Training > Training Resources
This page summarizes the training all Colorado ARES members need to complete to serve as volunteer communicators. All new ARES members are classified as “Associate” members until they have completed the training classes listed below and have also completed other training activities as required by their individual ARES district. Once the training requirements are completed, the ARES member’s classification is upgraded to “Deployable” status.
The following “Free” online courses are provided by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI). These courses are self-guided and self-paced for independent study.
- ICS-100.c
- ICS-200.c
- IS-700.b
- IS-800.d
If you have previously completed versions of these courses pre-dating 2018, you must retake these trainings. The courses were substantially changed in 2018/2019. You can take additional independent study courses if you choose, but the above course list is required.
In addition to the listed EMI independent study courses, Colorado ARES members are also required to complete the Amateur Radio Relay League’s Basic EmComm course. This is also available online and for free. The ARRL’s Basic EmComm course can be found at:
https://www.arrl.org/online-course-catalog
Colorado ARES uses the Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer (CVM) system to perform background checks on our members, and to house copies of our training certificates. To register as a user on CVM, you are required to upload copies of your ICS-100 and IS-700 certificates. It is a good idea to upload a copy of all your training certificates to the CVM system.
The purpose of ARES required training courses is to provide foundational training to serve our communities during emergencies and disasters. All offices of emergency management use the Incident Command System (ICS) in their operations. It is therefore important for all ARES members to have a solid understanding of how ICS works. Additionally, basic emergency communications skills are needed so that we can be the most professional volunteer communicators possible.