FEMA IS-200.C (ICS-200) Questions and Answers

Are you preparing for the FEMA IS-200.C exam? We’ve compiled short answers to 34 common IS-200.C questions to help you ace that test. To ensure accuracy, we sourced our answers directly from official FEMA course materials and added our explanations for better understanding. Whether you’re studying, revising, or in the middle of the open-book ICS 200 exam, our guide is here to assist.

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What is the FEMA IS-200.C?

The FEMA IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response is a comprehensive training course designed for individuals aiming for leadership roles in emergencies involved with emergency planning, response, or recovery. Ideal candidates for the ICS 200 are professionals like fire department supervisors, police sergeants, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Supervisors, or Public Health Officials.

ParametersFEMA IS-200.C course details
Creation DateMarch 11, 2019
Primary AudienceResponse personnel at the supervisory level involved with emergency planning, response, or recovery efforts.
Course ObjectiveTo review the Incident Command System (ICS), provide context for ICS within initial response, and support higher level ICS training.
Duration4 hours
Available LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
CEUs0.4
PrerequisitesIS-100.C (ICS 100): An Introduction to the Incident Command System

Source: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-200.c&lang=en

The IS-200.C was launched on March 11, 2019, and developed by the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in collaboration with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Programs Branch, and the United States Coast Guard. While its primary application is on-ground incident management, it’s also relevant for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The ICS 200 is a 4-hour course in English and Spanish and offers 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). To enroll in this course, participants must have completed IS-100.C as an introduction to the Incident Command System.

What is the objective of the FEMA IS-200.C course?

According to the official FEMA website, the objective of the FEMA IS-200.C is that participants should be able to describe how the NIMS Management Characteristics relate to Incident Command and Unified Command, identify ICS organizational components, the Command Staff, the General Staff, and ICS tools, and use ICS to manage an incident or event.

How is the FEMA IS-200.C structured?

The IS-200.C course is divided into the following nine units:

  • Course Overview
  • Incident Command and Unified Command
  • Delegation of Authority & Management by Objectives
  • Functional Areas and Positions
  • Incident Briefings and Meetings
  • Organizational Flexibility
  • Transfer of Command
  • Application Activity
  • Course Summary

What are common FEMA IS-200.C (ICS 200) Test Questions?

We have collected and answered the 34 most common FEMA IS-100.C test questions people ask online:

Which nims management characteristic includes developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols to accomplish tasks?

Management by Objectives is the NIMS management characteristic responsible for developing and issuing assignments, plans, procedures, and protocols to accomplish tasks. It involves establishing clear, specific goals and the steps needed to achieve them, ensuring that the incident response is organized, measurable, and effective in addressing the incident’s demands.

Which incident type requires regional or national resources, all command and general staff positions are activated, branches are activated, personnel may exceed 500 per operational period, and a disaster declaration may occur?

Type 1 incident requires regional or national resources, activation of all command and general staff positions, possible activation of branches, personnel potentially exceeding 500 per operational period, and the possibility of a disaster declaration occurring. It represents the highest complexity and resource needs, often involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies, and requires effective management strategies and tactics. A real-world example of a Type 1 incident was Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Which incident type requires regional or national resources with up to 200 personnel per operational period?

A Type 2 incident requires regional or national resources with up to 200 personnel per operational period. This level of incident typically surpasses local capabilities, demanding more advanced coordination and management strategies to address the complexities involved effectively. A good example of a past Type 2 incident is the 2013 Beaver Creek Fire in Idaho.

Which major NIMS component describes systems and methods that help to ensure that incident personnel and other decision makers have the means and information they need to make and communicate decisions?

Communications and Information Management is the major NIMS component that describes systems and methods ensuring that incident personnel and other decision makers have the means and information they need to make and communicate decisions. It is crucial as it provides the seamless flow of critical information and aids in establishing a common understanding of incident parameters, promoting swift and coherent action.

Which command staff member approves the incident action plan and all requests pertaining to the ordering and releasing of incident resources?

The Incident Commander is the command staff member who approves the incident action plan and all requests pertaining to the ordering and releasing of incident resources. The Incident Commander has overall authority and responsibility for conducting incident operations and is responsible for managing all incident operations at the site.

