Training

This is the entry level courses 1.1 and 1.2 are required for those new to ARES. Members at this level have one year to complete the training requirements.  Level 2 is for Members who wish to obtain leadership positions.

Level 1.1 – ARRL

To qualify for this level, participants must complete the following courses:

  1. ARRL’s EC-001 Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications

ARRL Training

Level 1.2 – FEMA

All ARES served agencies require that all volunteers working for them complete the FEMA courses.

  1. FEMA IS-100
  2. FEMA IS-200
  3. FEMA IS-700
  4. FEMA IS-800

FEMA Training

Level 2 – ARRL & FEMA
(Required for Leadership Roles)

This level of training prepares ARES participants to take on leadership positions such as EC, AEC, DEC, ADEC, SEC and ASEC, and other designated positions in the ARES program. To advance to Level 3, first complete all Level 2 requirements, and then take the following additional courses:

  1. ARRL EC-016 Emergency Communications for Management

ARRL Training

  1. FEMA Leadership Development series of courses IS-120, IS-230, IS-240, IS-241, IS-242, IS-244, and IS-288
  2. FEMA course ICS-300
  3. FEMA course ICS-400

FEMA Training

More information

  • All of the FEMA IS (Independent Study) courses can be taken online. Go to the FEMA Independent Study Web page, follow the instructions for obtaining a FEMA student ID, and then look through the IS Course List to find the course that you want to take. They are free and you can take them at your own pace.
    • The ARRL EC-001 and EC-016 courses can be taken online from the ARRL.
    • The FEMA ICS-300 and ICS-400 courses are not part of the Independent Study series. They are live classes that require your attendance.
  • As of August 2019, the ARRL has now fully implemented all of the planned changes mentioned in its ARES Strategic Plan. The Missouri Section Manager and Section Emergency Coordinator have concerns about the ICS-300 and ICS-400 courses, as they are only taught by agencies in Missouri. Students would have to take several days off to attend the courses. Please try to take the ICS 300 course.

Get your FEMA transcript

Once you have completed all of the FEMA courses needed to advance a Level, request that a copy of your transcript be emailed to you.  Once you receive your transcript, forward a copy to Arthur Smith, the Washington County ARES Emergency Coordinator.