IFSTA Incident Command Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum recommended span of control for a supervisor within the Incident Command System (ICS)?
- 3 to 7 subordinates (Correct answer)
- 5 to 10 subordinates
- 2 to 4 subordinates
- 8 to 12 subordinates
Correct answer: 3 to 7 subordinates
NIMS/ICS guidelines recommend a span of control between 3 and 7 subordinates per supervisor, with 5 being the optimal number.
Question 2: Which ICS function is responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating information about the incident?
- Operations Section
- Planning Section (Correct answer)
- Logistics Section
- Finance/Administration Section
Correct answer: Planning Section
The Planning Section is responsible for collecting, evaluating, and disseminating incident situation information and intelligence to the Incident Commander.
Question 3: In ICS, who has overall authority and responsibility for managing an incident?
- Operations Section Chief
- Safety Officer
- Incident Commander (Correct answer)
- Unified Command representative
Correct answer: Incident Commander
The Incident Commander (IC) has overall authority and responsibility for managing all aspects of an incident.
Question 4: What ICS tool is used to document the objectives, tactics, and assignments for each operational period?
- Incident Status Summary (ICS-209)
- Incident Action Plan (IAP) (Correct answer)
- Resource Status Unit Log
- Check-In List (ICS-211)
Correct answer: Incident Action Plan (IAP)
The Incident Action Plan (IAP) documents objectives, strategies, tactics, and resource assignments for each operational period.
Question 5: Which ICS principle ensures that every individual has only one designated supervisor?
- Modular organization
- Unity of command (Correct answer)
- Incident facilities management
- Comprehensive resource management
Correct answer: Unity of command
Unity of command means each person in the ICS organization reports to only one designated supervisor, reducing confusion.
Question 6: What is the term for combining resources for the same tactical purpose into a single organizational unit?
- Division
- Strike Team (Correct answer)
- Branch
- Group
Correct answer: Strike Team
A Strike Team consists of a set number of resources of the same kind and type assembled for a specific tactical purpose under a single leader.
Question 7: Which Command Staff position monitors safety conditions and develops measures for assuring personnel safety?
- Public Information Officer
- Liaison Officer
- Safety Officer (Correct answer)
- Operations Section Chief
Correct answer: Safety Officer
The Safety Officer monitors incident operations and advises the Incident Commander on all matters relating to operational safety and health of assigned personnel.
IFSTA Incident Command Systems 1
What is the maximum recommended span of control for a supervisor within the Incident Command System (ICS)?