Next Generation Task Books Block

Next Gen PTBs will be made available for a position when the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) process and corresponding position package has been completed for the position. If a position has not gone through IPTM, the Classic PTB will continue to be utilized for that position. Beginning in 2024, new PTBs, including those for new positions or positions which have previously not required a PTB, will be in the Next Gen PTB format, even if the position has not yet gone through the IPTM process. 

When a Next Gen PTB is published, current trainees with an initiated Classic PTB for that position (including those individuals re-initiating or re-certifying) and at least one documented experience should continue to use their current PTB. Once a Next Gen PTB is published for a position, the current “Classic” PTB will no longer be available from NWCG. Individuals with no tasks completed will use the new Next Gen PTB. Currently qualified individuals will not be affected by the transition to the Next Gen PTBs.  

Standalone PTBs 

Next Gen PTBs will be published by position, they will not be combined with other positions (for example, the way Single Resource Boss PTBs were previously combined). In instances of Classic combined PTBs where one position has gone through IPTM, that position will be removed from the Classic PTB. The Classic PTB will continue to be available for all other positions included in the combined PTB. If a Next Gen PTB is certified for a position from a Classic common PTB, common tasks will be granted to other positions in the Classic combined PTB until the Next Gen PTB is created for that position. 

Initiation 

A trainee must meet required position experience for PTB initiation. A PTB can be initiated without the trainee first completing all required training, unless otherwise specifically identified in the position qualification requirements. However, all required training must be successfully completed prior to position certification.

PTB initiation is the responsibility of the home unit. PTB may be initiated on an incident by an Incident Training Specialist (TNSP) with concurrence from the home unit. 

Completion Timeframes 

A Next Gen PTB is valid for three years from the date of initiation. Upon documentation of the first evaluation record, the three-year time limit is reset from that new date. 

The Next Gen PTB will expire if is not completed in three years from the date of the PTB initiation (or date of first evaluation record). If the PTB expires, a new PTB will need to be initiated. Prior experience documented in the expired PTB may be taken into account in completion of the new PTB at the discretion of the certifying official. All current position qualification standards identified in this document must be met at the time of the new PTB initiation. 

Any individual who has begun the evaluation process need not take any newly required course(s) for that position. Additionally, personnel who are qualified in a position before the implementation of this revision may retain certification at the discretion of their agency. 

PTB Process 

Accurate completion of PTBs is important to the position qualification process. 

The Next Gen PTB has three components: The SIGNATURE PAGE, POSITION EVALUATION TABLE, and POSITION EVALUATION RECORDS. 

Signature Page: 

The signature page documents three phases of the Next Gen PTB: initiation, verification, and agency certification. 

The initiation block is filled out by the home unit/agency when the Next Gen PTB is issued. It indicates that the designated individual is recognized by the home unit/agency as a trainee in the position.  

The verification block is completed by the final evaluator once the trainee has successfully met or exceeded satisfactory performance of all tasks in the Next Gen PTB and is recommended for certification by the final evaluator. 

The agency certification block is completed by the certifying official of the home unit/agency. It provides a record that the trainee has been certified and is qualified in the position. 

Position Evaluation Table: 

The position evaluation table is used to record the evaluations that a trainee receives for each training assignment. A rating must be provided for each task in the position evaluation table on every training assignment. 

The position evaluation table lists the tasks required to be evaluated for successful performance in the position. See the NWCG Incident Position Standards specific to the position, PMS 350, for explanations of each task. Additional tasks that are not required to be evaluated are covered in the Incident Position Standards. These tasks still represent standards for successful performance in the position and should be included in a comprehensive training assignment. 

The Next Gen PTB includes four columns to record ratings for each task. If the training assignment is not the first assignment for a trainee, the evaluator should review the position evaluation table and position evaluation records of the previous training assignments. A trainee does not have to complete four training assignments to be recommended for certification. The home unit will determine the appropriate number of assignments. If additional training assignments are needed, a second position evaluation table should be utilized and attached to the PTB. 

Each task must be rated during each training assignment. The evaluator will rate the performance of the tasks as follows: 

N/O = No opportunity to perform the task. 

D = Does not meet the standard for the task as described in the Incident Position Standards. 

M = Meets the standard for the task as described in the Incident Position Standards. 

E = Exceeds the standard for the task as described in the Incident Position Standards. 

The evaluator will indicate their rating of the trainee’s performance by marking their rating (N/O, D, M or E) in the column for each task in the position evaluation table. If the trainee does not meet the standard (i.e., is rated D for a task), the evaluator must provide written explanation with suggestions for improvement in the position evaluation record. This may include redirecting the trainee to the Incident Position Standards for review. Written feedback is encouraged for all other ratings. Prior to certification, the trainee must attain a rating of M or E for each of the identified tasks.  

