Oregon State Qualification System (SQS)

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has implemented the Oregon State Qualification System (SQS) to enhance the state's emergency management capabilities. The SQS is a component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) National Qualification System (NQS), aiming to standardize local processes for qualifying, certifying, and credentialing emergency personnel.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has implemented the Oregon State Qualification System (SQS) to enhance the state's emergency management capabilities. The SQS is a component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) National Qualification System (NQS), aiming to standardize local processes for qualifying, certifying, and credentialing emergency personnel. Established in 2022 by a workgroup of stakeholders from state agencies, counties, cities, and tribal nations, the Oregon State Qualification System was officially launched in 2024. The most recent version of the SQS Guidance document was published in September of 2026. Adoption of the Oregon SQS is mandatory for recipients of the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and voluntary for all other entities. For more information, contact the OEM Training Program at [email protected]. Key components and resources related to the SQS include: * **2026 Oregon State Qualification System (SQS) Guidance:** Provides the policies and procedures to ensure a qualified, certified, and credentialed workforce for NIMS ICS positions or Emergency Operations Center (EOC) roles. * **Oregon State Qualification System (SQS) Updates and Overview:** Information on program changes and general details. * **EOC Skillset - Position Crosswalk:** Helps in understanding the alignment of Emergency Operations Center skillsets with specific positions. **Application Packet Requirements:** To be considered for qualification, applicants must submit a completed application packet, which includes: * SQS application cover sheet and narrative * Certificates, transcripts, or evidence of completion for all required formal training courses. * ICS Position training requirements can be found in the FEMA RTLT. * EOC Position training requirements can be found in Appendix D of the SQS Guidance Document. * A task book that has received final evaluation verification. * ICS Position task books can be found in the FEMA RTLT. * EOC Skillset Task books are assembled by each AHJ. EOC Skillsets can be found in the FEMA RTLT. Review the EOC Skillset crosswalk for guidance. Contact [email protected] for further information. * Any additional supporting documentation, such as: * Additional training records * Additional task books * Documentation of experience (IAPs, ICS-204s, AARs, products created, etc.) * Incident, event, or exercise personnel performance evaluations (ICS 225s, Incident Personnel Performance Ratings, or equivalent from qualified evaluators) * Documentation from sponsoring AHJ indicating any medical and physical requirements are met. **Structure of the Qualification System:** * **Governance Committee (GC):** A seven-member body responsible for maintaining Oregon SQS policy and procedures. * **Qualification Review Boards (QRB):** Appointed by the GC to review application packages, starting with a statewide, historical recognition QRB. * **Appeals Subcommittee:** A subcommittee of the GC to review appeals made by applicants not approved by the QRB. **Position Qualification, Certification, and Credentialing:** To be credentialed, individuals must meet the Position Qualification Requirements (PQRs), which include education, training, experience, fitness, currency, and license/certification. These are tracked through position qualification sheets and task books. * For ICS positions, the Oregon SQS utilizes FEMA NQS Position Qualifications and Position Task Books (PTBs) from the FEMA Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT). * For EOC positions, the SQS uses EOC Skillsets to create flexible PTBs, with recommended EOC Position Task Books available for modification by jurisdictions. All Position Qualification Application Packets should be submitted to the OEM Training team at [email protected]. **Historical Recognition:** The historical recognition period for applications ended on June 1, 2026. This process allowed for the recognition of valuable experience acquired by personnel in Incident Management and Emergency Operations Center skillsets from June 1, 2024, to June 1, 2026. It is distinct from reciprocity with other qualification systems. **Resources:** * SQS Application Guidance * SQS Application Cover Sheet * Historical Recognition Process Flowchart * SQS Incident/Event Experience Tracker Example and Template **ICS Position Task Books and EOC Position Checklists:** Baseline checklists for consistency and EMPG compliance are available for various EOC and Type 3 ICS positions, including: * **EOC Positions:** Policy Group, EOC Director, EOC Liaison Officer, EOC Safety Officer, EOC Public Information Officer, EOC Operations Section, EOC Planning Section, EOC Logistics Section, EOC Finance/Admin Section. * **Type 3 ICS Positions:** Incident Commander, Liaison Officer, Safety Officer, Public Information Officer, Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Documentation Unit Leader, Resource Unit Leader, Demobilization Unit Leader, Situation Unit Leader, GIS Specialist, Logistics Section Chief, Food Unit Leader, Facilities Unit Leader, Supply Unit Leader, Finance and Administration Section Chief, Cost Unit Leader, Time Unit Leader, Procurement Unit Leader. **OneResponder:** OneResponder is a secure cloud-hosted system for tracking position qualification requirements, provided by FEMA’s National Resource Hub (NRH). It serves as the system of record for position training and task book tracking under the Oregon SQS. The OEM Training Program is responsible for statewide administration. **Engagement Session Feedback:** Feedback was gathered through a 30-day open comment period (1/24/2024 to 2/23/2024) and an engagement session on 2/27/2024. Participants reviewed guidance, asked questions, voiced concerns, and provided local perspectives to inform program content and design. A summary document of this feedback is available.