Which statement correctly describes how to manage span of control using the modular concept?

Managing span of control using the modular concept is accomplished by organizing resources into Teams, Divisions, Groups, Branches, or Sections, ensuring each level of the organization has a unique title. This approach allows for maintaining clear and effective communication, ensuring safety, and establishing a structured and manageable hierarchy, adapting to different incidents’ varying complexities and demands.

Which General Staff member directs management of all incident-related operational activities to achieve the incident objectives?

The Operations Section Chief is the General Staff member who directs the management of all incident-related operational activities to achieve the incident objectives. He oversees the execution of strategies and tactics to meet the defined goals. He ensures optimal allocation and utilization of resources for tactical operations, including managing emergency response teams, allocating equipment, and coordinating efforts on the ground.

Which ICS supervisory position title is used at the division/group organizational level?

Supervisor is the ICS supervisory position title used at the division/group organizational level. This role ensures the execution of strategies and tactics outlined in the Incident Action Plan, reports progress and any arising issues to their respective Section Chief or Branch Director.

Which NIMS management characteristic helps to eliminate confusion caused by multiple, conflicting directives?

Chain of Command and Unity of Command are the NIMS management characteristics that help to eliminate confusion caused by multiple, conflicting directives. This characteristic ensures that each individual reports to only one designated supervisor, clarifying reporting relationships and enabling incident managers at all levels to direct the actions of all personnel under their supervision.

Which items are not typically included in the transfer of command briefing?

Current Expenditures and Anticipated Budget, News Releases and Media Monitoring Reports, Incident Prognosis, and Special Requests from Agency Representatives are not typically included in the transfer of command briefing. Including only essential elements in the briefing ensures clarity and focus on priorities, avoiding unnecessary information that may not be crucial for the incoming commander to assume control.

Which incident type do these characteristics describe: some or all of the command and general staff are activated as well as division or group supervisor and/or unit leader positions, the incident extends into multiple operational periods, and a written IAP is required?

A Type 3 incident is described by the characteristics where some or all of the command and general staff are activated as well as division or group supervisor and/or unit leader positions, the incident extends into multiple operational periods, and a written IAP is required. This level of incident management is utilized when the incident is beyond the capabilities of local control and is expected to go into multiple operational periods, requiring a more coordinated and organized approach to manage effectively.

A good example of a Type 3 incident is a smaller scale natural disaster like a localized flood or a moderate forest fire.

Which characteristic is not recommended for incident objectives?

Incident objectives should not be stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility. Stating objectives in broad terms can lead to ambiguity and lack of focus in incident management, making it difficult to measure success and ensure the efficient and effective allocation of resources.

Which factor does not impact the complexity of an incident?

Cost considerations of responding agencies do not impact the complexity of an incident. Complexity is determined by operational and logistical challenges, safety concerns, and the coordination required, not by the financial constraints of responding organizations.

Which type of briefing is delivered to individual resources or crews who are assigned to operational tasks and/or work at or near the incident site?

Field-level briefings are delivered to individual resources or crews who are assigned to operational tasks and/or work at or near the incident site. These briefings focus on specific tasks, defining work areas, reporting relationships, and expectations, usually occurring at the beginning of an operational shift near the work site or just prior to mobilization to the field.

When the supervisor-to-subordinate ratio exceeds manageable span of control, additional teams, divisions, groups, branches, or sections can be established. Which NIMS management characteristic does this describe?

The Modular Organization is the NIMS management characteristic that ensures the establishment of additional teams, divisions, groups, branches, or sections when the supervisor-to-subordinate ratio exceeds a manageable span of control.

When a more qualified person arrives on scene, which statement best describes what happens?

When a more qualified person arrives on scene, he has options based on agency guidelines; these can include assuming command, maintaining command as is, or requesting a more qualified Incident Commander. These options ensure that the most qualified individual is in a position to lead, allowing for flexibility and adherence to agency policies and guidelines.

When command is transferred, then all personnel involved in the incident should be told what?

