Executive Protection Studies Program/Executive Protection Specialist Course

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Course Description

The Dignitary and Executive Protection Specialist Course (ISA DPP 101) provides specialized executive protection training for students who conduct, supervise, or support protective service operations for elected officials, political appointees, members of the judiciary, corporate executives, high-net-worth individuals, public figures, and private clients who may face elevated risk from criminal acts, targeted violence, workplace violence, terrorism, or other threat factors.

This course introduces students to the critical foundations of professional protective operations and then builds toward more advanced planning, movement, communication, and field-application skills. The training emphasizes threat assessment, protection-in-depth, advance work, mission planning, protective movement, secure transportation, emergency action planning, medical response, legal considerations, and professional conduct.

The course methodology is based on the protective concept of security in depth, commonly associated with federal protective operations, and is further informed by techniques, procedures, and best practices used in law enforcement, diplomatic security, military protective service, and corporate executive protection environments.

Executive protection skills are not learned by collecting a certificate. They are developed through realistic, standards-based training that teaches students to think, plan, communicate, move, and perform under real protective conditions.


Course History and Purpose

This course is an advanced version of ISA’s introductory dignitary protection training program. It was originally developed for federal, state, local, and campus law enforcement personnel assigned to provide protective support for elected officials, dignitaries, judges, candidates for office, and other public officials.

As the protective environment changed, the course expanded to include the operational needs of military personnel, veterans transitioning into the private sector, corporate security teams, private security professionals, investigators, and personnel assigned to permanent or long-term protective details.

The program introduces students to the unique methods used in public-sector, military, and corporate protective operations, while emphasizing the common principles that apply across all professional protection work: threat assessment, planning, coordination, communication, lawful conduct, discretion, and disciplined performance.

This course is especially valuable for law enforcement personnel, military personnel, and veterans who are preparing to transition into private-sector executive protection, corporate security, investigative, or protective-service roles. Students learn how to adapt public-service and military experience to the private protection environment, where client service, corporate culture, discretion, liability, advance work, and professional communication are as important as operational skill.


Additional Training Areas

To prepare students for current protective assignments, the course also includes instruction and practical application in areas such as terrorism awareness, workplace violence, hostile surveillance, active-threat considerations, public-event security, emergency planning, and medical response.

These topics help prepare local law enforcement, corporate security specialists, private-sector protection personnel, and qualified security professionals for the range of threats and operational conditions they may encounter while protecting public officials, executives, private clients, and other at-risk persons.

The course is also designed to support applicable state training requirements, including the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Personal Protection Specialist program, where eligibility and documentation requirements apply.


Professional Standard

This course prepares students to provide close protective services in accordance with applicable international, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and professional standards.

Students are expected to participate fully, act professionally, complete required assignments and practical exercises, and demonstrate the judgment, discipline, and conduct expected of personnel working in executive and dignitary protection.


Admission and Tuition

Students should review the full course syllabus before registering.

Standard Tuition: $2,250.00
Special tuition programs may be available for law enforcement, military personnel, veterans, IFPO members, agencies, groups, and hosted-course partners.

For registration, eligibility questions, or group tuition information, contact ISA before enrollment.

Independent Security Advisors (eptraining.us)
& the ISA Training Division

Dignitary Protection Studies Program
aka NC PPSB Fundamentals of Personal Protection

(ISA DEP 101)

Module One Executive Protection Training Program Syllabus

Jan 1, 2025

(7 Days 70-84 hrs.)

 

Warning – Limited public release and Export Controlled: Distribution limited to U.S. Government and state agencies, select private sector companies, and/or their representatives. Other requests for the Document shall be referred to the Director of Training, at 132 Park Shore Dr E, Columbia, SC, 29223.

Destruction Notice: Destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the content to unauthorized persons or agencies.

 Local Reproduction is Authorized: DISTRIBUTION authorized to U.S. Government and state agencies, select private sector companies, and/or their representatives for review.