Each task has a code associated with the type of training assignment where the task must be completed. Tasks must be evaluated on the specific types of incidents/events for which they are coded. If multiple codes are listed for a task, the task must be evaluated on one of the listed incidents/events. For example, W/S indicates the task must be performed on a wildfire or during a simulation. The codes are defined as: 

I = Incident: Task must be performed on an incident managed under the Incident Command System (ICS). Examples include wildland fire, structural fire, oil spill, search and rescue, hazardous material, and an emergency or non-emergency (planned prescribed fire or unplanned) event. 

W = Wildfire: Task must be performed on a wildfire incident. 

RX = Prescribed fire: Task must be performed on a prescribed fire incident. 

R = Rare event: Rare events such as accidents, injuries, vehicle, or aircraft crashes occur infrequently and opportunities to evaluate performance in a real setting are limited. The evaluator should determine, through interview, if the trainee would be able to perform the task in a real situation. 

S = Simulation: Task must be performed during a simulation. The simulation activity must realistically mimic the task and allow the evaluator to determine if the trainee would be able to perform the task in a real situation. 

O = Other: In any situation (classroom, simulation, daily job, incident, prescribed fire, etc.). 

Position Evaluation Record 

A new position evaluation record is required for each training assignment. The position evaluation record documents specific trainee performance for those tasks being evaluated and may provide performance recommendations for future trainee assignments. The evaluator will provide a recommendation for further trainee assignments or for certification. Additional copies of the position evaluation record can be downloaded, and the documentation may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all necessary documentation is available to the evaluator. 

PTB Responsibilities

Home Unit/Agency

The home unit/agency is the designated agency that employs the individual. This could be at the local, state, regional, or national level. Documentation of training, experience, and the qualification process is the responsibility of the home unit/agency. Documentation of training, experience, and the qualification process for contractors is the responsibility of the contractor, except where formal agreements are in place. 

Trainee

The trainee is the individual seeking qualification for a position. A trainee cannot be assigned to an incident unless they are designated as a trainee on their Incident Qualification Card or other agency proof of certification. 

The trainee will:

• Review Incident Position Standards for the trainee position to ensure readiness to perform the tasks of the position.
• Meet with the evaluator and discuss past experience and training,   current qualifications, goals, objectives of the assignment including how they will be evaluated based on Incident Position Standards. 

Ensure evaluators complete the Position Evaluation Record and provide written explanation with suggestions for improvement if if the trainee receives a “D” (i.e., does not meet the standard) rating,   

• Provide a copy of the completed PTB to the home agency and retain the original. A lost or destroyed PTB may require additional position performance assignments. 

Evaluator

The evaluator is the person who observes the trainee and associated the task(s) being performed and documents performance in the PTB. The evaluator must either be qualified in the position being evaluated or supervise the trainee. If not qualified in the position, the evaluator can sign off tasks but cannot serve as the Final Evaluator. 

The evaluator will: 

• Review Incident Position Standards for the position being evaluated and be ready to discuss past experience and training, current qualifications, goals, and objectives of the assignment, including how they will be evaluated based on Incident Position Standards.
• Ensure the trainee has an initiated PTB from their home agency.
• Review the tasks in the PTB with the trainee and explain the procedures that will be used in the evaluation and the objectives that should be met during the assignment.
• Discuss with the trainee the specific tasks that can be performed and evaluated during the assignment.
• Accurately evaluate and record the rating of performed tasks.
• Provide written explanation with suggestions for improvement on the position evaluation record if the trainee does not meet the standard (i.e., is rated D for a task). This may include redirecting the trainee to the Incident Position Standards for review. This is meant as an opportunity to provide informative and constructive feedback to the trainee and the trainee’s home unit, so they know what to focus on in the future.
• At the conclusion of the training assignment, discuss with the trainee the training assignment, ratings, and evaluator recommendations.
• Complete the appropriate Evaluation Record in the back of the PTB for each trainee evaluation. 

Final Evaluator

A Final Evaluator must be qualified in the position they are evaluating. The final evaluator must fill out the verification block of the Signature Page.  

Certifying Official 

The certifying official from the home unit/agency has administrative authorization to manage the qualification system for that home unit/agency. The certifying official must review and confirm the completion of the PTB and make a determination of agency certification. This determination should be based on the trainee’s successful demonstration of position tasks, as well as the completed PTB—which includes a Final Evaluator’s Verification. Only the certifying official from the home unit/agency has the authority to certify any qualifications. 

Documentation for completed PTBs, including the Signature page, may be completed in hard copy or electronically provided all documentation is complete and verifiable.