Credentialing Program

Santa Clara County ARES/RACES has maintained a resource typing and credentialing program since 2009. The program identifies operators who have demonstrated their capabilities for different roles and at different capability levels, as listed below. To earn a credential, operators must possess the knowledge, skills, equipment, and experience needed for that credential, and must demonstrate these in a formal evaluation.

Served agencies can request operators with specific credentials that match the task they need done. This gives them confidence that the assigned operators are qualified for the task. It also gives the operators confidence that they can accept and perform the assignment.

Credentials and Endorsements

The initial credential is a Communicator Type IV. There are credentials for Field Communicator, Net Control, Packet Operator, and Shadow Communicator at the Type III (independent operator), Type II (advanced), and Type I (specialist) levels. There are also several endorsements for specific additional skills.

Program Administration

The Credentialing Program Manager is responsible for ongoing administration of the program and maintenance of program documentation. Before contacting the Program Manager with a question:

• Check the Program Handbook (see above). The answer to most questions can be found in the handbook.
• Check with your Credential Evaluator if the question is related to a recent evaluation.
• General questions about the credentialing program can be posted on the csggiszpiuJ~op;p#v&@'vy|,G".,3/3N+2 email discussion group. (Also check the archive for that group; your question may have been addressed before.)

Specific questions about a particular person or activity can be sent to the Credential Program Manager.