Mission
The Mississippi Board of Emergency Telecommunications Standards and Training (BETST) is committed to promoting excellence in public safety communications through statewide standards and certification, continuing education, instructor certification, and professional accountability.
To ensure that Mississippi's emergency telecommunicators receive the training and education necessary to provide professional, effective, and lifesaving emergency communications that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
About BETST
The Emergency Telecommunications Training Program (ETTP) was established by the Mississippi Legislature during the 1993 Regular Legislative Session through House Bill 901. Signed into law by Governor Kirk Fordice, the legislation became effective on July 1, 1993.
The legislation created the Board of Emergency Telecommunications Standards and Training (BETST) to establish and administer statewide standards governing the certification and training of emergency telecommunicators.
Today, BETST serves as Mississippi's regulatory authority for emergency telecommunicator certification and training. Administrative and fiscal support for the Board is provided through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Office of Standards and Training.
Board Responsibilities
BETST administers Mississippi's Emergency Telecommunications Training Program by:
- Establishing standards for emergency telecommunicator certification
- Establishing standards for instructor certification
- Approving initial certification, continuing education, and specialized training courses
- Establishing continuing education requirements
- Administering approved training reimbursement programs
- Monitoring compliance with Mississippi law and Board regulations
- Adopting policies governing emergency telecommunicator certification and training
- Taking disciplinary action when authorized under Board regulations
Program Funding
The Emergency Telecommunications Training Program is funded through assessments established by Mississippi law.
Funds are deposited into a special fund and appropriated to administer the program and support Board-approved training for Mississippi emergency telecommunicators.
Certification Requirements
Mississippi law requires individuals who perform emergency telecommunications duties for eight (8) hours or more per month to obtain certification through BETST.
Individuals must obtain certification within twelve (12) months for their date of hire. Failure to meet the certification requirements within the prescribed timeframe may affect an individual's eligibility to continue serving in a certified emergency telecommunicator position.
Initial Certification
To obtain certification, applicants must complete the following requirements:
- Submit an Application for Certification (Parts I, II, and III) within 30 days of employment.
- Successfully complete a Board-approved 40-Hour Basic Telecommunicator Course within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Successfully complete a Board-approved Telecommunicator CPR (TCPR) course within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Submit proof of successful completion of all required training.
Individuals who dispatch emergency medical calls must also:
- Successfully complete a Board-approved Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) course.
- Maintain current CPR certification as required by Board policy.
Recertification
To maintain certification, telecommunicators must:
- Complete 48 hours of Board-approved continuing education during each three-year certification period.
- Submit the required Application for Recertification and Recertification Report.
All required documentation must be received by the Office of Standards and Training before certification, recertification, or reimbursement requests can be processed.
Administrative Rules
The Board adopts administrative rules governing emergency telecommunicator certification, instructor certification, continuing education, reimbursements, disciplinary procedures, and other program requirements.
These rules are adopted pursuant to Mississippi law and have the force and effect of law.