Prerequisites 

The AUXC (Auxiliary Communicator) program is built on national standards designed to make sure emergency communicators can work together—no matter the situation or location. These standards are developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security.

CISA creates the official training guidelines for AUXC so that every communicator, from local volunteers to federal responders, uses the same language, skills, and procedures. This ensures reliable, coordinated communication during emergencies.

Here’s how it all connects:

• CISA sets the national AUXC standards and training requirements.

• FEMA provides core emergency management courses (like ICS and NIMS) that AUXC candidates must complete.

• Wisconsin DMA and WEM adopt CISA’s framework, adding local requirements and overseeing certification.

• SAFE programs help tie it all together across different agencies and states.
  
  

In simple terms: CISA builds the playbook. FEMA teaches the rules. State agencies like WEM run the team. And you, as an AUXC, are part of the coordinated response.

The AUXC credentialing process in Wisconsin is guided by three key players: the Communications Unit (COMU), the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC), and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM).

Together, they ensure that AUXC candidates are trained, evaluated, and credentialed according to both national and state-specific standards.

🛠️ COMU & SWIC – Setting the Standards

The COMU and SWIC work together to:

• Define Wisconsin’s AUXC credentialing requirements

• Align state guidelines with national standards from CISA

• Review task book completions

• Maintain consistency across all credentialing decisions
  
  

🗂️ WEM – Coordinating the Process

Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) provides:

• Training coordination and course access

• Recordkeeping and credentialing support

• A connection between local EM, COMU, and AUXC applicants

• Ongoing guidance throughout the credentialing process
  
  

🧭 What This Means for You

If you're working toward AUXC credentialing, this team ensures you have a clear path, consistent standards, and access to training and support from start to finish.

In Wisconsin, the requirements to sign up for the AUXC course are based on CISA’s national standards, plus a few state-specific steps.

Minimum Prerequisites:

• FEMA Independent Study Courses (Online, Free):
  Complete these FEMA Independent Study courses and have your certificates:

  • IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System

  • IS-200: Basic Incident Command System

  • IS-700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS)

  • IS-800: Introduction to the National Response Framework

✅ Tip: Provide links to the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) course pages.

• FCC Amateur Radio License:
  Hold a valid, active FCC amateur radio license.

• Public Safety/Emergency Service Experience:
  You must be affiliated with a public safety agency or volunteer group, and have experience with emergency communications in the field.

• Documentation:
  When applying, include copies of your FEMA course certificates, your radio license, and proof of agency affiliation or experience.

Wisconsin-Specific Requirements:

• Use Wisconsin’s “Communications Unit Position Recognition” application packet.

• You may need to submit extra documentation if you are already credentialed in another state.

• Your experience and skills must be signed off by qualified evaluators following Wisconsin’s guidelines.

For more details or for help with your application, contact the Wisconsin Office of Emergency Communications.

Even if not required, list helpful experience such as:

• Holding a valid FCC Amateur Radio License (suggested: General or Extra class)

• Experience in incident-based communications or public service events

• Participation in ARES, RACES, SHARES, MARS, or similar groups

• Familiarity with radio equipment, ICS forms, and digital modes