IAEM CEM/AEM EXAM VERSION 1
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. Under the Robert T. Stafford Act, which entity has the sole authority to request a
Presidential declaration of a major disaster?
A. The Governor of the affected State
B. The State Emergency Management Director
C. The FEMA Regional Administrator
D. The Secretary of Homeland Security
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to the Stafford Act, only the Governor of the affected
state (or the Acting Governor) can request a major disaster declaration from the President.
2. Which section of the Incident Command System (ICS) is responsible for the collection,
evaluation, and dissemination of operational information related to the incident?
A. Planning Section
B. Operations Section
C. Logistics Section
D. Finance/Administration Section
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Planning Section collects, evaluates, and disseminates
incident situation information and intelligence to the Incident Commander and relevant
personnel.
3. In the context of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), what is the
recommended span of control for a supervisor?
A. 1 to 3 subordinates
B. 8 to 12 subordinates
C. 5 to 10 subordinates
D. 3 to 7 subordinates
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NIMS guidelines suggest a span of control of one supervisor to
three to seven subordinates, with five being the optimal ratio.
4. Which document established the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the
United States?
A. HSPD-8
B. HSPD-5
C. PPD-21
D. The Stafford Act
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5) directed
the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer NIMS.
5. Which Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program is specifically designed to reduce the
risk of flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP)?
A. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
B. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
C. Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
D. Public Assistance (PA) Section 406
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: FMA is a competitive grant program that provides funding to
states, local governments, and tribal governments to reduce or eliminate the risk of flood
damage to buildings insured by NFIP.
6. What is the primary difference between a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency
Declaration under the Stafford Act?
A. Emergency Declarations provide more funding for long-term recovery.
B. Major Disaster Declarations are only for natural catastrophes, while Emergencies are for
man-made events.
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. Under the Robert T. Stafford Act, which entity has the sole authority to request a
Presidential declaration of a major disaster?
A. The Governor of the affected State
B. The State Emergency Management Director
C. The FEMA Regional Administrator
D. The Secretary of Homeland Security
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: According to the Stafford Act, only the Governor of the affected
state (or the Acting Governor) can request a major disaster declaration from the President.
2. Which section of the Incident Command System (ICS) is responsible for the collection,
evaluation, and dissemination of operational information related to the incident?
A. Planning Section
B. Operations Section
C. Logistics Section
D. Finance/Administration Section
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Planning Section collects, evaluates, and disseminates
incident situation information and intelligence to the Incident Commander and relevant
personnel.
3. In the context of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), what is the
recommended span of control for a supervisor?
A. 1 to 3 subordinates
B. 8 to 12 subordinates
C. 5 to 10 subordinates
D. 3 to 7 subordinates
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NIMS guidelines suggest a span of control of one supervisor to
three to seven subordinates, with five being the optimal ratio.
4. Which document established the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the
United States?
A. HSPD-8
B. HSPD-5
C. PPD-21
D. The Stafford Act
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 (HSPD-5) directed
the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and administer NIMS.
5. Which Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program is specifically designed to reduce the
risk of flood damage to structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP)?
A. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
B. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
C. Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
D. Public Assistance (PA) Section 406
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: FMA is a competitive grant program that provides funding to
states, local governments, and tribal governments to reduce or eliminate the risk of flood
damage to buildings insured by NFIP.
6. What is the primary difference between a Major Disaster Declaration and an Emergency
Declaration under the Stafford Act?
A. Emergency Declarations provide more funding for long-term recovery.
B. Major Disaster Declarations are only for natural catastrophes, while Emergencies are for
man-made events.
