The Basic Public Safety Communications Course consists of 1 week of training. The course has 10 modules that prepare Emergency Communicators to answer 911/emergency calls and dispatch first responders. An optional Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification course is offered in tandem with the Basic Course. To reinforce classroom topics, role playing and practical scenarios are injected into the course including final examination. Candidates successfully completing the Basic course are awarded certification by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and optionally EMD Certification by the National Emergency Communications Institute.