WC-ARES is dedicated to training its members the skills needed to assist in Emergency Communications during the time of disasters. To participate in WC-ARES activations that are several three levels of training that will determine your level of participation during any activation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all volunteers, including amateur radio operators, to have completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) IS-100.b, IS-200.b, IS-700.a and IS-800.b course material. WC-ARES members will be expected to understand and operate under National Incident Management System (NIMS) during activation. Without this training, you may be excluded from participating or gaining access to emergency sites during activation.
Below are the trainings needed by level:
| Description | Level | Category |
| Join an ARES group | Basic | Participation |
| Obtain Amateur Radio License | Basic | Proficiency |
| IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command System | Intermediate | Education |
| IS-200 Single Incidents and Intitial Action Incidents | Intermediate | Education |
| IS-700 Introduction to the National Incident Management System | Intermediate | Education |
| Skywarn Basic Training Weather monitoring | Intermediate | Education |
| Participate in Directed Net | Intermediate | Participation |
| Particpate in Simulated Emergency Test or Exercise | Intermediate | Participation |
| Obtain Taskbook | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Operate VHF Winlink station | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Program tone into HT | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Set up cross-band repeater on mobile | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Write and send an ICS-213 message | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Assemble a 24-hour Go-Kit | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Program frequency and offset into radio | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| Solder PL259 connector to coax | Intermediate | Proficiency |
| IS-800 Introduction to the National Response Plan | Advanced | Education |
| IS-802 Emergency Support Functions Communications | Advanced | Education |
| ARRL EC-001 Introduction to Emergency Communication | Advanced | Education |
| PR-101 ARRL Public Relations | Advanced | Education |
| ARRL EC-016 Public Service and Emergency Communications Management | Advanced | Education |
| Skywarn Advanced Training Weather monitoring | Advanced | Education |
| Serve as Net Control | Advanced | Participation |
| Participate in Public Service Event | Advanced | Participation |
| Present a training session | Advanced | Leadership |
| Participate in PIO activities Course PR-101 qualifies. | Advanced | Leadership |
| Build a powerpole adapter cable | Advanced | Proficiency |
| Build a simple dipole antenna | Advanced | Proficiency |
| Hold a General Class License or higher | Advanced | Proficiency |
| Operate a VHF Winlink station in peer-to-peer mode | Advanced | Proficiency |
| Demonstrate proficiency in using ICS forms | Advanced | Proficiency |
| Hold a leadership position in a group | Away-Team | Leadership |
| Operate HF Winlink station | Away-Team | Proficiency |
| Assemble a 72/120 hour Go-Kit | Away-Team | Proficiency |
| Demonstrate ability to set up a Type-1 Away Team Go-Kit Complete VHF Packet to HF Pactor linked system. | Away-Team | Proficiency |