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Certification Levels

The Provo Auxiliary Communications Team (PACT) certification program is designed to prepare members for emergency operations through structured training and real-world participation.

Participation is not required, but it is strongly encouraged.

As members progress through certification levels, they develop increased confidence, technical proficiency, and familiarity with communication equipment and procedures.

CERTIFICATION LEVELS
LEVEL 1
Handheld Radio

Participant

Basic readiness, radio setup, and participation in training nets.

Learn &
Participate
→
LEVEL 2
Base Station Radio

Support

Consistent participation and ability to assist during PACT activities.

Assist &
Support
→
LEVEL 3
Antenna Tower

Independent

Reliable independent operation during events, exercises, and activations.

Operate &
Execute
→
LEVEL 4
Handshake

Leader

Ability to lead teams and support coordination during operations.

Lead &
Coordinate

★ Tip: Each level builds on the previous one and increases your readiness and responsibility within PACT.

How Do I Get Credit?​

After completing all requirements for a certification level, email the PACT Membership Coordinator for verification. Once approved, your certification will be recorded and you will receive a signed certificate at the next quarterly interface meeting.

Members are expected to maintain the equipment required for each certification level they have completed.

While participation with other organizations is encouraged, only officially sponsored PACT activities count toward certification requirements. A list of qualifying events can be found on the Training Exercises & Events page.

PACT’s certification program is similar to the UCARES certification requirements for those pursuing both programs.

LEVEL 1​

Download Level 1 Checklist

Prerequisites​

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

  • 1.1 Register for PACT
  • 1.2 Join the PACT Telegram group

Equipment Requirements​

Equipment

Radio Equipment

  • 1.3 2m/70cm handheld radio

    • Spare battery for handheld radio
    • Earpiece for handheld radio
    • Upgraded handheld radio antenna (whip antenna)
    • Handheld radio programmed with PACT Standard Load
Documentation Binder

Documentation Binder

  • 1.4 Maintain a documentation binder

    • PACT Field Manual
    • Provo street map
    • PACT district & frequency map
    • Notebook
    • Zipper pouch with writing utensils
    • Radio manual for handheld radio
Essentials

Essentials

  • 1.5 Essentials

    • Multitool or Pocketknife
    • Flashlight
    • Personal First Aid Kit
Optional

Optional Items

  • 1.6 Purchase PACT Branded Clothing

    • PACT Ballcap
    • PACT T-shirt

Optional: Not required for certification

Participation Requirements​

Participation

Participation

  • 1.7 Participate in three Weekly Training Nets

LEVEL 2​

Download Level 2 Checklist

Prerequisites​

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

  • 2.1 Complete Level 1 Certification

Equipment Requirements​

Antenna

Portable Antenna

  • 2.2 Portable 2m/70cm antenna (j-pole, ground plane, etc)
  • 2.3 50' coax with PL259 connectors (RG-8 or better)
  • 2.4 One roll of electrical tape
Coaxial Adapters

Coaxial Adapters

  • 2.5 Coaxial Adapters

    • SO239 - SO239
    • SO239 - PL259
    • SO239 - BNC Male
    • SO239 - BNC Female
    • SO239 - SMA Male Pigtail
    • SO239 - SMA Female Pigtail
    • PL259 - BNC Male
    • PL259 - BNC Female
    • Any other specific adaptors your radio needs to connect to coax with PL259 connectors
USB Cables

USB Cables

  • 2.6 USB Cables

    • USB A - Micro USB
    • USB A - USB C
    • USB C - USB C

Training Requirements​

Training

Training Requirements

  • 2.7 ICS-100.C
  • 2.8 ICS-200.C

Participation Requirements​

Participation

Participation

  • 2.9 Participate in five Weekly Training Nets (must be different than the ones used for a previous certification level)
  • 2.10 Attend 1 Quarterly Interface

LEVEL 3​

Download Level 3 Checklist

Prerequisites​

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

  • 3.1 Complete the Level Two Certification

Equipment Requirements​

Anderson Power Poles

Anderson Power Poles

  • 3.2 Anderson Power Poles

    • Power pole to cigarette lighter
    • Power pole to alligator clip
    • Power pole to extension cable
    • Power pole to three way splitter

Training Requirements​

Training

Training Requirements

  • 3.3 ICS-700.B
  • 3.4 ARRL Basic EmComm

Participation Requirements​

Participation

Participation

  • 3.5 Participate in five Weekly Training Nets (must be different than the ones used for a previous certification level)
  • 3.6 Attend one Quarterly Interface (must be different than the ones used for a previous certification level)
  • 3.7 Visit the Provo Emergency Operations Center (contact Emergency Manager to schedule)
  • 3.8 Participate in two PACT sponsored events/exercises
  • 3.9 Serve as Net Control for one Weekly Training Net (contact Net Control to schedule)

LEVEL 4​

Download Level 4 Checklist

Prerequisites​

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

  • 4.1 Complete the Level Three Certification

Equipment Requirements​

Battery

LiFePo4 Battery

  • 4.2 LiFePo4 Battery (20Ah minimum)

    • Ability to connect using Anderson power poles
    • Ability to charge battery with AC power
Lighting

Lighting

  • 4.3 Head Lamp
  • 4.4 12VDC LED light with Anderson power poles

Participation Requirements​

Participation

Participation

  • 4.5 Participate in five Weekly Training Nets (must be different than the ones used for a previous certification level)
  • 4.6 Attend two Quarterly Interfaces (must be different than the ones used for a previous certification level)
  • 4.7 Visit the Brigham Young University Emergency Operations Center
  • 4.8 Participate in one PACT sponsored event/exercise
  • 4.9 Serve as Net Control for three Weekly Training Net (contact Net Control to schedule)