When command is transferred, the effective time and date of the transfer of command should be told to all personnel involved in the incident. This ensures that all personnel are aware of the change in leadership and can adjust their coordination and reporting accordingly.

Which of these is not a tool that you would need at the incident?

Exercise Plan is the tool that you would not need at the incident.

When an incident expands ________________________________.

When an incident expands, only the functions and positions necessary are filled.

An Incident Commander’s scope of authority comes from the Incident Action Plan? True or False.

False, an Incident Commander’s scope of authority does not come from the Incident Action Plan; it is derived from existing laws, agency policies, and/or a Delegation of Authority.

Which of the these best describes the Operational Period Briefing?

The Operational Period Briefing sets forth the specific tasks, reporting relationships, and expectations for support staff.

Operational Period Brief is generally facilitated by who?

The Operational Period Brief is generally facilitated by the Planning Section Chief.

To ensure a smooth transfer, the outgoing Incident Commander should provide a ___________ to the new Incident Commander.

To ensure a smooth transfer, the outgoing Incident Commander should provide a Transfer of Command Briefing to the new Incident Commander.

An Incident Commander’s scope of authority is derived from existing laws, agency policies, and/or ______.

An Incident Commander’s scope of authority is derived from existing laws, agency policies, and/or Delegation of Authority.

Should all the involved personnel be informed when a command is transferred?

Yes, all the involved personnel should be informed when a command is transferred to ensure clarity and coordination among the team members.

Which Command Staff member approves the Incident Action Plan and all requests pertaining to incident resource ordering and releasing?

The Incident Commander is the Command Staff member who approves the Incident Action Plan and all requests pertaining to incident resource ordering and releasing.

Mutual Aid Agreements ________________________________.

Mutual Aid Agreements establish the legal basis for two or more entities to share resources in times of emergency, enhancing collaborative efforts and resource availability.

ICS Form 201 is not suitable for use as an initial Incident Action Plan (IAP). True or False?

False, ICS Form 201 is suitable for use as an initial Incident Action Plan (IAP), providing a basic overview of the incident.

Using specific position titles in ICS helps to describe the responsibilities of the position? True or False.

True, using specific position titles in ICS helps to describe the responsibilities of the position, promoting clarity and understanding of roles within the team.

An important feature of Emergency Operation Plans is that they ________________________________.

An important feature of Emergency Operation Plans is that they provide a uniform response to all hazards that a community may face.

An Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) from the affected jurisdiction is considered an ICS Tool. True or False?

True, an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) from the affected jurisdiction is considered an ICS Tool as it guides the response efforts during an incident.

NIMS provides a consistent framework for incident management at all jurisdictional levels regardless of the cause, size, or complexity of the incident. True or False?

True, NIMS provides a consistent framework for incident management at all jurisdictional levels regardless of the cause, size, or complexity of the incident, ensuring standardized approaches and interoperability.

Which of the following demonstrates a leader’s commitment to duty?

Demonstrating a commitment to duty, a leader steps out of a tactical role to assume a leadership role when needed, develops subordinates for the future, and ensures tasks are understood, promoting responsibility and growth within the team.

Which of these is not a characteristic of an incident action plan (IAP)?

“It focuses on previous operational periods in order to provide lessons learned” is not a characteristic of an incident action plan (IAP). The IAP is forward-looking, concentrating on planning and managing resources for upcoming operational periods, not reviewing or analyzing past ones.

What should I know about the FEMA IS-200.C final exam?

The FEMA IS-200.C test is an open book that lets you use your course notes while taking it! You’ll get 25 different multiple-choice questions every time you take it. To pass the ICS 200 exam, you need to reach at least a score of 75%, which means to get at least 19 answers right. You can retake the IS-200.C exam without any limitations if you fail. 

You can find study material for the FEMA IS-200.C final exam on the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) website.

What other FEMA courses should I take after passing the IS-200.C exam?

After completing the IS-200.C exam, consider advancing with the following FEMA courses:

  1. IS-300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
  2. IS-400: Advanced ICS
  3. IS-700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  4. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction
  5. IS-230.d: Fundamentals of Emergency Management

Source: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-100.c&lang=en