Questions with Verified Correct Answers | National Incident
Management System Exam
FEMA | National Incident Management System | IS-700.B NIMS
Foundation
Section 1: National Incident Management System Foundations
Q1: Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between NIMS
and the Incident Command System (ICS)?
A. NIMS replaces ICS as the national standard for incident management
B. ICS is a standardized management tool that meets the NIMS requirement for a
systematic approach to incident command and coordination
C. ICS is mandatory only for federal agencies, while NIMS applies to all jurisdictions
D. NIMS and ICS are competing systems developed by different federal agencies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to FEMA IS-700.B curriculum, ICS is a standardized management
tool for meeting the NIMS command and coordination requirements. NIMS provides the
overarching framework and principles, while ICS is the specific standardized approach
to command, control, and coordination of emergency response. Option A is
incorrect—NIMS does not replace ICS; it incorporates ICS as a core component. Option
,C is incorrect—ICS is applicable to all jurisdictions, not just federal agencies. Option D is
incorrect—ICS was developed through FIRESCOPE and is integrated into NIMS, not
competing with it.
Q2: The three NIMS guiding principles are:
A. Command, Control, and Communication
B. Flexibility, Standardization, and Unity of Command
C. Flexibility, Standardization, and Unity of Effort
D. Planning, Direction, and Coordination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per FEMA IS-700.B, the three NIMS guiding principles are Flexibility (NIMS
components are adaptable to any situation), Standardization (common practices for
organizational structures, processes, and interoperability), and Unity of Effort
(coordinated response among all agencies and organizations). Option B incorrectly
substitutes "Unity of Command" for "Unity of Effort"—Unity of Command is an ICS
principle, while Unity of Effort is the broader NIMS principle that allows for multiple
chains of command in multi-agency coordination. Options A and D do not represent
NIMS guiding principles.
Q3: Which resource management activity establishes common definitions for
capabilities of personnel, equipment, teams, supplies, and facilities?
A. Resource typing
B. Credentialing
, C. Inventorying
D. Tracking
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Resource typing, as defined in IS-700.B, is the categorization and description
of resources that are commonly exchanged in disasters via mutual aid agreements. It
establishes minimum qualifications for personnel and standards for equipment,
ensuring that resources are interchangeable across jurisdictions. Option B
(Credentialing) validates individual qualifications but does not establish resource
categories. Option C (Inventorying) identifies available resources but does not
standardize definitions. Option D (Tracking) monitors resource location and status but
does not define capabilities.
Q4: A jurisdiction is preparing for hurricane season by identifying facilities that could
serve as shelters, establishing mutual aid agreements with neighboring counties, and
conducting training exercises. These activities represent which component of NIMS
preparedness?
A. Planning
B. Organizing and equipping
C. Training
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Per IS-700.B, NIMS preparedness includes five components: Planning
(procedures and protocols), Organizing and Equipping (facilities, supplies, equipment),