EOC Position Credentialing Program
NQS Implementation
In Fiscal Year 2022, FEMA began requiring implementation of the National Qualification System (NQS) for all Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funding recipients, including the State of Florida. To maintain compliance with this requirement, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM or Division) is implementing NQS using a phased approach over the course of three years. Once fully implemented, the Division will be tasked with issuing and tracking credentials for various incident management and emergency management positions within Florida.
EOC Position Credentialing SOG
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Credentialing Standard Operating Guide outlines the policies and procedures established by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), in coordination with the FQS Working Group, for qualifying, certifying, and credentialing personnel for EOC positions. It serves as guidance for stakeholders, including local government officials and emergency management support teams, on implementing the Florida Qualification System (FQS). The EOC Credentialing Standard Operating Guide also defines roles, training, evaluation, and certification processes to ensure personnel are prepared for emergency management roles. The document includes qualification criteria, Position Task Book (PTB) requirements, and pathways for certification and maintaining credentials.
Contact Information
For questions regarding the EOC Position Credentialing program, please contact:
Taylor Cheney – Credentialing Manager
Bailey Vandewalle – EOC Position Credentialing Planner
The Historical Recognition Period opens December 1, 2024 for the following positions:
EOC Manager
EOC Public Information Officer
EOC Planning Section Coordinator
EOC Logistics Section Coordinator
EOC Operations Section Coordinator
EOC Finance Section Coordinator
EOC Branch Director
The historical recognition period allows individuals to gain qualification for specific EOC positions by acknowledging prior experience, training, and education. This process is activated when a new position task book (PTB) is introduced, enabling initial credentialing without the standard qualification process. Applicants must provide documentation, such as action plans and professional references, to verify relevant experience obtained within the past ten years. Historical Recognition for the positions listed above is open from December 1st, 2024 to November 30th, 2025. Any applications received in that time will be considered for certification. After the deadline, anyone seeking certification must complete the full Position Task Book process.
Pending the opening of Historical Recognition, all necessary prerequisites for application will be posted here.
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