The 2-way radio fundamentals course used for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) is available for download at the Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Clearing House at the URL:
http://transition.fcc.gov/pshs/clearinghouse/cert.html
Part 1 is oriented towards the Family Radio Service for the simple fact that most civilian volunteer CERT team members are not going to be licensed radio amateurs, but the still need to know how to use unlicensed services such as FRS (similar to your PMR446, but uses the GMRS interstial simplex channels in the 462 MHz band) for communications within their CERT team. Part 1 includes a simple exercise using single channel, direct simplex communications in a free net, as is common during smaller Type IV incidents which don't require a formal Incident Action Plan. Topics include operating characteristics and limitations of FRS radio, radio features and controls, use of standard procedural words and phonetics.
Part II goes into more detail on voice operating procedures used in directed nets, including logging and message handling. Emphasis is on multiple-channel communications and the development of Communications Plans as used in Type III or more complex incidents. Additional topics discussed include the use of the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and amateur radio service repeaters as a way of tying CERT teams back to their Incident Command Post, Public Safety Answering Point or Emergency Operations Center.
Having your civilian auxiliary communications unit offer this training to CERT teams in your locality is a great way to encourage those who are interested in communications to become licensed. CERT members who obtain the entry level Technician license can function as designated "Radio Operator" for their team leader to communicate with the command post, or public safety answering point using either amateur or GMRS radio and repeaters.
The files available for download include Power Point presentations for elements 1 and 2, course instructor guides, student handouts, example exercises and a radio forms pack.
The Arlington (VA) County Radio Puiblic Service Club web site also provides training for licensed radio amateurs to become members of the Auxiliary Communications Service, see the URL
http://www.w4ava.org/training.htm
These training materials allow ACS applicants to access the Basic Radio Operator Course training from the comfort of their homes. Candidates must then complete an examination and must pass an FBI fingerprint and background check. After initial certification is earned, annual refresher training and recertification is required to maintain active team status.
The Basic Radio Operator Course training materials are available without charge to for nonprofit organization, local government and public safety use for volunteer training purposes within the scope of the copyright statement on our web site.
http://www.w4ava.org/training.htm
• Class 1 - Intro to Emergency Communications. Class 1 Materials: PDF -- PowerPoint® -- MP3
• Class 2 - Operating Procedures for Voice Nets. Class 2 Materials: PDF -- PowerPoint®
• Class 3 - Message Handling. Class 3 Materials: PDF -- PowerPoint® -- WAV
• Class 4 - Personal Preparedness and Equipment Class 4 Materials: PDF -- PowerPoint®
• Class 5 - RACES Functions in the EOC. Class 5 Materials: PDF -- PowerPoint®