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Purpose Statement

Categories are used to organize training content into high-level classifications within First Due. They allow departments to group Topics and Objectives, helping streamline training delivery and reporting. This structure supports a logical, scalable training environment for Fire/EMS agencies.

Background Information

In First Due’s training module, training content follows a hierarchical structure:

Categories → Topics → Objectives

• Categories represent the broadest level of classification (e.g., “EMS,” “Fireground Operations”).

• Each Category can include multiple Topics, which in turn may include Objectives.

• When a Topic is linked to a Category, any Objectives already associated with that Topic will be inherited automatically.

Categories may be created manually or imported in bulk. Once used in a training class, Categories cannot be deleted—only deactivated.

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.

   • If Topics have Objectives linked, those Objectives will appear automatically in the Linked Objectives area below.

   • 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.
   
   
   
   

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

• Click the Pencil icon to make changes.
  
  
  
  

• Click the Trash Can icon to delete a category.
  
  
  
  

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

Bulk Deleting Categories

1. Select checkboxes next to unused categories.

2. Click the Trash Can icon above the list.
   
   
   
   

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

Best Practices

• ✅ Use consistent and descriptive names for Categories (e.g., "EMS Operations - ALS").

• ✅ Associate Topics and Objectives thoughtfully to maintain clean hierarchy.

• ✅ Prefer deactivation over deletion to preserve training records.

• ✅ Use the sample import file to ensure accuracy during bulk imports.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can’t I delete a category?
A: If a category has been used in a training class, it cannot be deleted—only deactivated.

Q: Why don’t Objectives show up after selecting a Topic?
A: Objectives must first be linked to the Topic in the system. Once linked, they will populate automatically when the Topic is selected in a Category.

Q: Can I import Topics and Objectives with Categories?
A: No. Bulk import only supports Category Names. All associations must be made manually after import.

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