![[564x614] (PNG) PCESAR Non-Cert Logo Alpha Background Cropped to Logo.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/efa7ce_6947b2b109854ec4ae8b6e225e79b94a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_164,h_178,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/%5B564x614%5D%20(PNG)%20PCESAR%20Non-Cert%20Logo%20Alpha%20Background%20Cropped%20to%20Logo.png)
Join PCESAR
How To Join & Prerequisites
ICS Certifications
-
Adult and youth volunteers are needed!
-
Be 14 years or older by completion of training (if unsure please email training@pcesar.org for clarification)
-
Complete the prerequisite NIMS courses
-
Have a valid CPR/AED Card
-
Complete a unit hike
-
Dates and sign up link will be sent to you after a finished application is submitted​
-
-
Check the orientation and training dates to ensure you are available for Course 1, Searcher First Aid, 2, 3, and 4. Each course (except Course 4) is offered twice; you must attend only one of the two weekends.
​
​
Click here for PCESAR Volunteer Application
Due Date: October 18th 2025
Before you can join search and rescue you need to take four online FEMA courses and their open-book tests. All emergency workers are required to do these tests before they can be firefighters, police, sheriffs deputies, or be affiliated with any SAR group or other emergency responders. The registration process cannot proceed until these courses have been taken and completed. The required certificates are:
-
NIMS ICS-100
-
NIMS ICS-200
-
NIMS IS-700
-
NIMS IS-800
​
Take the courses here: https://training.fema.gov/NIMS
This link will bring up a page for the Emergency Management Institute –FEMA Independent Study Program.
-
Scroll down to IS-700, National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction and click on it.
-
You will need to create a student ID (SID) number in order to take the courses
-
On the right will be a link "Interactive Web Based Course". Click that link and complete the course.
-
Below the course materials link you will find “Take Final Exam.” When you're ready, click this link to begin the exam.
-
After completing the exam, save your certificate submit your application
-
Repeat these steps for each of the four required courses.