FEMA IS-800.d Unofficial Actual Exam 2026 (Based on Publicly
Available NRF Doctrine) National Response Framework, An
Introduction | Questions and Answers
Q001:
Framework Component: Guiding Principles
Stem: A major cyberattack disrupts critical infrastructure across three states, requiring
resources beyond what any single state can manage.
Question: According to the NRF Guiding Principles, which principle ensures that
response structures can expand from local to national levels as incidents grow in
complexity?
Options:
A. Unity of Effort Through Unified Command
B. Tiered Response
C. Readiness to Act
D. Whole Community
(Correct: B)
Rationale:
● Answer: Tiered Response
● Why (NRF Doctrine): The Tiered Response principle establishes that incidents
should be handled at the lowest capable level (local/tribal) but can escalate to
state, regional, or federal levels as demands exceed local capabilities. This
creates a scalable response structure.
● Errors: A describes coordination methodology, not escalation levels. C is about
preparedness posture. D is about inclusiveness but doesn't specifically address
escalation of command/responsibility levels.
Q002:
Framework Component: Roles and Responsibilities
Stem: A flash flood strikes a rural county with no warning, isolating several communities
before state or federal resources can be mobilized.
Question: Which level of government holds the primary initial responsibility for saving
lives, protecting property, and maintaining order during the first hours of this no-notice
incident?
,Options:
A. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
B. State Governor's Office
C. Local/Tribal Government
D. Department of Homeland Security
(Correct: C)
Rationale:
● Answer: Local/Tribal Government
● Why (NRF Doctrine): The NRF clearly establishes that local and tribal
governments are the "first line of defense" and have primary responsibility for
incident management within their jurisdictions until overwhelmed or the incident
exceeds their capacity.
● Errors: Federal and state resources supplement, not supplant, local response.
The Governor's office coordinates state support but doesn't assume immediate
on-scene command. FEMA/DHS are federal support elements activated after
local/state requests.
Q003:
Framework Component: Core Capabilities
Stem: During a large-scale hurricane response, officials must conduct search and
rescue operations, provide mass care, and restore disrupted supply chains
simultaneously.
Question: Which NRF Core Capability includes the ability to conduct appropriate, timely,
and effective search and rescue operations?
Options:
A. Operational Coordination
B. Situational Assessment
C. Environmental Response/Health and Safety
D. Mass Search and Rescue Operations
(Correct: D)
Rationale:
● Answer: Mass Search and Rescue Operations
● Why (NRF Doctrine): Mass Search and Rescue Operations is a specific Core
Capability within the Response mission area, defined as the capability to conduct
appropriate, timely, and effective search and rescue operations.
, ● Errors: A is the overarching coordination function. B involves gathering/analyzing
information. C focuses on environmental hazards and responder safety. These
are distinct capabilities, not the SAR function itself.
Q004:
Framework Component: Coordinating Structures
Stem: A unified command post is established for a wildfire spanning two counties and a
federal wildlife refuge.
Question: Which coordinating structure, as described in NIMS and integrated into the
NRF, provides the incident command and management structure at the tactical level?
Options:
A. Joint Field Office (JFO)
B. Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC)
C. Incident Command System (ICS)
D. National Operations Center (NOC)
(Correct: C)
Rationale:
● Answer: Incident Command System (ICS)
● Why (NRF Doctrine): The NRF integrates NIMS as its incident management
component. ICS is the standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management
concept specifically designed for tactical-level command and coordination.
● Errors: A is a federal/state incident support facility, not tactical command. B is a
regional operations center. D is the national-level DHS situational awareness hub.
Only ICS provides the tactical field structure.
Q005:
Framework Component: Scalable, Flexible, and Adaptable Operational Capabilities
Stem: A small chemical spill at a local industrial plant requires a limited evacuation of
nearby residents.
Question: In alignment with the NRF's emphasis on scalable capabilities, which
approach should local emergency managers use to structure their response
organization?
