Implementing effective training and exercise programs to practice communications interoperability is essential for ensuring that the technology works and responders are able to effectively communicate during emergencies.
State of New Jersey COMU Accreditation Program (.pdf, 154.5 KB)
This webinar presentation focuses on the design, planning, methodologies, and implementation of New Jersey’s Communications Unit (COMU) Accreditation Program.
Planning, Training, and Exercise Resource Guide (.pdf, 156.75 KB)
The Planning, Training, and Exercise Resource Guide presents information and guidelines on how to plan, design, and conduct interoperable communications-specific training and exercise programs.
Georgia's Communications Exercise Webinar Summary (.pdf, 311.37 KB)
This webinar summary focuses on the design, planning, methodologies, and implementation of Georgia’s May 2015 mobile communication vehicle functional exercise.
Communication Unit Training Resources
Documents and videos supporting the Emergency Communications Division's training courses.
SWIC-to-STO Engagement Guide (.pdf, 138.15 KB)
Developed by the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), the SWIC-to-STO Engagement Guide supports Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (SWICs) in navigating their relationships with their State Training Officers (STOs) by providing benefits of and best practices for collaboration. Synthesized from the collective knowledge of the NCSWIC membership, the document is best for SWICs with little-to-no association with their STO.
Training and Exercises in the New Normal (.pdf, 329.26 KB)
Developed by the NCSWIC Planning, Training, and Exercise Committee with support from CISA, Training and Exercises in the New Normal assists SWICs in anticipating challenges and finding solutions to continue to ensure high-quality and effective communications-based training and exercises despite budget constraints and in-person limitations. The document was populated directly from emergency communications professionals’ experiences and contains resources, best practices, success stories, and even gaps and challenges.
Third-Party Evaluators for Training and Exercises (.pdf, 296.75 KB)
Developed by the NCSWIC Planning, Training, and Exercise Committee with support from CISA, Third-Party Evaluators for Training and Exercises assists SWICs when considering using a third-party evaluator in a training or exercise. The document shares potential advantages and challenges as well as other considerations. The document was populated directly from emergency communications professionals’ experiences.
Checklist for Communications Technology in Training and Exercises (.pdf, 209.6 KB)
Developed by the NCSWIC Planning, Training, and Exercise Committee with support from CISA, the Checklist for Communications Technology in Training and Exercises assists SWICs who are considering incorporating new and emerging technologies into trainings and exercises. The guide details planning and evaluation considerations when using new communications technology in a training or exercise. The document was populated directly from emergency communications professionals’ experiences.