Minimum age for ICS-100/700 online

[Eclipse]

If they can screen cap the errors that would help, too.

[sardak]

The Independent Study Courses (online IS courses) don't accept the student ID (SID) for exams, so there is no need for the student ID. This note appears next to the link for taking the final exam. https://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-100.b

"Please note that the IS Program does not accept the FEMA SID when completing your test. Please use your SSN as directed in the test form. Those individuals that do not wish to use their SSN may request an Alternate ID number."

Which, in a prime example of government bureaucracy, directly conflicts with the statement regarding the need for a SID "A FEMA SID is required to register for and participate in any training provided by FEMA."

Mike

[Elmer]

For what it's worth, the BSA Search and Rescue Merit Badge originally had this requirement: Complete the training for ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System.  Now, the requirement has been softened to: Working with your counselor, become familiar with the Incident Command System.

There were two issues I'm seeing with the Scouts: one was the age problem Eclipse originally mentioned, the other was parents not allowing their children to provide their SSN's to register.

[Eclipse]

So as it turns out, the cadet(s) in question were attempting to register for a FEMA SID (Student Identification Number) which does
require you be at least 14.

I don't know why they were doing that, since the IS100b website clearly indicates FEMA SIDs are not used for these tests.
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=is-100.b

"Please note that the IS Program does not accept the FEMA SID when completing your test. Please use your SSN as directed in the test form.
Those individuals that do not wish to use their SSN may request an Alternate ID number."


If a member doesn't want to produce their SSN, they can request an "alternate ID" using the process outlined here:
http://training.fema.gov/IS/isfaqdetails.asp?id=4

"Our database was built several years ago using the Social Security Number (SSN) as a student identification number.  We are working to modify the database; however the number is necessary to track each student's training progress.  Our Internet exam submission pages are socket layer secured, and all of your information is maintained in a secure government database system.  I hope this explanation helps you understand our motives for requesting the SSN.

"If a student has reservations about the use of his or her SSN, but still wishes to participate in our program, we can assign his or her account a tracking number after he or she provides proof of U.S. citizenship (U.S. photo copy of a passport, U.S. voter's registration card, U.S. birth certificate). The downside is the student must then remember and use this unique nine-digit number for all future Independent Study Program transactions, and most higher-learning institutions will not recognize the student's course work for college credit, because the student's SSN is not associated with the course work.

If you want this office to assign your account an alternate student ID number, fax your name, phone number, shipping address, and email address, along with a photocopy of your voter registration card, U.S. passport or birth certificate to: (301) 447-1201, or mail your request to:

EMI - Independent Study Program
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727-8998

You must wait to receive your student ID number before you submit your exam. You will then be able to use this nine-digit number in lieu of your SSN. Please be aware that this action can take several weeks.

Please provide an email address, so we can provide your student ID number as quickly as possible."

[rwindle]

Reading this made me refer to my DHS Instructor material. The FEMA Student ID would only be needed for individuals who wish to take National Fire Academy, EMI or CDP On-Campus or Off-Campus courses, NFA Online or EMI Courses provided by a State Emergency Management agency or DHS Certified Instructor.  If you take any DHS course which requires a General Admission Application to be completed you will need a FEMA SID, they do not use the SSN anymore on this form. Only the EMI Independent Study program uses the SSN. One of the reasons for this is that the records system goes back to the Civil Defense days and is recorded by Service Number/SSN.