Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS)
Amateur Radio License Course and Testing
Amateur Radio Licensing training courses are held by the ACS Team. The Technician-level course is a FREE 10-hour course held over five weeks designed to teach the necessary basics to obtain a Technician license and legally operate a Ham radio per FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulations. The Technician license course is offered twice a year (Spring and Fall).
A General-level course is a FREE 8-hour course held over four weeks designed to teach the necessary skills to obtain a General license. It is required to have a Technician license before enrolling in the General license course. The General license course is held once a year in the Summer.
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) Licensing Exams are offered three times a year for all three amateur radio license levels (Technician, General, and Extra). The exam has a cost that is set by the FCC for the 10-year license that is due on the day of the FCC Licensing exam. Please refer to the FCC licensing exam registration details for more information on the cost.
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Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) Team
Duties
When requested by the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District, ACS Team members will assist with ReadyRC outreach efforts and help respond to large emergencies and catastrophic disasters by assisting with and providing communication services. These services may include operating portable, mobile and/or base station Amateur and Public Safety radios. ACS provide amateur emergency communication services for both the City of Rancho Cucamonga and the City of Upland.
The ACS Team also coordinates and teaches Amateur Radio licensing courses for both the Technician and General licenses, as well as, administers FCC Licensing exams for the Technician, General, and Extra licenses.
Qualifications To Join the ACS Team
- Must have an Amateur Radio Technician License or Greater
- Must show completion of a 20-hour Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Class
- Must complete the following National Incident Management System (NIMS) training (FREE online courses):
- Must show completion of CPR/AED/First Aid Certificate (8 hr. Red Cross or American Heart Association)
- Must pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) Live scan background check
- Must take the Disaster Service Worker Loyalty Oath
- Must live or work in the City of Rancho Cucamonga or City of Upland
Commitment Expected
Attend meetings led by RCFD Emergency Management Division, ACS Team meetings, and various trainings, exercises, and outreach events throughout the year attend. Complete at least 40-volunteer hours a year.
Meeting and Training Times
- ReadyRC Volunteer Meetings led by the RCFD Emergency Management Division are held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Meeting dates and times may change, please call or email to learn more.)
- A weekly radio net is held on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m.
- Additional training is conducted quarterly on the 5th Tuesday of the month and scheduled Saturday mornings. There is approximately one planned drill or event per quarter to help sharpen Ham radio skills. (Meeting dates and times may change, please call or email to learn more.)
For up-to-date ACS meetings, trainings, and events, visit the ACS Events Calendar at www.tricityacs.net, and the Fire District's calendar.
Age Requirement
Age 18 years old or older to join the team, but you can be any age to take the Amateur License Exam.
Application
Apply by completing a Fire District Volunteer Application.
ACS APPLICATION
ACS Event Calendar
For up-to-date class and exam dates, please check the ACS Events Calendar, www.tricityacs.net, and the Fire District's calendar.
For More Information
Please contact us by phone at 1-909-774-3020 or by email at ReadyRC@CityofRC.us
