The Planning Section Chief (PSC) manages the planning cycle during an incident, overseeing resource tracking, situation status, documentation, and development of the Incident Action Plan (IAP). As a member of the General Staff, the PSC ensures accurate information flow and supports coordinated decision-making throughout incident operations.
Course Overview
ICS-440 prepares emergency management and response personnel for the role of Planning Section Chief (PSC) on an Incident Management Team. The course builds on ICS fundamentals and focuses on the PSC’s duties and responsibilities, including incident response and effective section management. Training is delivered in small, instructor-led groups in your region, featuring hands-on exercises, realistic scenarios, and personalized coaching to ensure job-ready skills.
Who this course is for?
- Personnel assigned or preparing to serve as Planning Section Chief
- IMT members seeking deeper understanding of planning processes and coordination
- Unit Leaders (RESL, SITL, DEMOB, Documentation) preparing for expanded responsibilities
Course objectives
- Identify key resources and reference materials for the Planning Section Chief (PSC) position.
- Explain the function of the Planning Section and the PSC’s roles and responsibilities.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of the Resources Unit Leader (RESL) and Situation Unit Leader (SITL).
- Explain how to manage the Planning Section effectively, including supervision and delegation.
- Identify information gathered from initial meetings, briefings, and documents during transition from initial response to ongoing operations.
- Explain the purpose, timing, and structure of meetings, briefings, and documents in the Operational Period Planning Cycle.
- Describe the PSC’s role in coordinating and facilitating ICS meetings and briefings.
- Explain the process for developing the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and incorporating contingency plan information.
- Describe how to develop support plans and supervise technical specialists.
- Apply strategies for effective interaction with Planning Section members, IMT personnel, and external partners.
Delivery format
Activities may include instructor-led, in-person training supported by realistic scenario-based learning, group discussion and facilitated instruction, planning cycle exercises, document development activities, problem-solving exercises, and asynchronous activities.
Duration
Three days (25 hours)
Pre-requisite (required)
Successful completion of ICS-300
Recommended
Successful completion of ICS-346 SITL, ICS-347 DEMOB and ICS-348 RESL
Note: This course aligns with FEMA’s National Preparedness Course Catalog for the NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief (0958) but is not an official FEMA course and does not confer FEMA certification.
Comparable Courses
- FEMA E/L0962
- NWCG S-440
- USCG ICS-440
Next Steps
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