Learn the common language
FEMA identifies ICS-100 and IS-700 as foundational training for incident personnel. Start with official role-based guidance; the responsible authority determines the training required for your assignment.
TRAINING / A PRACTICAL PATHWAY
Practice before you are needed.
Build a foundation, develop your operating skills, and confirm the requirements of the organization you plan to support.
Expand for your role
ICS-200 and IS-800 address additional concepts for personnel with leadership responsibilities. Advanced courses depend on role, prerequisites and incident complexity.
Develop auxiliary communications skills
Review CISA’s COMU training resources and Auxiliary Communicator position task book. Ask your sponsoring agency how courses, evaluations and state qualification fit together.
Exercise your station and team
Practice clear voice messages, written traffic, logging, portable power, antenna setup and troubleshooting. Use local exercises to validate your communications plan.
FIELD SKILLS
Make the basics repeatable.
Keep copies of training records. Refresh skills regularly and practice with the equipment you expect to use.
Printable readiness checklist →Practice session ideas
- Relay a message with exact read-back and a written log.
- Set up a portable station and test power endurance.
- Complete an ICS-214 activity log during an exercise.
- Review an ICS-205 with your exercise communications lead.
- Debrief failures and record corrective actions.