By Tina Brown, PIO/Joint Information Center Manager | Salt Lake County Emergency Management
Public Information Officers (PIOs) are essential to emergency response and recovery—serving as the bridge between government agencies and the public. While many begin their careers in this field with general communications experience, becoming an AdvancedPIO requires training, real-world application, and a deep understanding of the Joint Information System (JIS) and Joint Information Center (JIC) framework.
FEMA offers a structured path to help PIOs grow from foundational roles into advanced positions capable of leading communications in high-pressure, multi-agency incidents. Here’s how:
Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites
Before enrolling in the Advanced Public Information Officer Course (E/L0388), you must have a minimum of two years of public information experience and complete several prerequisites:
FEMA Independent Study Courses:
- IS-29.a: Public Information Officer Awareness
- IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200.c: Basic Incident Command System
- IS42.a: Social Media in Emergency Management
- IS247.b: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Alert Originators or IS251.a: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Alerting Administrators
- IS-201: Forms Used for the Development of the Incident Action Plan (waived if ICS-300 is completed)
- IS-700.b: National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- IS-800.d: National Response Framework (NRF)
Prerequisites:
- E/L/K0105: Public Information Basic
These courses are available at training.fema.gov.
Step 2: Enroll in the Advanced PIO Course (E/L0388)
Once you’ve completed the prerequisites, you can apply for the Advanced PIO Course:
- FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Emmitsburg, MD (Course Code: E0388)
- Regional delivery through state or local agencies (rarely offered), (Course Code: L0388)
What You’ll Learn:
- Crisis and risk communication strategies
- Building and managing a Joint Information Center (JIC)
- Social media integration in emergency response
- Handling high-profile incidents and media scrutiny
- Developing messaging in rapidly evolving scenarios
The course emphasizes hands-on exercises, simulations, and peer collaboration, preparing you to lead public information efforts during complex disasters.
Step 3: Maintain Skills and Network
Becoming an advanced PIO is not a one-time certification—it’s an ongoing commitment to professional development.
Ways to stay sharp:
- Participate in real-world incidents and exercises
- Join PIO working groups or associations (like the National Information Officer Association or local PIO networks)
- Stay updated on emerging technologies and platforms
- Mentor new PIOs and share best practices
Bonus: Consider FEMA’s Executive PIO Program
Formerly known as FEMA’s Master Public Information Officer Program, now the Executive Public Information Program, the EPIOP is the final component of the PIO training series. This program consists of three separate course series and a final EPIO Paper. https://www.napsgfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/MPIOP-Brochure.pdf
Whether you serve in government, public health, emergency management, or law enforcement, becoming an Advanced PIO through FEMA positions you to lead with clarity, calm, and credibility when it matters most.
Utah PIO Association 