  Revision History

 Note: The ISA EP program is reviewed quarterly to ensure we introduce the students to the latest training methodology with recent changes in close protection

Date  Version Description  Author Approver
01/01/2025               1.0                                Update Matthew Parker

 

MPCTC/DCJS/PPSB/POST

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Effective organizations deliberately seek to create a positive and dynamic working environment, foster teamwork, apply quantitative methods and analytical techniques, and tap the creativity and ingenuity of its people.

The purpose of the ISA Dignitary Protection Studies Program is to train, educate, and professionally develop Law Enforcement, Active, Reserve, and National Guard military personnel, Private sector Executive Protection/Security, and certain Foreign Military personnel on Dignitary and Executive Protection Operations.

The syllabus is part of a series of Diplomatic/Dignitary/Executive Protection training and education courses that help prepare a fully trained and professional protective service organization, team, and agent. This document provides instructional guidance to individuals attending this Executive Protection Training Course.

Contents

COURSE INFORMATION.. 4

Faculty Information. 4

Attendance Prerequisites. 4

Course Description. 5

Course Expectations. 5

Student Responsibilities. 6

Classroom Rules of Engagement (ROE). 6

Course Format. 7

Learning Objectives. 7

Class Modules. 10

Pre-Attendance Homework- Study. 11

Daily Course Schedule. 12

Course Policies. 15

Policy and Procedures on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Sexual Harassment. 16

 

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Location:
Dates:
Length: Seven-day (70-80 hour) program of instruction
Course Run Times: 0800 to 1800 with a one-hour lunch break included
Course Facilitator(s) / Instructor(s) Contact Information:

Faculty Information

Program Director- Primary Instructor: Matthew Parker, DPS

Contact: Email [email protected]

Phone: 315-486-7854

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

 

ISA INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS

ISA instructors must be graduates of an accredited and federally or state-recognized Instructor Qualification Course, and must have completed the following 3-step certification process as outlined by the training programs Director of Training:

  • Have completed the ISA assistant instructor program to observe how their assigned senior instructor facilitates the course
  • Have aided in facilitating 40 hours of instruction during an ISA Executive Protection Training course
  • Serve as a primary instructor under senior instructor observation for 80 hours

 Attendance Prerequisites

None, but students should have a basic understanding of what executive protection entails and a general overview of the mission of a protection agent. Students can visit:

https://www.mypspa.org/article/more/executive-protection-overview#:~:text=June%2020%2C%202014%20%E2%80%93%20PSPA%20Editorial,to%20guard%20visiting%20foreign%20dignitaries.

Course Description

  The Dignitary Protection Studies Program and Executive Protection Training course are designed for those who will supervise, execute, or support diplomatic and executive protection operations for diplomats, elected and public officials, members of the court, candidates for office, corporate executives, and private individuals. The ISA program traditionally takes approximately 70-80 hours over 7 days to facilitate; however, it has a modular design to allow instructors to modify, add/substitute, or modify slides/exercises/presentations based on the students’ or organization’s local requirements, provided all the mandatory topics as required by the accreditation and state regulatory bodies are satisfied.

 Students will learn about the mission and purpose of the protective detail or agent, the fundamental principles, and the terminology used in protective operations for both the public / government and private sectors. They will gain a thorough understanding of executive protection, its underlying philosophy, and the essential elements of protective operations, including the threat assessment and Intelligence process, risk and threat mitigation planning, physical/residential protection, secure transportation/movement planning and operations, advance work, basic team management and communications, and the techniques or methods used in daily operations to include foot movement, reaction to threats/situations, basic emergency medical care/response, de-escalation and avoidance.

 Students will also gain an understanding and demonstrate the methods and procedures used to manage protective operations, with a strong emphasis on the concept of protection in depth. They’ll learn how to build a relationship with the person being protected, as well as with their fellow agents, and will be able to explain and apply the ethical and legal principles that guide executive protection.

 Course Expectations

 For a full seven-day course, you should expect to spend about 60-70 hours of the week participating in class/field discussions, activities, and practical exercises, and 30-45 minutes after class in study, assigned reading, and preparation for the next day’s assignments. 


