Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

DRAFT CMS until August 14, 2026.

← Back to 2026-2027 Future CMS

National Incident Management System

Credential Name	National Incident Management System
Credential Vendor Info	FEMA - Emergency Management Institute https://training.fema.gov/nims/
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IP11 = Yes IP21 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of certificate Certificate of Achievement (FEMA) printed from Emergency Management Institute. Certificate is emailed directly to student who will need to forward to teacher for printing and verification. Information also available in NC TERMS through NC EM (https://terms.ncem.org/TRS/).
Credential Lead Consultant	Melissa Leeds melissa.leeds@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IP11 Public Safety I IP21 Emergency Medical Technology I Honors
Credential as POL	IP11 POL = No IP21 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Emergency Management (EMMG) Emergency Medical Technology (EMMT) Public Safety (PSPW)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Required Instructor must be certified.
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	Lifetime
Renewal Options	N/A
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians (53-3011) Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (29-2031) Correctional Officers and Jailers (33-3012) Detectives and Criminal Investigators (33-3021) Emergency Management Directors (11-9161) Emergency Medical Technicians (29-2042) First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers (33-1011) Paramedics (29-2043) Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051) Registered Nurses (29-1141)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes NIMs certifications are the foundation certifications for ALL public safety areas and are a requirement in all these careers.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line
Proctored Environment Required	No
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	https://training.fema.gov/nims/
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	30 minutes for each of the four different certs
Exam Passing Requirement	70% or higher
Retakes	No
Student Accommodations	Yes https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/equal-rights/accommodation Open book and notes are allowed for any IS (Independent Study) test per NC Emergency Management.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	None

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.