NM Resource Qualification System
New Mexico Resource Qualification System (RQS)
The RQS is New Mexico’s implementation of the National Qualification System (NQS) which is a sub-system of the NIMS. NMRQS established training and experience standards for state and local emergency management and incident response personnel. The NMRQS has a review board which evaluates the qualifications of personnel who apply for credentials through the system.
New Mexico’s Resource Qualification System (RQS) meets the needs of the state and local jurisdictions. The RQS is guided by the following principles:
- Successful performance of the tasks in the appropriate Position Task Book (PTB) is the definitive component of New Mexico’s performance-based qualification system.
- Position Task Books must conform with the standards established by the NQS.
- The criteria outlined in the FEMA Resource Library Typing Tool Position qualifications are considered the minimum personnel qualifications for a position.
- Personnel who are qualified in a position before the implementation of an NMRQS revision may retain their certification
- Being credentialed is not authority for any person to self-deploy.
Position Task Books and Historical Recogntion
Position Task Books
Position Task Books (PTBs) provide a consistent path to qualification and credentialing by identifying the competencies that personnel should demonstrate in an incident management or support role. They are part of a collaborative process that builds skills and capability to effectively manage an incident.
The PTB process is outlined below:
| 1. Qualification | 2. Certification | 3. Credentialing |
|
Prerequisites completed Position task book completed |
Qualification review and certification/recertification | Credentials issued or reissued |
Information on qualification reviews and instructions on submitting a task book are below.
Using Position Task Books
Jurisdictions should develop a plan to assign the position task books that will support efforts to meet the capability targets identified in their THIRA.
Each jurisdiction should assign the following responsibilities:
- Developing and maintaining the plan
- Assigns and manages requests for task books
- Monitors task book progress
- Requests trainings listed in task books
- Compiles typed teams documentation and reports annually to the state NIMS coordinator
Jurisdictions should carefully consider the type of Position Task Book to assign to their staff. The New Mexico Resource Qualification System accepts task books from nationally-recognized qualification systems (NQS, NWCG, IIMQS, etc) and skillsets-based EOC task books. Considerations should include:
EOC PTBs
- Customizable to specific EOCs using skillsets
- Shorter completion time
- Less versatility – can only be applied to an EOC
Nationally Recognized Systems
- More versatile – prepares personnel to work in an EOC and in directly managing an incident
- Longer completion time
- More trainings required
Submitting and reviewing PTBs
Completed task books should be submitted to the State NIMS Coordinator (SNC) using the form below. Personnel should ensure that each task has been evaluated; the final evaluator has signed the task book, and all prerequisite trainings have been completed.
Submission form
The SNC will review submitted task books for completeness, then share with the Qualification Review and Governance Committee. The QRGC will either recommend the individual for credentialing, request additional information, or advise that more training and/or experience is required. The QRGC will share this recommendation with the state Authority Having Jurisdiction, who will make the final recommendation. The results will be shared with the applicant.
Applicants unable to use the form may submit their materials directly to the SNC at lisa.coleman@dhsem.nm.gov
Credentials
Printed credentials will be available in 2026. Until then, the signed letter from the AHJ will act as the physical credential.
Historical Recognition
Historical Recognition is the process by which the NMRQS accepts prior experience and learning as qualification in lieu of a completed task book. Personnel may apply for Historical Recognition through June 2027; it will be made available on a case-by-case basis beginning July 2027.
Experienced emergency response and management personnel may apply for Historical Recognition here.
The Qualification Review and Governance Committee (QRGC)
The New Mexico QRGC is a group of emergency response personnel and subject-matter experts that meet bi-monthly to review completed Historical Recognition applications and Position Task Books.
The next New Mexico Qualification Review and Governance Committee meeting will take place Tuesday, February 10 at 10am. Attendees may join via the link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87305615287?pwd=d0nAQUMfYFKt6NlpVQ8a00gxoINTJ5.1
Meeting ID: 873 0561 5287
Passcode: 130326
Committee Members:
Chair: Tom Walmsley
Vice Chair: Terrence Stephens
Secretary: Lisa Coleman
For questions, contact the state NIMS Coordinator, Lisa Coleman, at lisa.coleman@dhsem.nm.gov