academy: [email protected].  

 

0139: Exercise Design and Development

Overview

This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of designing, developing, and implementing emergency exercises using the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology. It also serves as a companion to the 0050: Exercise Control and Simulation course, which in-person participants are encouraged to attend consecutively.

Course Objectives

Participants in this course will build their skills in planning and carrying out effective emergency exercises. They will learn how to use HSEEP principles to design and manage a complete exercise program, from start to finish. The course covers how to form and lead an Exercise Planning Team, write clear and measurable objectives that support organizational goals, and choose the right type of exercise to meet those objectives. Participants will also practice completing important planning documents and learn how to improve exercises based on past experience. Hands-on activities and a final project will help reinforce what they have learned and give them a chance to apply it in a realistic setting.

Target Audience

This course is designed for emergency management professionals with 1–3 years of experience in planning and conducting exercises aligned with HSEEP doctrine.

Course Dates

K OFFERINGS VIRTUAL January 12 - 15, 2026

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the Integrated Emergency Management Branch: [email protected].

 

 

0146: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)

Overview

This course teaches you how to design, conduct, and refine exercises using the HSEEP doctrine. You'll work with standard templates and materials from the National Exercise Division to ensure your exercises are consistent and high quality.

Course Objectives

Participants will understand the fundamentals of HSEEP and learn how to effectively manage an exercise program. You'll be able to design and develop exercises, conduct them safely and effectively, evaluate performance, and create improvement plans. Throughout the course, you'll practice using HSEEP tools and templates to reinforce each step of the exercise lifecycle.

Target Audience

This course is designed for emergency management and public safety personnel and their supervisors who lead or support exercise planning, budgeting, design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning. Participants typically include senior and elected officials, exercise program managers, exercise directors, planning team members, controllers and facilitators, and evaluators at all levels of government.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the Integrated Emergency Management Branch: [email protected].

 

0202: Debris Management Planning for State, Tribal, Territorial and Local Officials

Overview

This course is a 4-day in-person or virtual training offered by the National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU). It helps government officials prepare for, respond to, and recover from large-scale debris-generating events. The course focuses on pre-disaster planning and outlines key actions for effective debris operations.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn how to develop and implement debris management plans, including staff roles, contracting procedures, site selection, recycling, and handling of special debris. The course also covers compliance with laws and regulations and how to coordinate with other support agencies during debris operations.

Target Audience

This course is for emergency management, public works, and waste management personnel at the state, local, tribal, and territorial levels who are responsible for planning or managing debris removal and disposal.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Response and Recovery Branch: [email protected]

 

0278: National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System

Overview

This course is a 4-day in-person training held at the National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. It covers the Community Rating System (CRS)—a FEMA initiative under the NFIP that rewards communities for activities that reduce flood risk. The course explains how communities can earn CRS credit, apply to the program, and improve their classification using the 2017 CRS Coordinator’s Manual.

Course Objectives

Course participants will learn how to identify which community activities are eligible for CRS credit, understand the process a community must follow to join the CRS program, and explore how to modify existing applications to achieve a better CRS classification.

Target Audience

This course is for FEMA staff, NFIP state coordinators, regional planners, local and tribal officials, and consultants who support floodplain management. Participants should have experience or formal training in floodplain management and a working knowledge of NFIP concepts. Attendance is limited to two people per community per fiscal year.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the FEMA NDEMU Mitigation Branch: [email protected]

 

0289: State Volunteer and Donations Management

Overview

This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to coordinate volunteer and donations activities during disaster operations. The virtual format allows participants to engage in realistic scenarios and collaborative activities from their own location.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn how to set up systems that effectively manage volunteers and donations during disasters. The course covers how to coordinate with voluntary organizations, create clear public messages for volunteers and donors, and develop strategies for organizing donation centers and volunteer reception sites.

Target Audience

This course is intended for individuals working at the state level who play key roles in coordinating volunteers and donations during disasters. It is especially relevant for State Volunteer and Donations Coordinators and their alternates, as well as leaders from statewide voluntary organizations. The course is also suited for State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) chairs or their designees, Public Information Officers (PIOs) or liaisons, and those leading specific program functions like warehousing or call centers. Additionally, FEMA Human Services staff—such as Voluntary Agency Liaisons and Donations Specialists—as well as government liaisons to the private sector will benefit. The course is open to other emergency management professionals as well, including those from Federal, state, territorial, and tribal agencies.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the FEMA NDEMU Response and Recovery Branch:
[email protected]

 

0376: State Public Assistance Operations

Overview

This course provides state, local, tribal, and territorial government staff with a comprehensive overview of FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program. The course covers the PA process, grant policies and procedures, eligibility, hazard mitigation, and coordination with other Federal requirements.