Options:
A. Activate all possible emergency support functions immediately
B. Deploy the same organizational structure used for a catastrophic earthquake
Available NRF Doctrine) National Response Framework, An
Introduction | Questions and Answers
Q001:
Framework Component: Guiding Principles
Stem: A major cyberattack disrupts critical infrastructure across three states, requiring
resources beyond what any single state can manage.
Question: According to the NRF Guiding Principles, which principle ensures that
response structures can expand from local to national levels as incidents grow in
complexity?
Options:
A. Unity of Effort Through Unified Command
B. Tiered Response
C. Readiness to Act
D. Whole Community
(Correct: B)
Rationale:
● Answer: Tiered Response
● Why (NRF Doctrine): The Tiered Response principle establishes that incidents
should be handled at the lowest capable level (local/tribal) but can escalate to
state, regional, or federal levels as demands exceed local capabilities. This
creates a scalable response structure.
● Errors: A describes coordination methodology, not escalation levels. C is about
preparedness posture. D is about inclusiveness but doesn't specifically address
escalation of command/responsibility levels.
Q002:
Framework Component: Roles and Responsibilities
Stem: A flash flood strikes a rural county with no warning, isolating several communities
before state or federal resources can be mobilized.
Question: Which level of government holds the primary initial responsibility for saving
lives, protecting property, and maintaining order during the first hours of this no-notice
incident?
,Options:
A. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
B. State Governor's Office
C. Local/Tribal Government
D. Department of Homeland Security
(Correct: C)
Rationale:
● Answer: Local/Tribal Government
● Why (NRF Doctrine): The NRF clearly establishes that local and tribal
governments are the "first line of defense" and have primary responsibility for
incident management within their jurisdictions until overwhelmed or the incident
exceeds their capacity.
● Errors: Federal and state resources supplement, not supplant, local response.
The Governor's office coordinates state support but doesn't assume immediate
on-scene command. FEMA/DHS are federal support elements activated after
local/state requests.
Q003:
Framework Component: Core Capabilities
Stem: During a large-scale hurricane response, officials must conduct search and
rescue operations, provide mass care, and restore disrupted supply chains
simultaneously.
Question: Which NRF Core Capability includes the ability to conduct appropriate, timely,
and effective search and rescue operations?
Options:
A. Operational Coordination
B. Situational Assessment
C. Environmental Response/Health and Safety
D. Mass Search and Rescue Operations
(Correct: D)
Rationale:
● Answer: Mass Search and Rescue Operations
● Why (NRF Doctrine): Mass Search and Rescue Operations is a specific Core
Capability within the Response mission area, defined as the capability to conduct
appropriate, timely, and effective search and rescue operations.
, ● Errors: A is the overarching coordination function. B involves gathering/analyzing
information. C focuses on environmental hazards and responder safety. These
are distinct capabilities, not the SAR function itself.
Q004:
Framework Component: Coordinating Structures
Stem: A unified command post is established for a wildfire spanning two counties and a
federal wildlife refuge.
Question: Which coordinating structure, as described in NIMS and integrated into the
NRF, provides the incident command and management structure at the tactical level?
Options:
A. Joint Field Office (JFO)
B. Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC)
C. Incident Command System (ICS)
D. National Operations Center (NOC)
(Correct: C)
Rationale:
● Answer: Incident Command System (ICS)
● Why (NRF Doctrine): The NRF integrates NIMS as its incident management
component. ICS is the standardized, on-scene, all-hazards incident management
concept specifically designed for tactical-level command and coordination.
● Errors: A is a federal/state incident support facility, not tactical command. B is a
regional operations center. D is the national-level DHS situational awareness hub.
Only ICS provides the tactical field structure.
Q005:
Framework Component: Scalable, Flexible, and Adaptable Operational Capabilities
Stem: A small chemical spill at a local industrial plant requires a limited evacuation of
nearby residents.
Question: In alignment with the NRF's emphasis on scalable capabilities, which
approach should local emergency managers use to structure their response
organization?
Options:
A. Activate all possible emergency support functions immediately
B. Deploy the same organizational structure used for a catastrophic earthquake
