Alexandria, VA – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is proud to announce final approval of APCO ANS 3.103.3-2025 Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Telecommunicators on October 31.
This milestone represents a major update to the standard, which APCO first published in 2010 and last revised in 2015. The new version reflects the realities of modern emergency communications, where telecommunicators must navigate advanced technologies and increasingly complex operational demands.
APCO convened 9-1-1 professionals from across the country—representing emergency communications centers (ECCs) of different sizes, regions and operational models—along with industry partners to update the standard. Their collaborative effort produced a forward-looking standard that addresses current best practices and emerging technologies reshaping emergency communications.
“Public safety telecommunicators are the critical first link in the emergency response chain, and this updated standard reflects our commitment to their professional development,” said Jack Varnado, president of APCO International. “By establishing clear training benchmarks and career progression pathways, we’re empowering ECCs to build stronger, more capable teams ready to meet the evolving demands of public safety communications.”
The standard outlines core competencies telecommunicators need to effectively manage emergency and non-emergency calls across law enforcement, fire and EMS. Key areas include call taking procedures, dispatch protocols, communication skills, system operations and incident coordination. It also promotes ongoing professional development beyond initial training.
The revised standard tackles pressing workforce challenges head-on. By providing clear, comprehensive training guidelines, it helps agencies combat burnout and turnover while better equipping telecommunicators to handle the high-stress nature of their work. A well-structured training program can make the difference in both recruitment success and long-term retention.
APCO will update its Agency Training Program Accreditation to reflect this revised standard, with details to be announced separately.
Visit the APCO website to view the complete standard. For more information about APCO standards email us at [email protected]
APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy, and outreach.
