Training Setup: Categories

Training Setup: Categories

Purpose Statement

The Categories section within Training Module Setup allows administrators to create, manage, and organize training categories that serve as the foundational structure for training classification. Categories help departments organize training content logically, associate related topics and objectives, and ensure consistent training documentation across all programs.

Background Information

Training categories provide the primary organizational framework for all training activities within the FirstDue system. They serve as the top-level classification that groups related training topics and objectives together. Proper category management is essential for maintaining organized training records, generating accurate reports, and ensuring compliance with departmental and regulatory requirements. Categories can be associated with specific topics and objectives, creating a hierarchical structure that streamlines training class creation and management.

Required Permissions

These permissions are located in the Admin Section of Training Permissions:
  1. Manage Settings--Allows User to access the Settings, Notification, List Configuration and Instructor Management sections of Training Setup.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Accessing the Categories Section


1. Navigate to Training > Setup > Categories.




2. Use the Search Area at the top to locate or filter categories.




3. Click column headers to sort the list in ascending or descending order.




Adding a New Category


1. Click the Add Category button.




2. Enter a Category Name.
3. Select one or more Topics to associate with the category.
  1. If Topics have Objectives linked, those Objectives will appear automatically in the Linked Objectives area below.
  2. These Objectives cannot be edited from the Category screen.
4. If no Objectives are pre-linked via Topics, manually add Objectives in the Associated Objectives area.
5. Click Create and the new Category appears in the list.




Bulk Importing Categories


1. Select Import Categories.




2. Download the sample spreadsheet template provided.




3. Fill in the Category Name column for each entry within the CSV spreadsheet
4. Upload the completed spreadsheet by selecting Choose File and then adding the CSV file.
5. Select Import.



Alert
Only the Category Name can be imported. Topic and Objective associations must be configured afterward.


Deactivating a Category


1. Within the Actions Column, select the 'X' icon next to the category you want to deactivate and then confirm the action when prompted. The category is then removed from the active list.




Reactivating a Category


1.  Change the Is Active filter to No. and select Search to find all Inactive Categories.




2. Locate the deactivated category. Within the Actions Column select the Checkmark icon and confirm and he Category is now active again.


Editing or Deleting a Category

Warning
 You can only delete categories that have never been assigned to a training class.

1. Click the Pencil icon to make changes.



2. Click the Trash Can icon to delete a category.




Bulk Deleting Categories

Warning
This option is only available for categories that have not been used.

1. Select checkboxes next to unused categories.
2. Click the Trash Can icon above the list.



Best Practices

Do's

  • Create logical category names that clearly identify the training type
  • Establish consistent naming conventions before creating multiple categories
  • Associate relevant topics and objectives to create meaningful training hierarchies
  • Use the bulk import feature for initial setup of multiple categories
  • Deactivate unused categories rather than deleting them to preserve historical data
  • Regularly review and organize categories to maintain system efficiency

Don'ts

  • Don't create duplicate or overly similar categories
  • Don't delete categories that have been used in training classes
  • Don't use vague or ambiguous category names
  • Don't forget to associate topics and objectives when creating categories
  • Don't skip downloading the sample template when doing bulk imports
  • Don't create too many granular categories that complicate training class creation

Tips & Recommendations

  • Plan your category structure before implementation to ensure logical organization
  • Consider your department's training requirements and compliance needs when naming categories
  • Use the search and filter functions to efficiently manage large numbers of categories
  • Coordinate with training officers to ensure categories align with actual training programs
  • Document your category naming conventions for consistency across administrators
  • Test category creation with associated topics and objectives before full deployment

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I delete a specific category?
A: Categories that have been used in training classes cannot be deleted. You can only deactivate them to remove them from active use while preserving historical data.

Q: What happens to associated topics and objectives when I deactivate a category?
A: The associations remain intact but are no longer available for new training class creation. Existing training records maintain their associations.

Q: Can I modify the associations between categories, topics, and objectives after creation?
 A: Yes, you can edit categories to add or remove topic and objective associations, except for automatically linked objectives that are tied to specific topics.

Q: Why aren't my bulk imported categories showing associated topics?
A: The bulk import feature only imports category names. Topics and objectives must be associated individually after import.

Q: How do I know which categories are most commonly used?
A: Use the reporting features in the training module to analyze category usage in training classes and certifications.

Q: Can I reactivate a category with the same name as an existing active category?
A: No, category names must be unique. You'll need to either modify the name or deactivate the existing category first.

Related Articles

    • Related Articles

    • Training Module: Release Notes (July 2025)

      Video New Features Course-Based Certification Requirements What: Training admins can now create certifications based on course completion instead of individual objectives. Why: Offers greater flexibility and clarity in tracking overall certification ...

    • Training Setup: Settings

      Purpose Statement The Training Module Settings section provides administrators with essential configuration options to customize how the training module operates within their department. These settings control payroll integration, category ...

    • Training Setup: Topics

      Purpose Statement The Topics section within the Training Module Setup allows administrators to create, manage, and organize training topics that can be associated with categories and learning objectives. This feature enables systematic organization ...

    • Training Setup: List Configuration

      Purpose Statement The List Configuration section within the Training Module Setup allows administrators to create, manage, and organize essential reference lists used when creating training classes. This feature centralizes the management of ...

    • Training Setup: Courses

      Purpose Statement The Courses section within the Training Module Setup allows administrators to create reusable training templates that standardize class delivery and ensure consistency across your Fire/EMS department. Courses serve as comprehensive ...