ARES Training Reference

ARES Training Reference Card

ARES Training
Reference Card

Amateur Radio Emergency Service · Required Courses

All courses completed online
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Recommended order → ICS-100 › ICS-700 › ICS-200 › ICS-800 › Skywarn › EC-001 › EC-016
FEMA Foundation — complete first
ICS-100FEMA EMI
Introduction to ICS
ICS structure, terminology, and your role within an incident. No prerequisites — take this first.
training.fema.gov · IS-100.c
~3 hrs
Free
ICS-700FEMA EMI
NIMS: An Introduction
The national framework that ICS fits within. Take alongside or right after ICS-100.
training.fema.gov · IS-700.b
~3 hrs
Free
FEMA Core — after foundation
ICS-200FEMA EMI
Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
Applying ICS to smaller incidents. Prereq: ICS-100 & ICS-700 recommended first.
training.fema.gov · IS-200.c
~3–4 hrs
Free
ICS-800FEMA EMI
National Response Framework
Federal response roles and ESF-2 (Communications). Especially useful before field deployment.
training.fema.gov · IS-800.d
~3 hrs
Free
NWS / MetEd Core — severe weather
SkywarnNWS / MetEd
Skywarn Storm Spotter Training
NWS-recognized storm spotter certification. Covers storm structure, reporting procedures, and field safety. Required for severe weather activations.
learn.meted.ucar.edu · Public Dashboard
~3–4 hrs
Free
ARRL ARES-specific — complete last
EC-001ARRL
Introduction to Emergency Communication
Core ARES training — net operations, NTS message handling, go-kit prep, and operating within ICS. Required for ARRL EmComm certification.
arrl.org · Online Course Catalog
~10–12 hrs
Free
EC-016ARRL
Intermediate Emergency Communication
Advanced net control, EOC coordination, digital modes, and leadership within ARES. Prereq: EC-001 required.
arrl.org · Online Course Catalog
~15–20 hrs
Free

FEMA courses: training.fema.gov  ·  Skywarn: learn.meted.ucar.edu  ·  ARRL: arrl.org/online-course-catalog

All courses are free  ·  FEMA: training.fema.gov  ·  Skywarn: learn.meted.ucar.edu  ·  ARRL: arrl.org/online-course-catalog