Student Learning

 Student learning is ultimately the goal of any instructional program, so instructors will use different methods to help students retain this material.  One method is to assign students to give or assist with a topic of discussion or a practical exercise.  Student-led training is 90% effective in retaining information.

Participating in Hands-on training and live exercises is stressed over simply presenting information by PowerPoint; this method is known to be 75% effective, but 92% of students report that this method of learning is preferred above all others.

Group discussions facilitated by the instructor are approximately 50% effective. So, we will combine all three methods and try to avoid “death by PowerPoint”. 

Note: Students may experience information overload; this is a normal phenomenon. However, instructors will also be changing schedules, training methods, verbal pitch, tone, and volume. They may assign exercises for students to complete before being taught how to perform the assigned task. Time constraints and confusion are part of the curriculum. You’re going to be stressed

Student Responsibilities (To avoid the above)

  • Be professional at all times; Avoid conduct likely to bring discredit upon this program, your agency or company.
  • Recognize when you’re not fully understanding something or caught up and request assistance as needed. ASK QUESTIONS
  • Be motivated, maintain a positive attitude, and fully participate in all classroom discussions and small group exercises.

Expected Student Participation

  1. Class Discussions.
  2. Fully engages in daily discussions.
  3. Makes contributions relevant and productive.
  4. Actively takes part in group discussion settings.

Note: Participation in classroom discussion is required – and evaluated.

  1. Group Contribution.

Note: Failure to contribute may result in being removed from training.

  1. Contributes to the small working group collaboration.
  2. Participates in the development of products.
  3. Participates in briefing small group assignments.
  4. Individual Contribution.
  5. Participates in briefing individual assignments when selected.

Classroom Rules of Engagement (ROE)

  1. Respect your classmates.
  2. This is your primary location. Be on time for the start of class and when returning from breaks.
  3. Cell phones must remain silent or turned off during class. The instructor may approve case-by-case exemptions.
  4. Laptop screens will be down during all VIP briefings.
  5. Do not text or email during class. During class, do not surf the web unless the subject matter material is directly related to course content.
  6. Secure your weapons before entering the classroom. The instructor may approve case-by-case exemptions.

Course Format

The Executive Protection Training course comprises 70-80 hours of material delivered over 7 days in an on-site classroom setting; starting at 8:00 AM each day, with a one-hour lunch break. Each day begins with an introduction to that day’s modules and a review of the previous day’s content, followed by coverage of the first topic of the day.

Learning Objectives

Terminal Learning Objective (TLO)

Action Demonstrate proficiency/knowledge in conducting executive protection operations IAW the Dignitary Protection Studies Program Executive Protection Training Course, and federal /state training standards outlined in the DPSP program overview.

 

Condition Within an in-person classroom and real-time training setting, students will receive presentations, participate in facilitated discussions, complete hands-on exercises, and take part in field training scenarios focused on executive protection at various threat levels, all in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

 

Standard Students will attend and complete all training, participate in all discussions, demonstrate proficiency/knowledge in conducting executive protection operations through graded individual skill-based and team-based exercises, complete a real-time EP field exercise, and pass a written examination.

 

Learning

Domain

 

Cognitive

 

Learning

Level

 

Application

 

Learning Outcomes

 

EPO 100: Essentials of Executive Protection (Introduction or fundamentals of EP):

·         Define the mission, objectives, and purpose of the protective detail or agent

·         Explain the individual characteristics, physical, mental, and emotional, and personal attributes necessary to conduct protective operations

·         Explain the education and training required for a protective service agent for today’s threat environment and to meet the requirements for employment

·         Explain the fundamental principles of protective operations
·         Explain the similarities/differences associated with the protective operations for both the public / government and private sectors

 Operational Management & Communications

·         Demonstrate the methods and procedures used to manage protective operations

·         Demonstrate the importance of, and methods of interpersonal communication, including agent-client relations, working with outside agencies and organizations, and other stakeholders

