FEMA IS-700.B Questions and Answers |
Comprehensive A+ Study Guide & Practice
Exam | NIMS Management System |
2026/2027 Edition
🎯 DOMAIN 1: NIMS FUNDAMENTALS (15-20%)
The Three Guiding Principles
TableCopy
Principle Definition Why It Matters
Scalable from routine local incidents to NIMS works for a car accident
Flexibility
interstate mutual aid to federal assistance OR a hurricane
Standardi Supports interoperability among multiple Everyone speaks the same
zation organizations "language"
Unity of Agencies support each other while maintaining Collaboration without giving up
Effort their own authority control
Core NIMS Facts
,Purpose: Provides a unified approach for managing incidents across all levels of
government, NGOs, and private sector.
Applicability: ALL incidents regardless of cause, size, or complexity (not just disasters!)
Three Major Components:
1. Resource Management – Personnel, equipment, supplies, teams, facilities
2. Command and Coordination – ICS, Multiagency Coordination, Public Information
3. Communications and Information Management – Systems and methods for
information flow
⚠️ EXAM TRAP: NIMS does NOT replace local plans, control federal funding, or
standardize laws nationwide.
🎯 DOMAIN 2: COMMAND AND COORDINATION (30-35%)
Incident Command System (ICS) Structure
plainCopy
INCIDENT COMMANDER (IC)
├── Command Staff
│ ├── Safety Officer
│ ├── Liaison Officer
│ └── Public Information Officer (PIO)
│
└── General Staff
├── Operations Section (DOES the work)
├── Planning Section (PLANS the work)
├── Logistics Section (SUPPORTS the work)
└── Finance/Admin Section (PAYS for the work)
Critical ICS Roles
TableCopy
, Role Primary Responsibility
Incident Commander Overall incident management, sets objectives, approves IAP
Monitors operations, advises on safety, has authority to stop
Safety Officer
unsafe acts
Liaison Officer Main contact for assisting/cooperating agency representatives
Public Information Officer Coordinates with Joint Information System
Section Responsibilities
TableCopy
Section Key Functions
Operations Tactical activities, implements strategies to achieve objectives
Develops Incident Action Plan (IAP), collects/analyzes information, tracks
Planning
resources
Logistics Resources, services, communications equipment, supplies, facilities
Finance/Admin Cost tracking, procurement, timekeeping, compensation claims
Essential Concepts
Span of Control:
, ● Optimal: 1 supervisor to 5 subordinates
● Acceptable range: 3-7 subordinates per supervisor
Unified Command:
● Used when incidents cross jurisdictions or involve multiple agencies
● Multiple agencies share authority with single Incident Action Plan
● Different from: Single Command (one IC) or Area Command (oversees multiple
incidents)
Chain of Command: Line of authority within an organization clarifying reporting
relationships.
Management by Objectives: Incident goals guide all actions through measurable
objectives.
🎯 DOMAIN 3: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (20-25%)
Resource Management Preparedness Activities
1. Identifying and typing resources
2. Qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel
3. Planning for resources
4. Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources
Resource Management Task Sequence
TableCopy
Task Definition
Identify Requirements Determine what resources are needed
Comprehensive A+ Study Guide & Practice
Exam | NIMS Management System |
2026/2027 Edition
🎯 DOMAIN 1: NIMS FUNDAMENTALS (15-20%)
The Three Guiding Principles
TableCopy
Principle Definition Why It Matters
Scalable from routine local incidents to NIMS works for a car accident
Flexibility
interstate mutual aid to federal assistance OR a hurricane
Standardi Supports interoperability among multiple Everyone speaks the same
zation organizations "language"
Unity of Agencies support each other while maintaining Collaboration without giving up
Effort their own authority control
Core NIMS Facts
,Purpose: Provides a unified approach for managing incidents across all levels of
government, NGOs, and private sector.
Applicability: ALL incidents regardless of cause, size, or complexity (not just disasters!)
Three Major Components:
1. Resource Management – Personnel, equipment, supplies, teams, facilities
2. Command and Coordination – ICS, Multiagency Coordination, Public Information
3. Communications and Information Management – Systems and methods for
information flow
⚠️ EXAM TRAP: NIMS does NOT replace local plans, control federal funding, or
standardize laws nationwide.
🎯 DOMAIN 2: COMMAND AND COORDINATION (30-35%)
Incident Command System (ICS) Structure
plainCopy
INCIDENT COMMANDER (IC)
├── Command Staff
│ ├── Safety Officer
│ ├── Liaison Officer
│ └── Public Information Officer (PIO)
│
└── General Staff
├── Operations Section (DOES the work)
├── Planning Section (PLANS the work)
├── Logistics Section (SUPPORTS the work)
└── Finance/Admin Section (PAYS for the work)
Critical ICS Roles
TableCopy
, Role Primary Responsibility
Incident Commander Overall incident management, sets objectives, approves IAP
Monitors operations, advises on safety, has authority to stop
Safety Officer
unsafe acts
Liaison Officer Main contact for assisting/cooperating agency representatives
Public Information Officer Coordinates with Joint Information System
Section Responsibilities
TableCopy
Section Key Functions
Operations Tactical activities, implements strategies to achieve objectives
Develops Incident Action Plan (IAP), collects/analyzes information, tracks
Planning
resources
Logistics Resources, services, communications equipment, supplies, facilities
Finance/Admin Cost tracking, procurement, timekeeping, compensation claims
Essential Concepts
Span of Control:
, ● Optimal: 1 supervisor to 5 subordinates
● Acceptable range: 3-7 subordinates per supervisor
Unified Command:
● Used when incidents cross jurisdictions or involve multiple agencies
● Multiple agencies share authority with single Incident Action Plan
● Different from: Single Command (one IC) or Area Command (oversees multiple
incidents)
Chain of Command: Line of authority within an organization clarifying reporting
relationships.
Management by Objectives: Incident goals guide all actions through measurable
objectives.
🎯 DOMAIN 3: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (20-25%)
Resource Management Preparedness Activities
1. Identifying and typing resources
2. Qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel
3. Planning for resources
4. Acquiring, storing, and inventorying resources
Resource Management Task Sequence
TableCopy
Task Definition
Identify Requirements Determine what resources are needed
