WHOSE VERSION OF AN ICS COURSE SHOULD I TAKE? 
 
The NIMS Integration Center (NIC) developed the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance document in October, 2005.  An updated version of this document is now posted on the NIC website, dated March, 2007.  This document details the minimum content and objectives that each Incident Command System course must contain – ICS-100 through 400 – in order to be considered NIMS compliant.  
 
ICS courses developed using the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance document is deemed NIMS compliant. However, it is the responsibility of the agency or organization sponsoring the training to verify that the training does meet the guidelines.  
 
The NIMS Integration Center considers anyone who has taken all applicable NIMS courses according to their level of responsibility within an incident to have satisfied the NIMS training elements as part of the NIMS Implementation Activities (FY07 NIMS Compliance Matrix and Metrics). Therefore it is immaterial to the NIC if someone takes the ICS courses from the NWCG, NFA, EMI, USDA, EPA, Coast Guard, a private vendor etc. as long as the courses meet the content and objectives outlined in the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance, March 2007. 
 
The NIC in conjunction with the NRP/NIMS Review and Revision Process will issue an Upgraded NIMS Document on June 1, 2007.  While significant changes are not expected in the NIMS document, the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance will need to be updated to reflect the changes made in the NIMS document.   
 
To this end, the NIC has decided to develop a 5-Year NIMS Training Plan.  This training plan will incorporate all the components of the National Standard Curriculum Training Development Guidance as well as specific NIMS training requirements for FY2008 through FY2012.  The training plan and revised guidance will be issued by the NIC in the summer of 2007.