·         Prepare a case study and conduct an after-action review of a historical event to compare and contrast current vs. the historical procedures or methodologies employed by the protective agents/detail at the time of the event

Legal

·         Give examples of the legal and regulatory statutes involved with EP operations

·         Describe the use of force and the importance of understanding the continuum for force

 Medical

·         Demonstrate CPR and emergency first aid, including the use of the AED heartbeat restoration system and the proper methods to stop bleeding while responding to an emergency executive protection situation

 

MGT 306: Daily Operations, Secure Transportation & Movement Operations

 ·         Demonstrate how to plan and execute secure transportation /movement operations

·         Demonstrate secure arrival and departure procedures

·         Apply the correct ground movement formations and escort procedures based on the threat, location, or scenario  

 Terrorism 200

·         Explain the threats from domestic terrorism and extremism, and the methods used by the terrorists

Ethics

·         Explain and demonstrate the ethical problem-solving process for an ethical dilemma

·         Evaluate moral arguments based on varied moral perspectives and ethical reasoning

·         Discuss specific ethical issues and problems within the protective service industry. 

EPO 300: Operational Planning, Managing Threats and Risk Mitigation:

·         Explain the key components of protective operations planning

·         Explain the challenges in establishing the rings of security and demonstrate how to integrate them into operational plans appropriately

 

MGT 201 Preparing the Threat Assessment (Mission Planning)

 ·         Demonstrate the procedures to conduct a threat assessment based on actionable intelligence in conjunction with preparing the risk mitigation plan that includes: the design of the protective detail, standard operational procedures for office and residential security, basic team management and communications, conducting advance work, evaluating and mitigating dangers associated with workplace violence and other threats

 

MGT 302: Threat Intelligence and Open-Source Research (Operational Planning and Operations)

·         Discuss the importance of collecting actionable threat intelligence and complete a risk analysis in conjunction with risk mitigation planning, physical security, and close protective operations

 

MGT 304 Fundamentals of Analysis

·         Examine the accuracy and bias of sources of information and discuss the credibility and reliability of those sources (.org, .edu, and .gov, (and others) vs. .com, etc.).

·         Describe the analytical process to build a threat profile of an individual or organization to identify the risk to the client.

·         Analyze information and explain how its classified as “actionable intelligence” that the detail leader can rely on for decision-making.

 

 

MGT 305 Physical Security Management (Mission Planning)

 ·         Discuss the components of physical security management

·         Prepare a residential/office/event physical security assessment

·         Describe how to establish physical/residential protection based on the threat and physical security assessment process

 

 EPO 400: Advance Work (Mission Planning and Operations)

·         Demonstrate how to plan and execute a mission advance and site survey

·         Explain the purpose, roles, and responsibilities of the advance and site survey teams;

·         Prepare and conduct the team and operational briefing based on the advance.

Class Modules

Course Prefix

 The first part of each ISA class designation code: 1. Operations (EPO); 2. Communications (IPC); 3. Sociology (SOC); 4. Philosophy (PHI); 4. Management (MGT); 5. Medical (MED); 6. History (HIST)

 XXX 100-199: Introductory and beginner classes: These classes are generally focused on foundational theories, principles, techniques, and procedures to provide a broad basis for more advanced classes (ISA 100-level courses may be taken as part of a continuing education program). 

EPO 100 Essentials of Executive Protection 

IPC  100 Communication Theory

SOC 100 Demographics and the Evolution of the Detail

 

IPC  101 Etiquette and Rapport  

PHIL 100 Ethics in Protective Services 

HIST 100 Dignitary & Executive Protection: Historical Overview, Case Study

 

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XXX 200-299: Intermediate-level classes will be more strenuous and focused on specific topics, and will require students to draw conclusions, make decisions, or complete specific exercises.

MGT 200 Psychology of Violence

MGT 201 Preparing the Threat Assessment

MGT 202 Threat Intelligence & Open-Source Research

TRO 200 Foundations of Terrorism

LAW 200 Protective Security Law

 

MGT 203 Stalking

MGT 204 Workplace Violence 

MGT 205 Bias & Hate 

MGT 206 Domestic Violence

 

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XXX 300-399: Advanced/intermediate-level, emphasize problem-solving, analytical thinking, and demonstrating knowledge. Students act upon relevant information & intelligence, combine findings into operational plans, and demonstrate greater responsibility or independence during exercises.

