Preparing EOC
Staff for Incident Support Roles
Preparing EOC Staff for Incident Support Roles
When a crisis hits, EOCs provide coordination to support incident response. Instead of commanding on-scene actions directly, an EOC empowers field teams by gathering critical information, sourcing and tracking vital resources, and coordinating multiagency plans.
When a crisis hits, EOCs provide coordination to support incident response. Instead of commanding on-scene actions directly, an EOC empowers field teams by gathering critical information, sourcing and tracking vital resources, and coordinating multiagency plans.
To ensure a seamless response, all incident support personnel must follow a standardized training progression. Every Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) determines how far individuals need to advance based on their unique operational roles and the complexity of the incidents they manage. Explore the structured pathways below to find the exact courses required for your level of responsibility, from foundational basics to advanced leadership skillsets.
Personnel who will operate within EOCs (incident support personnel) follow the EOC training progression.
What is an EOC?
Emergency Operations Centers primary functions are to:
- Collect, analyze, and share incident information
- Support resource needs and requests (including sourcing, prioritizing, and tracking resources)
- Coordinate plans and anticipate current and future needs
- And, in some cases, provide policy coordination and direction
EOCs do not normally command on-scene operations; instead, they enable situational awareness, multiagency coordination, and resource support for Incident Command Posts and other field operations, and may also coordinate across multiple incidents or jurisdictions.
Training for All EOC Incident Personnel
This level covers nonsupervisory personnel and provides foundational training so they understand NIMS/ICS concepts and where they fit in the overall incident structure; many personnel will only need this baseline level.
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Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100
IS-0100
A 2-hour independent study course that explains the history, features, principles, and basic organizational structure of ICS and how it relates to the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
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An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
IS-0700
This 3.5-hour independent study course provides an overview of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which defines the comprehensive approach used by the whole community—including all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector—to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from incidents. It gives learners a basic understanding of NIMS concepts, principles, and components.
EOC Training for Incident Support Personnel with Leadership Responsibilities
This level is for mid-level personnel who may establish EOC operations or are preparing for supervisory roles in an EOC, giving them additional background on EOC systems and how to apply NIMS as leaders.
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National Response Framework, An Introduction
IS-0800
This 3-hour independent study course provides guidance for the whole community on the National Response Framework, with a special focus on people involved in delivering and applying response core capabilities, such as private sector partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government officials, community leaders, emergency management practitioners, and first responders.
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Basic Emergency Operations Center Functions
IS-2200
IS-2200 is a self-paced online course that introduces the role, design, and function of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), and its supportive role within NIMS as part of the Multiagency Coordination System.
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Emergency Operations Center/Incident Command System Interface
ELG0191
A 1-day classroom professional development course that teaches students how to create an effective working relationship between the Incident Command/Unified Command and the Emergency Operations Center using National Incident Management System principles.
EOC Training for Incident Personnel Designated as Leaders/ Supervisors
This level is for senior personnel formally assigned as EOC leaders/supervisors for larger or more complex incidents, and focuses on advanced use of NIMS structures, processes, and tools to manage extended incident support operations.
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Intermediate Emergency Operations Center Functions
ELK2300
ELK2300 is a 4-day classroom course that explains the managerial and operational roles of a modern EOC as a NIMS Command and Coordination functional group operating within a Multiagency Coordination System.
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Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Leaders Skillset Course
ELK2302
ELK2302 is a 5-day classroom course that builds the skills of EOC leaders in understanding EOC positions and responsibilities, gathering and analyzing data, maintaining organizational continuity, and delivering information and decisions to protect life and property.
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Emergency Operations Center Planning Skillsets
ELK2304
ELK2304 is a 5-day advanced, performance-based classroom course that trains participants to perform specific planning skills and tasks needed to support EOC planning, regardless of the EOC’s structure, incident level, or role.
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EOC Resource Skillsets
ELK2306
ELK2306 is a 5-day classroom course that gives personnel in resource roles a deeper understanding of EOC resource responsibilities and processes, including developing essential documentation and managing information across multiple agencies to support effective EOC operations.
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EOC Operations and Situational Awareness Skillsets
ELK2308
ELK2308 is a 5-day classroom course that enables EOC personnel to understand key EOC positions and responsibilities, gather and analyze data, maintain organizational continuity, deliver information to appropriate agencies and individuals, and make confident decisions to protect life and property.
Need Help?
Not sure if this training fits your requirements?
NIMS training delivery is a decentralized, collaborative effort that can be tricky to navigate. Try our Who requires what training? section or contact NIMS training program for specific questions.
