Credentials and Endorsements
Basic (Type IV)
The first credential for any operator is always the Communicator Type IV (C4) credential. Holders of this credential have basic communications skills and standard equipment. They are able to perform basic field communications tasks, perhaps with some coaching. Typical assignments include checkpoints, observation points, and rovers. Unlike all subsequent credentials, C4 is evaluated by the Emergency Coordinator of the operator’s home city.
Independent (Type III)
Holders of Type III credentials are fully independent operators who can perform a specific role with low-to-medium traffic levels in comparatively simple operating environments. Notably, they are prepared for formal message passing. Typical assignments include hospitals, shelters, schools, and smaller department operations centers. There are four available Type III credentials for different roles:
- Field Communicator Type III (F3) for voice operations of a field station.
- Net Control Operator Type III (N3) for controlling a voice radio net.
- Packet Operator Type III (P3) for operating a packet radio station.
- Shadow Communicator Type III (S3) for providing mobile communications for an official.
Advanced (Type II)
Holders of Type II credentials can perform specific roles with medium-to-high traffic levels in complex operating environments (e.g., multiple nets, higher power, larger antennas, etc.). Typical assignments include city emergency operations centers, larger department operations centers, and team leads. There are four available Type II credentials:
- Field Communicator Type II (F2)
- Net Control Operator Type II (N2)
- Packet Operator Type II (P2)
- Shadow Communicator Type II (S2)
Specialist (Type I)
Holders of Type I credentials can plan, design, deploy, and lead multi-operator, multi-net operations in their specific role. They are typically the event planners, unit leaders, and primary points of contact for served agencies. There are four available Type I credentials:
- Field Communicator Type I (F1)
- Net Control Operator Type I (N1)
- Packet Operator Type I (P1)
- Shadow Communicator Type I (S1)
Endorsements
Mutual Aid Communicator (MAC)
This endorsement allows the operator to take assignments anywhere in the county rather than just in their home city. If requires a C4 credntial and a County DSW (Disaster Servcie Worker) registration.
County EOC Radio Operator (ERO)
This endorsement indicates the operator has the knowledge and expeience to work in the County EOC Radio Room. A Net Control Type III or Packet Operator Type III credential is requiired for this endorsement.
County Fire Station Radio Operator (FRO)
This planned endorsement will qualify the operator to take shifts at a SCCFD fire station. However, this endorsement is not yet finalized. it is still pending a required training class from SCCFD to be developed. Both a Field Communication Type III and Packet Operator Type III credentials are required for this endorsement.
County EOC SHARES Radio Operator (SRO)
This endorsement qualifies personel to operate the SHARES HF radio and WinLink in the County EOC Radio Room. The ERO endorsement is a prerequisite for this endorsement.
County EOC RACES Unit Leader (RUL)
This endorsement indicates the individual has meet all requirements to work as the RACES Unit Leader in the County EOC Radio Room. In addition to requiired credentials, they have extensive experience in opearting at various activities and have taken additional Emergency Managemnt training. The Net Control Operator Type II and Packet Operator Type II credentials, and the ERO and SRO endorsements are required for the RACES Unit Leader endorsement.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites for each of the credentials and endorsements are summarized in the diagram and the linked page below. Full details are available in the Credentialing Program Handbook.