 

EPO 300 Operational Planning, Managing Threats and Risk Mitigation

MGT 304 Fundamentals of Analysis

EPO 301 Hostile Surveillance & Counter-Measures

 

MGT 305 Physical Security Management

MGT 306 Secure Transportation & Movement Operations

MGT 307 Movement and Static Site Operations Planning

 

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400-499: Advanced-level classes include self-paced tutorials, student-led exercises, and operational evaluations in real-world conditions and environments. Students will have demonstrated that they can work independently and will complete capstone exercises to fulfill graduation requirements for the course.

  • EPO 400 Advance Work
  • EPO 401 Conflict Resolution
  • EPO 402 Operational Challenges for the Protective Agent
  • EPO 403 Travel & Emergency Medical & Hard Site Planning

 

Required Student Pre-Requisites

**You are required to download the student study guide, threat assessment packet, DSS manual, and PSOTP Handout Book, but you do not need to print this material.

You can find a copy of the references on the website by logging in: https://www.eptraining.us/login/?redirect_to=%2Fmdocuments-library%2F

You will receive the password in your welcome email. The references are the FLETC – PSOTP Quick Reference Guide, US State Dept Manual & Threat Assessment Packet, and Student Study Guide

Exercise: Conduct an open-source online search for yourself and gather all the information, pictures, family details, addresses, phone numbers, etc. that you can find. Write down your findings and the source.

Presentation: Prepare a one-minute and thirty-second presentation about yourself. I am, I have been, I did

Research the Tueller Drill, 21 ft rule, and the OODA loop and human reaction time.

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Textbooks And Materials

Students are encouraged to bring a tablet or laptop with Microsoft Office and Adobe. You may be provided with a computer that has limited files installed, but you are welcome to download any files and applications needed for training.

Remember to bring a suit for the capstone, as well as workout or tactical clothes for outdoor exercises.

Pre-Attendance Homework- Study

Start reading as soon as you get the welcome packet and before class. This material will help you with the hands-on exercises and prepare you for training.

Tech Homework

  1. Research and download a free application to monitor local weather / real-time traffic/reports on local road conditions/construction/location and flight status of aircraft
  2. Research and download a free application that provides voice-over IP (VOIP) communication & provides “walkie-talkie” capability from a smartphone
  3. Research and download a free application that assists with the triage of emergency medical conditions
  4. Research and download a free application that allows the sending and editing of maps between smartphones or tablets
  5. Research and download an application that provides information on local restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, refueling locations, and medical centers

Daily Course Schedule

Meals and Breaks

Students may be required to accomplish a specific task every day during lunch breaks. Meals are the responsibility of the student, and the time allocated for eating a meal is not guaranteed. Food and drink are permitted in the classroom, but eating is not allowed during classroom instruction. Breaks will be 10 minutes in length and will be managed by the instructor and class leader.

 

Day 1. 0800-1800, 1200-1300 Lunch

7 Hours of classroom // 4 Hours exercises and testing

Total training time: 9 hours.

                                                                                                                        Location    /            Method          /Domains     / Time

EPO 100 Essentials of Executive Protection 

 

IPC  100 Communication Theory

 

SOC 100 Demographics and the Evolution of the Detail

 

MGT 301 Psychology of Violence

 

MGT 202 Stalking

MGT 203 Workplace Violence 

MGT 205 Bias & Hate 

MGT 206 Domestic Violence

 

MGT 201 Preparing the Threat Assessment

 

MGT 303 Threat Intelligence & Open-Source Research

MGT 304 Fundamentals of Analysis

 

 

PHIL 100 Ethics in Protective Services 

 

Classroom Discussion Cognitive   4 Hours

                         

Classroom   Discussion   Cognitive

Affective  

Concurrent

 