Course Objectives

Participants will gain a clear understanding of the laws, regulations, and policies guiding FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. They will explore the end-to-end PA process, from eligibility and project formulation to grants management and compliance with Federal regulations, including hazard mitigation integration.

Target Audience

This course is intended for state, local, tribal, and territorial government personnel responsible for managing Public Assistance grants following federally declared disasters.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the FEMA NDEMU Response and Recovery Branch:
[email protected]

 

0388: Advanced Public Information Officer

Overview

This course teaches participants additional skills for use during escalating incidents, including strategic communications and incident action planning as they relate to Joint Information Center (JIC) operations. The course includes pre-course work and a multi-day functional exercise.

Course Objectives

This course helps participants build the knowledge and skills needed to set up, run, and work effectively within a JIC. It offers hands-on practice through a multi-day, full-scale exercise, allowing participants to apply advanced public information strategies in a realistic, high-pressure environment. Participants will also strengthen their ability to manage communications during the recovery phase of an incident. Throughout the course, there is a strong focus on improving processes and making sure every communication effort is meaningful, targeted, and relevant—especially for key audiences like senior leadership.

Target Audience

This course is designed for public information personnel with at least 2 years of experience. Applicants must have completed the necessary prerequisite courses.

Course Dates

E OFFERINGS National Emergency Training Center Emmitsburg, MD January 26 - 30, 2026

Course Contact

For additional information, contact the FEMA NDEMU Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP) Branch: [email protected]

 

0419: Shelter Field Guide Training for State and Local Communities

Overview

This course is a 10-hour virtual course delivered over 2 consecutive days. It is designed to help participants understand and apply sheltering practices using the FEMA and American Red Cross Shelter Field Guide. This training provides the foundational knowledge and resources needed to support shelter operations before, during, and after a disaster.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn how to identify the seven key roles in sheltering, explain the types of resources available to shelters, prepare for shelter operations, and use the Shelter Field Guide to successfully open, manage, and close a shelter.

Target Audience

This course is for Shelter Managers and supervisors from faith-based groups, non-profits, and private sector organizations who are involved in shelter planning and operations.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Response and Recovery Branch: [email protected]

 

0427: CERT Program Manager

Overview

This course prepares participants to build and manage a local CERT program. The course covers key responsibilities such as planning, promoting the program, coordinating with partners, and managing volunteers, trainers, and resources.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn how to define the mission and structure of a CERT program, create a strategic plan, promote community engagement, and manage volunteers and trainers. They will also learn how to develop policies and procedures, run safe and effective trainings, and evaluate and sustain the program over time.

Target Audience

This course is for professionals and volunteers who currently serve—or plan to serve—as a local CERT Program Manager. A referral from a CERT-sponsoring agency is required. Non-first responders must complete IS-317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team (CERTs).

Course Dates

K OFFERINGS January 13 - 16, 2026

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Mission Support Branch:
[email protected]

 

0705: Fundamentals of Grants Management

Overview

The course includes 20 hours of live instruction, a 1-hour orientation, and 14 hours of self-paced study. It is designed to help FEMA grantees and sub-grantees strengthen their ability to manage Federal grant funding effectively.

Course Objectives

Participants will learn core principles of grants management, including compliance, reporting, allowable costs, documentation, and closeout procedures. Interactive sessions and independent study activities focus on improving knowledge of FEMA grant requirements and best practices in financial oversight.

Target Audience

This course is intended for state, local, tribal, and territorial personnel who manage or oversee FEMA grants.

Course Dates

K OFFERINGS January 26 - Feb 12, 2026

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Mission Support Branch:
[email protected]

 

0956: NIMS ICS All-Hazards Liaison Officer (LOFR) — Pilot Course

Overview

This is an advanced, performance-based pilot course that prepares responders to serve as a Liaison Officer on an Incident Management Team. The course teaches you the role of a Liaison Officer in a Type III/IV environment and how to coordinate with assisting and cooperating agencies. You'll learn how to facilitate the flow of information across partners and support the incident action planning process. Throughout the course, you'll practice real-world tasks and create actual products to build your confidence for handling complex incidents.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will understand the Liaison Officer's duties as part of the Command Staff and the responsibilities of Agency Representatives and other stakeholders. You'll know how to set up effective communication and work-location arrangements for an incident. You'll be able to map information flow, including the use of Assistant Liaison Officers, and support the NIMS incident action planning process. The course will also prepare you to handle special situations and carry Liaison Officer responsibilities through demobilization.

