Alexandria, VA – The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International is proud to announce final approval of APCO ANS 3.106.3-2026 Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Quality Assurance Evaluators (QAE) on January 20 and APCO ANS 3.104.3-2026 Core Competencies and Minimum Training Standards for Public Safety Communications Training Coordinator on January 27.
QAEs play a critical role in shaping the performance and professionalism of an ECC’s workforce, and this revision ensures that the competencies and training requirements guiding that work are aligned with the realities of today’s public safety environment. Similarly, the revision of the training coordinator standard acknowledges that those responsible for developing that workforce must also have access to a current, practical framework — one that reflects the evolving technologies and increasingly complex operational demands facing emergency communications today.
Both standards were developed through APCO’s rigorous Occupational Analysis process, drawing directly on the expertise of high-performing incumbents who know these roles best. Together, they provide agencies with forward-looking, field-informed resources for building and sustaining a workforce committed to the highest standards of service to the communities they protect.
“These publications are a testament to the dedication of the emergency communications professionals who gave their time and expertise to this process,” said Jack Varnado, president of APCO International, “By grounding both standards in the real-world experience of public safety professionals, APCO has delivered resources that are not just current — they are practical, meaningful and built by the people who live this work every day.”
Visit the APCO website to view the complete standards. 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.