Classroom    

 

Discussion Cognitive

Affective  

 Concurrent
Classroom Discussion Cognitive

Affective     

     1 Hour

 

Concurrent

Concurrent

Concurrent

Concurrent

 

     
Classroom Discussion Group    Cognitive                            3 Hour

 

Concurrent

Concurrent

 

     
       
Classroom Discussion Affective      1 Hour
Case Studies Executive Briefing Paper

This assignment involves conducting a detailed case study and analysis of a selected incident, followed by the writing of an executive briefing. Students will address how pre-mission decisions affect the outcome of an operation. The following are a few sample topics:

  • An analysis of the pie attack on Bill Gates.
  • An analysis of the “pixy dust incident of Newt Gingrich.
  • An analysis of the security breach at the White House dinner for the Indian Prime Minister.
  • An analysis of the Assassination of President Kennedy.
  • An analysis of the injury (broken ankle) to President Bill Clinton.

Citations: Students are required to research and cite a minimum of three online sources, and must give proper credit to others for their work by citing it accurately. 

Day 2. 0800-1800, 1200-1300 Lunch

6 Hours of classroom // 3 Hours exercises and testing

Total training time: 8 hours.

                                                                                                                        Location         / Method          / Domains         / Time

MGT 201-MGT 303 Threat/intelligence Exercise

 

MGT 305 Physical Security Management

 

 

EPO 400 Advance Work

 

MGT 306 Secure Transportation & Movement Operations

MGT 307 Movement and Static Site Operations

MGT 204 Off-site and Off-the-Record Operations

 

Classroom                     

 

Group  PE                      

 

Cognitive          

 

2 Hours
Classroom Discussion  Group PE Cognitive

 

1 Hours
 

Classroom

Field

 

Discussion  Group PE

 

Cognitive

Psychomotor

 

6 Hours

Concurrent

Concurrent

     
Concurrent      
           

 

Day 3. 0800-1800, 1200-1300 Lunch

3 Hours of classroom // 6 Hours exercises and testing

Total training time: 9 hours.

                                                                                                                        Location         / Method          / Domains         / Time

EPO 300 Operational Planning, Managing Threats and Risk

                Mitigation Exercise

 

EPO 400 Advance Work Exercise

 

 

Classroom Group PE

Student Led

Cognitive

Psychomotor

3 Hours
On location Group PE

Student Led

Cognitive

Psychomotor

6 Hours

 

 

Day 4. 0800-1800, 1200-1300 Lunch

3 Hours of classroom // 6 Hours exercises and testing

Total training time: 9 hours.

                                                                                                                        Location         / Method          / Domains         / Time

MGT 306 MGT 307 Movement and Static Site Operations

 

 

EPO 401 Conflict Resolution

 

Classroom

Field

Discussion  Group PE

Student Led

Cognitive

Psychomotor

9 Hours
Concurrent      
Note ** Physical Contact

Physical contact between cadets and students may occur during “react to contact” and scenario-based training. Each student is expected to act professionally and appropriately, following all safety briefing instructions and best practices.  All weapons must be secured during training.

 

 

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Day 5. 0800-1800, 1200-1300 Lunch

3 Hours of classroom // 6 Hours exercises and testing

Total training time: 9 hours.

                                                                                                                        Location         / Method          / Domains         / Time

EPO 300 Operational Planning, Managing Threats and Risk

                Mitigation Exercise

 

EPO 400 Advance Work Exercise

 

MGT 306 Secure Transportation & Movement Operations  

                 Exercise

 

EPO 401 Conflict Resolution Exercise

 

EPO 301 Hostile Surveillance & Counter-Measures

 

 

Classroom

Field

Discussion  Group PE

Student Led

Cognitive

Psychomotor

2 Hours
Concurrent

 

Concurrent

 

 

Concurrent

 

Classroom

On Location

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion  Group PE

Student Led

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cognitive

Psychomotor

2 Hours

 

2 Hours

 

 

Concurrent

 

3 Hours

 

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Day 6. 0800-1800, 1200-1300 Lunch

3 Hours of classroom // 6 Hours exercises and testing

Total training time: 9 hours.

