Purpose Statement
Categories in the Training Module serve as the highest-level organizational structure for training data. They act as broad groupings that allow departments to logically organize Topics and Courses, supporting consistent course creation, accurate reporting, and streamlined compliance tracking.
Background Information
Categories represent the largest “buckets” of training data within First Due. Common examples include Fire, EMS, and Hazmat, though departments may define Categories based on their specific operational or regulatory needs. Each Category can contain multiple Topics, and each Topic can contain multiple Courses.
Properly structured Categories ensure clean relationships between training elements, simplify filtering and reporting, and support standardized training workflows. Categories are managed within the Training Module setup area and can be created individually or imported in bulk.
Required Permissions
To manage Categories in the Training Module, users must have:
Access to the Training Module
Training Administrator or System Administrator permissions
Permission to access Training Module Setup
These permissions are typically assigned to training officers, administrators, or designated data managers.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Access Categories Setup
Open the Training Module.
Select Setup.
Navigate to Categories.
Filter the Categories List
Use the available filter options at the top of the Categories list to narrow results.
Filters help quickly locate existing Categories and review associated Topics and Objectives.
Add a Category Manually
Select Add Category.
A modal opens prompting for Category details.
Enter a Category Name (required).
Optionally associate:
Topics
Objectives
Select Create to save the Category.
Topics and Objectives can also be associated later if they do not yet exist.
Import Categories in Bulk
Select Import Categories.
The import modal opens.
Upload a CSV file.
Reference the provided sample spreadsheet to ensure proper formatting.
Select Import to create Categories in bulk.
Manage Existing Categories
Within the Categories list, users can:
View associated Topics and Objectives
Deactivate a Category by selecting the X
Edit a Category by selecting the pencil icon
Delete a Category by selecting the trash can icon
Edit or Clone Categories
If a Category has already been used in a training class:
Selecting Edit triggers a warning.
Choose:
Continue to Edit to modify the existing Category, or
Clone Category to create a copy without affecting historical data.
Cloning is recommended to preserve data integrity.
Best Practices
Use broad, clearly named Categories to support long-term scalability.
Associate Topics and Objectives consistently to maintain clean training relationships.
Import Categories when setting up the system to save time.
Deactivate Categories instead of deleting them whenever possible.
Clone Categories when updates are needed after historical use.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why should I deactivate a Category instead of deleting it?
Deactivating preserves historical training data, while deletion permanently removes it.
What happens if I delete a Category used in training classes?
Deletion can result in data loss and should be avoided.
Can I associate Topics and Objectives later?
Yes. Associations can be added or updated at any time.
Why do I see a warning when editing a Category?
The Category has been used in a training class, and changes may impact existing records.
Who should manage Categories?
Training Administrators or System Administrators responsible for training structure and compliance.