Become a Certified Response Leader

Built by veteran incident managers.

Designed to help you lead with clarity, speed, and confidence under pressure.

  • 100% Online & Self-Paced
  • FEMA-Aligned & ICS-Based
  • Built for Real Leadership
“These courses helped me shift from doing the job to leading the response.” 

~ Public Safety Supervisor, California


Lead with Purpose. Respond with Confidence.

The Response Leadership Essentials Certification is designed for those ready to lead when others hesitate.

Think strategically. Communicate clearly. Coordinate under pressure.

This online program builds the mindset, structure, and skills to lead dynamic responses - whether you're stepping into a formal leadership role or want to bring clarity to chaos. It's FEMA-aligned, built by incident-tested leaders, and made to be applied immediately.


What You'll Learn Inside the Response Leadership Essentials Certification Program

  • Core crisis leadership mindsets and decision models
  • How to manage span of control and team structure
  • Briefing and debriefing techniques that build trust
  • ICS-based documentation and tactical planning
  • Stakeholder coordination under pressure
  • Leadership resilience and adaptive decision-making

What Do Your Peers Say?

John D.

Emergency Response Team Leader

Invaluable Training

This program provided exactly what I needed to lead my team in high-pressure scenarios. The content is practical, and the leadership tools are invaluable for anyone stepping into a command role.  The simple explanations and usage of ICS alone made the whole program worth it!

Sarah L.

Rescue Squad Officer

A Game-Changer

The leadership strategies for dynamic incidents shared here are a game-changer. The materials are clear and actionable, helping me make better, more confident decisions under stress and lead my team effectively in crisis situations.

Michael E.

SAR volunteer/CERT instructor

Very Informative.

These are very informative courses. 

I'm recommending them as continuing ed to all SAR and CERT members, plus those intending to join the SAR team and those needing a refresher course.


What This Certification Does - and Doesn’t - Do

TEAM Solutions equips you with the essential skills and leadership mindset to manage dynamic incidents and lead with clarity - whether you’re coordinating at the scene or supporting from a command post.

It gives you the structured approach, language, and tools that experienced response leaders use - all grounded in FEMA-aligned doctrine and ICS practices.

Important:  The Response Leadership Essentials Certification does not grant legal authority, official ranking, or ICS position qualification. Your leadership impact depends on your team, agency policies, and how you apply what you learn in real-world situations.


What You Get

  • Immediate access to all 60+ Response Leadership Essentials Courses
  •  Self-paced, 1-hr average course length
  • Certificate of Completion for some courses
  • Master Certification when you complete the entire track
  • Downloadable ICS forms, job aids, checklists, and leadership tools
  • Mobile friendly
  • Built by certified instructors & experienced response leaders
  • Based on ICS principles, and FEMA-aligned leadership doctrine
  • Discounts on exclusive items & leadership-focused tools
  • 100% online.  Accessible anytime, from any device

TEAM Solutions training is built by experienced instructors - including former incident commanders, EOC coordinators, and developers of FEMA-aligned leadership programs. The courses reflect FEMA’s NIMS framework, ICS doctrine, and operational best practices drawn from multi-agency crisis response.

“Built for leaders. Grounded in experience. Consistent with national standards.”

NOTE: Completing these courses does not grant official command status or ICS role qualification. Leadership authority and operational assignments are always determined by your organization, evaluator, or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).


Choose the Certification Path That Matches Your Leadership Journey

Practical. Strategic. Built for Real-World Leadership.

Start your leadership certification journey for just $27.

From focused modules to full-access certification, choose the path that fits your role, goals, and availability.

Every option includes immediate access to core leadership courses, FEMA-aligned tools, ICS templates, and a certificate you can put to use right away.


FAQ

Will this certificate make me deployable?

Not by itself. Mission readiness requires in-person evaluation. This course prepares you for that step.

Do I need to stay subscribed after I finish?

Only if you want to retain access to ongoing updates. The one-time option gives you lifetime access.

Are the courses consistent with national best practices?

Yes. The content is aligned and integrated with ICS principles, responder safety, and practical doctrine.

 

What if I already completed some courses?

Your progress will transfer. Completing the full track will earn your certification.


You’re Closer to Confident Leadership Than You Think

The hardest part of leading under pressure is knowing how to prepare. With this certification, the path is laid out - grounded in real-world experience and designed for leaders like you.

Step up with clarity and earn the trust your team deserves.


See What is Included

Your Essential Response Leadership ROADMAP [Start Here]

Browse the 4-phase progression below. Each course builds your capabilities and confidence for real-world operations. Click the title to reveal courses.

Phase 1: Mindset Foundation
Phase 2: Planning & Readiness
Phase 3: Initial Response
Phase 4: Recovery and Legacy

Your Essential Response Leadership COURSES

NOTE:  

  • Included Courses can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
  • Course Notes can be accessed here.  
  • Transcripts can be accessed here.
  • Members:  Login to see your discounts.

Your Essential Response Leadership PRODUCTS

Your Essential Response Leadership INSIGHTS

NOTE:  

  • Members:  Login to see your discounts.   

BOOKS by Mike McKenna

ARTICLES

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CASE STUDY: Communication Breakdown in Crisis Response
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