INDEX:

1. Purpose.
2. Goals and Objectives.
3. Certifications levels.
4. Exemptions.
5. Notes.

1 - PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Arkansas ARES Certification Program is to establish a minimum level of capability and competence within the ARES Program and within the ARES leadership structure of the State.

The Arkansas ARES Certification Program is not meant to replace those locally developed programs, which in many cases may be more demanding than the similar elements of the Arkansas ARES Certification Program. This program is specifically to be used for guidance if the operator requires the endorsement of the Arkansas Section Manager and/or the Section Emergency Coordinator in order to satisfy a served agency.

2 - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. To clearly identify the resources available to Emergency Managers in any specific jurisdiction.
2. To build confidence in the ARES Program among Emergency Managers at all levels.
3. To encourage a program of continual improvement among ARES members and units.
4. To recognize the exceptional work of County ARES units and individuals in meeting the needs of the emergency communications customer.
5. To improve skills, knowledge, and abilities of all Arkansas ARES members through training, seminars, and information.
6. Our goal for the Arkansas ARES organization is to develop a trained corps of emergency communicators.

3 - CERTIFICATION LEVELS:

There are two levels of "Certification" for the Arkansas ARES organization. Certificates of completion must be provided to document course completion.

1. Certified. The operator will complete satisfactorily the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Course 1, and the NIMS classes IS 100, 200, 700, and 800.
2. Non-certified. The operator has not completed the above classes, but still desires to be useful in some capacity.

4 - EXEMPTIONS:

Persons meeting the following list may be 'grandfathered' and exempted from meeting further requirements for certification:

1. A verifiable performance record that notes skill, emergency events worked, and time involved, and
2. all required NIMS courses satisfactorily completed with certificates on file (there will be no exceptions), and
3. the recommendation of the EC or DEC, and
4. the recommendation of the Section Manager and/or the Section Emergency Coordinator.

5 -- NOTES:

NOTE 1:

Copies of ARECC Certifications and NIMS courses certificates are required to be submitted and on file to meet certification status.

NOTE 2:

Certain served agencies might require you to have a criminal background check that may or may not be within the ARRL guidelines. Ask if you are unsure about the extent of a background check. Most served agencies that require a background check will pay for the background check, but this is not guaranteed.

NOTE 3:

Remember, when dealing with law enforcement agencies operators will always be subject to search and seizure, both you and all property under your control (go bags and/or your vehicle).

NOTE 4:

Some served agencies may have additional requirements for training or certification that must be completed prior to working within their programs and facilities such as "HIPPA" compliance training, or other agency level training programs.

NOTE 5:

Arkansas ARES Certification materials may be modified from time to time as new directives are issued at State and Federal levels regarding the certification and/or credentialing of emergency response volunteers. This may affect the 'Grandfather' clause.

Note 6:

Although credit for "operating experience" events can be given for public service events such as races, parades, etc, some experience with actual emergency operation or drills is needed along with a reasonable degree of participation in ARES, RACES, or other emergency activities.

Note 7:

Other training is strongly recommended for operators and leadership. Examples are: ARECC 2 and 3, IS 1, 15, 22, 102, 120, 130, 139, 230, 240, 241, 242, 244, 271, 288, 292, 703, 775, 802, 860, and 1900.