Target Audience

This course is for emergency management personnel who will serve as a Liaison Officer or Agency Representative, or who staff Command, General Staff, or Unit Leader roles on a Type III/IV Incident Management Team. Applicants must meet the NIMS ICS Position Specific selection criteria, as verified by their Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Preparedness Branch: [email protected].

2304: EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER PLANNING SKILLSETS

Overview
This is an advanced, performance-based course delivered virtually as part of FEMA’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Skillset Curriculum. Over five half-day sessions, it gives planners the practical know-how to support EOC planning at any incident level, in any organizational structure, by walking them through real-world tasks and products that keep an EOC on rhythm and informed.

Course Objectives
During the course, participants explore how the National Qualification System, the National Incident Management System, and modern EOCs fit together, then practice the planning-support skillsets that make an EOC run. They learn to develop situation-appropriate action plans and other key documents, manage information so the EOC’s operational rhythm stays steady, steer policy questions through the right internal and external channels, and keep planning processes—and the documents they produce—current and useful. By the end, learners can perform the full range of planning tasks an EOC requires, regardless of complexity.

Target Audience
This training is designed for emergency-management professionals who staff or supervise planning functions in an EOC and need a deeper, task-level understanding of how to draft plans, coordinate information, and guide decision-making during steady-state and incident operations.

Course Dates

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Preparedness Branch: [email protected].

 

 

8540: Basic Interagency Logistics Seminar

Course Overview

The seminar introduces you to interagency logistics concepts for all-hazards operations, with a focus on the Whole Community approach. You'll review how federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, nongovernmental, and private-sector partners plan and coordinate logistics support. You'll also share best practices for effective response with other participants.

Course Objectives

By the end of this seminar, you will have a solid understanding of key interagency logistics concepts and their application to planning and response. You'll be able to describe logistics roles and coordination across government, nongovernmental, and private-sector partners. You'll outline planning considerations for all-hazards incidents and identify parameters and processes for logistics support coordination. The seminar also provides opportunities to exchange proven practices that strengthen Whole Community logistics.

Target Audience

This seminar is designed for mid- to senior-level logistics and emergency management professionals from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. Military personnel at the O-4 to O-6, W-3 to W-5, and E-7 to E-9 levels are welcome, as are federal civilians at the GS-13 to GS-15 levels. The seminar also welcomes participants from nongovernmental organizations, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, and private-sector supply chain partners. Others who can contribute to the discussion may attend with EMI approval. Government contractors may attend if they have a DHS non-disclosure agreement.

Course Dates

E OFFERINGS National Emergency Training Center Emmitsburg, MD January 26 – 30, 2026

Course Contact

For questions or accommodation requests, contact the FEMA NDEMU Response and Recovery Branch: [email protected]

 

 

Accommodation Information

If you require a reasonable accommodation (sign language interpreters, braille, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), etc.), make your request on your application or to [email protected] no later than (NLT) 30 days prior to the course offering. When making any requests, provide details on the accommodation; however, DO NOT include medical or other personal information that is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 or the Health Information Privacy Protection Act (45 CFR Part 160 Subparts A and E of Part 164). Last-minute requests will be accepted; however, they may not be possible to fulfill.

Travel and Housing Information

Upon acceptance into the course, NETC Admissions will mail out an Acceptance Letter and Welcome Package outlining travel information, NETC shuttle services, lodging and other logistics. Lodging is provided for course participants on the NETC campus. Participants staying overnight on campus are required to purchase a meal ticket for the duration of the training activity. Notify the NETC Transportation Office at least 2 weeks prior to the course date to reserve a shuttle seat.

K Courses are offered virtually, and participants are expected to be active (on camera, microphone, etc.) the entire duration of the course.

To learn more information on NDEMU’s travel, housing, and accommodation, read the NETC Welcome Package.

Cost/Reimbursement Information

§  NDEMU provides stipends or reimbursement for E courses as indicated in the NETC Welcome Package.

§  NDEMU does not provide stipend or reimbursement for off-campus course deliveries.

Prerequisites

Completion of the IS‑13: NDEMU Conduct and Behavior Course is compulsory before participating in any NDEMU training at the National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU). It is important to note that this course and exam are not required annually; they only need to be completed once. This course will be treated as a mandatory prerequisite for all courses.

How to Register

Before applying through the Online Admissions Application, a valid FEMA Student Identification Number (SID) is required. Apply for a FEMA SID or find a forgotten FEMA SID.

To apply for a course, complete the NETC Online Admissions Application.