We have developed our own Basic Emergency Communications course based on the ARRL EC-001 material.  This is not intended to replace the ARRL courses, but simply helps to ensure that all deployable TCARES members have met a basic level of proficiency.

TCARES members who have not taken the ARRL's EC-001 course should start here. Download the TCARES Basic Emergency Communications Course and read it thoroughly.  Then, when you're ready, fill out the form to request the online exam.

Instructions for taking the exam will be sent to you by email.  The exam must be completed according to the instructions, and will consist of 25 multiple choice questions.  A grade of 72% is required for passing (at least 18 out of 25 answered correctly).

	TCARES Basic Emergency Communications.pdf
	Click here to request the Online Exam

EC-001 (Intro to Emergency Communications) 
Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. A basic course to raise awareness and provide fundamental knowledge and tools for any emergency communications volunteer. This course has 23 lesson units and is expected to take approximately 25 hours to complete over an 8-week period. 

EC-016 (Public Service and Emergency Communications Management for Radio Amateurs) 
This course is designed to train licensed Amateur Radio operators who will be in leadership and managerial roles organizing other volunteers to support public service activities and communications emergencies.  In this course you will learn how radio amateurs prepare and organize to support local community events, and, working in coordination with governmental and other emergency response organizations, deploy their services to provide communications when needed in an emergency.  This course is made available on our website to all ARRL members. It is a self-study course that you may complete at your own pace.

FEMA Independent Study Program Courses

---

IS-100.a - Introduction to Incident Command System

Introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Revised 7/28/2008.

IS-200.a - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
ICS 200.a is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). It provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. Revised 7/28/2008.

IS-700.a - National Incident Management System (NIMS)
NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and non-governmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. Revised 12/15/2008.

IS-800.b - National Response Framework, An Introduction
This course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework. Revised 2/04/2008.

FEMA Independent Study Program
Complete list of online courses available free of charge. Please feel free to take advantage of as many of these courses as you are interested in. They are very informative and are quality instructional courses.

Online Spotter Training
Online spotter training provided by the NWS Indianapolis.
(High-speed Internet connection required.)
(Not a substitute for live, in-person NWS Spotter Training.)