Accreditation Process

Training programs seeking first-time accreditation or renewing their accreditation will go through a five-phase process to ensure quality training and alignment with industry standards.

Phase 1: Application

  1. New and unregistered applicants:     
    1. Must register at the testing center.
    2. Once registration is received, a NIMS Program Specialist will contact you.
  2. Registered/Renewal Applicants: Simply login to the testing center, go to the Accreditation tab, and complete the application.
  3. Complete the online Program Evaluation.
  4. Review of the Program Evaluation Results with a NIMS Program Specialist.
  5. Submit the Application Fee.

Phase 2: Kit Completion

  1. Complete the NIMS Self-Evaluation Kit within three (3) months.
  2. Reviewal of Self-Evaluation Kit by NIMS Program Specialist.
  3. NIMS will send the result of the Kit and instructions for phase 3.

Phase 3: Onsite Evaluation, Review, & Decision

  1. Program’s evaluators must participate in a (online) Pre-Onsite Evaluation Meeting with NIMS Program Specialist.
  2. Schedule and complete the Onsite Evaluation.
  3. Reviewal of Onsite Evaluation Report.
  4. Address and complete Corrective Actions (if required/applicable).

Phase 4: Accreditation Award

  1. Official announcement of the program’s accreditation.

Phase 5: Maintenance/Continuous Improvement

  1. Yearly maintenance fee.
  2. Maintain compliance with NIMS Standards.
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