Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200) Training
- In accordance with FEMA IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200)
- Available in:
English |
Español - Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule
- Receive your certificate instantly upon completion
- Select from SCORM-compliant, online streaming, virtual instructor-led, or in-person learning formats
0.4
Bulk Buying
| Employee | Per Seat |
|---|---|
| 2-10 | $79.19 |
| 11-20 | $78.39 |
| 21-50 | $77.59 |
| 51-100 | $75.99 |
| 101-250 | $74.39 |
| 251-500 | $73.59 |
| 501-1000 | $71.99 |
Course Facts
Training Duration
Learning Type
Course Access Validity
Device Support
Certificate Validity

A fire captain can handle a building fire alone. The same applies to a patrol sergeant at a traffic accident. But what happens when an incident expands rapidly? Mutual aid arrives. Other departments respond. Lives are at risk. Someone must be in command of those in command.
This is exactly where ICS 200 begins.
ICS 200 is recognized under the National Incident Management System (NIMS) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency - for incident command system training. It is required for personnel pursuing ICS 300 or ICS 400. The course aligns with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). This ICS 200 incident command system training builds on ICS 100. Completion of the ICS 100 course is a prerequisite for enrollment. It is designed for supervisors and leaders. It deepens understanding of core ICS principles.
Who Needs This Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200) Training?
- Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who function under or are in charge of incident command systems in the field.
- Public health workers and doctors who need to respond to multiple agency situations when there is a disease outbreak, mass casualty event, or public health crisis.
- Emergency management officials and homeland security personnel in government at the federal, tribal, state, or local level to plan and manage incident response.
- Military and National Guard service members called to support civil authorities during domestic incidents and disaster relief efforts.
- Public works and utility personnel repairing vital services that have been disrupted in the aftermath of a disaster or an emergency situation.
- Members of the Incident Management Team (IMT) or those filling positions on the Command or General Staff during Type 4 and Type 3 incidents.
- Private-sector representatives and NGO personnel working within a unified command structure for a large-scale emergency.
- Facility safety officers and school or hospital administrators oversee site-specific response until the arrival of external responders.
Why Choose Our Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200) Training?
- Covers the activation and use of Command and General Staff positions in expanding incidents, providing learners with direct preparation for the organizational complexity they will encounter in Type 3 and Type 4 responses.
- Addresses transfer of command, unified command, and Area Command structures, critical ICS 200-specific topics that go beyond the foundational principles covered in ICS 100.
- Fulfills the FEMA ICS 200 prerequisite for advanced ICS courses - ICS 300 and ICS 400, supporting career progression within emergency management.
- Aligned with the NIMS manual, designed to meet the training mandates set by HSPD-5 for federal, state, tribal, and local agencies receiving federal preparedness funding.
Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200) Training Course Syllabus
This Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200) Training consists of 9 lessons divided into 3 modules. Students are required to take each lesson in sequential order as listed below.
Introduction
Module 1: Foundation of NIMS and ICS
- Lesson 1: Understanding the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- Lesson 2: Incident Command and Unified Command
- Lesson 3: The Delegation of Authority and Management by Objectives
Module 2: Organizational Structure and Functional Roles
- Lesson 4: The Functional Areas and Positions in the NIMS
- Lesson 5: The Operational Areas and Positions in the NIMS
- Lesson 6: Transfer of Command and Incident Briefings
Module 3: Resource Management and Applied Practice
- Lesson 7: Flexibility, Resource Management, and Incident Typing
- Lesson 8: Practical Application Scenario I
- Lesson 9: Practical Application Scenario 2
Final Examination
Frequently Asked Questions
This course meets and exceeds the compliance requirements outlined in FEMA IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200).
When an incident escalates, disorganization costs lives, resources, and time. ICS 200 prepares personnel for expanded command roles. It teaches response structure and cross-agency coordination. Clear authority lines are maintained — even under the highest pressure.
- Covers Command and General Staff activation in expanding incidents.
- Prepares learners for the complexity of Type 3 and Type 4 responses.
- Addresses transfer of command, unified command, and Area Command structures.
- These are ICS 200-specific topics that go beyond ICS 100 foundations.
- Fulfills the FEMA ICS 200 prerequisite for ICS 300 and ICS 400.
- Supports career progression in emergency management.
- Aligned with the NIMS manual and HSPD-5 training mandates.
- Meets requirements for federal, state, tribal, and local agencies.
- Firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who function under or are in charge of incident command systems in the field.
- Public health workers and doctors who need to respond to multiple agency situations when there is a disease outbreak, mass casualty event, or public health crisis.
- Emergency management officials and homeland security personnel in government at the federal, tribal, state, or local level to plan and manage incident response.
- Military and National Guard service members called to support civil authorities during domestic incidents and disaster relief efforts.
- Public works and utility personnel repairing vital services that have been disrupted in the aftermath of a disaster or an emergency situation.
- Members of the Incident Management Team (IMT) or those filling positions on the Command or General Staff during Type 4 and Type 3 incidents.
- Private-sector representatives and NGO personnel working within a unified command structure for a large-scale emergency.
- Facility safety officers and school or hospital administrators oversee site-specific response until the arrival of external responders.
Yes. This Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 200) Training course builds on the foundational knowledge gained in the Introduction to Incident Command System for Initial Response (ICS 100) course, which is a prerequisite for enrollment.
FEMA regulations do not specify a set frequency for training renewal, unlike some other regulations. However, industry best practices suggest providing Training at least once every three years.
Certificate of Completion: Immediately after passing the final exam, you can download, save, or print your certificate in PDF format.
Validity: The course certificate is valid for three years.
Renewal: Simply take this course in 36 months to maintain compliance and stay current on best practices as mandated by FEMA.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Explain the purpose and principles of the Incident Command System (ICS).
- Recall the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
- Demonstrate understanding of incident command and unified command concepts.
- Explain the process for establishing and transferring command.
- Describe the importance of the chain of command and the unity of command.
- Identify the functions of Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration Sections.
- Explain the purpose and use of incident facilities such as Staging Areas and Incident Command Posts.
- Describe the principles of modular organization and manageable span of control.
- Identify incident management considerations during expanding incidents.
- Explain the incident action planning process and operational period briefings.
- Demonstrate understanding of resource management and resource typing concepts.
- Differentiate between assisting agencies, cooperating agencies, and agency representatives.
- Describe the purpose and use of common ICS forms, including ICS Form 201.
- Explain the importance of integrated communications and accountability during incident operations.
- Analyze incident complexity and determine appropriate incident typing.
- Identify hazards, safety concerns, and operational priorities during incident response.
- Describe the role and functions of Incident Management Teams (IMTs).
- Apply ICS concepts and management principles during scenario-based incident operations.
Choose Your Ideal Training Format:
Scorm Package
$79.99/Seat
Virtual Instructor-Led
$199.00/Seat
In-Person Group
$750.00/Seat
The training helped me better understand incident command responsibilities, resource management, and communication during emergency operations. I appreciated the clear explanations and flexible online format.
This course strengthened my knowledge of leadership roles within the Incident Command System and improved my confidence in handling emergency response scenarios. I would highly recommend it to safety professionals.
The ICS 200 training was informative, well-structured, and directly applicable to emergency response planning and field operations. The examples used throughout the course made the material much easier to understand.
This training offered valuable insight into incident response organization, operational planning, and team coordination during emergencies. The course was engaging and very beneficial for workplace safety management.
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