                                                                                                                        Location         / Method          / Domains         / Time

LAW 200 Protective Security Law

 

EPO 402 Operational Challenges for the Protective Agent

 

TRO 200 Terrorism

 

CPR/AED/Stop Bleed/First aid.

 

 

Classroom Discussion  Group PE Cognitive Affective 2 Hours
Classroom Discussion  Group PE Cognitive Affective 1 Hour
Classroom Discussion  Group PE Cognitive Affective 1 Hours
Classroom Hands-on Cognitive

Psychomotor

5 Hours

 

 

Day 7. 0800-2000, 1200-1300 Lunch

 

Capstone Evaluation

 

Written Examination

Minimum 12 hours,

12 Hours is scheduled, but training is finished with the completion of the capstone and written exam

 

 

Retesting for test failures

 

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Course Policies

Academic Dishonesty

Cheating is a serious moral violation and can lead to the student being removed from the program. Students are responsible for maintaining the academic integrity of the program by refraining from acts of cheating, either directly or indirectly, and by discouraging others from doing so. 

No student shall-

  1. Give or receive any assistance or communicate in any way with another student while an examination is in progress.
  2. Use unauthorized notes, books, or other materials during an examination.
  3. Attempt to obtain or disseminate the content of any examination before its distribution by the proctor.
  4. Procure or distribute answers to examinations in advance.
  5. Students who engage in academic dishonesty will receive a grade of zero for assignments.


Academic Instructions

Written Assignments 

  1. Written assignments must be the product of the student’s own research. No student shall submit work that has been written by someone else or copied from an outside source.
  2. No student shall submit work that has been previously submitted in whole or in part for academic credit; this is termed “self-plagiarism.”
  3. Late assignments may not be accepted; if accepted, points will be deducted.


Attendance

  All students enrolled in an approved training session are required to attend all scheduled hours, unless they have received a partial exemption from the department. Tardiness and absenteeism are not permitted. Anyone violating these rules will be required to make up any missed training. All training must be completed within six months before applying for registration or certification. Students who do not finish the required training within this period must repeat the entire training session.

  • All classes are mandatory; LE exceptions must be pre-approved.
  • If a student is absent for more than 2 hours, the student may be released from the course.
  • Students are required to come to class on time.
  • Three late reports may be counted as one absence from class.

 ISA Grading Criteria

Grading scale     A = 90-100       B = 80-89     C = 70-79 

Passing retests will be recorded as a score of 70, regardless of the actual score.

Breakdown of grading percentages for coursework (i.e., attendance, assignments, journals, papers, exams, etc.). 

  • Threat Assessment P.E. 30%
  • Advance work, security plan P.E. 20%
  • Personal conduct and participation 30%
  • Capstone 20%
  • End of course test (Min. score: 70)

* Please note that some accreditation agencies have different requirements for graduation.


Testing and Evaluation

A check-on learning examination or exercise shall be administered after each training session. The examination shall be based on the applicable learning objectives. The student must attain a minimum grade of 70% and pass any applicable practical exercises to satisfactorily complete the training session.


ISA Examination Policies

  1. No student may remove an exam from the classroom under any
  2. Exams are timed; they must be completed within the stated time frame.
  3. Students who arrive late for an exam will not receive extra time to complete the exam.
  4. No credit will be given for questions left unanswered, regardless of the reason.
  5. Students are responsible for correctly completing all test answer sheets.
  6. No credit will be given for incompletely erased answers or blanks.
  7. All requests for make-up exams will be determined by the instructor, based upon the merits of the request, on a case-by-case basis. Submitting a request for a make-up exam does not guarantee that permission will be granted.


Policy and Procedures on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Sexual Harassment

 Nondiscrimination: It is the policy of ISA and our partners that no student or employee of ISA may discriminate based on race, religion, color, creed, sex (including sexual harassment), marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against because of any factor protected under this policy may file a complaint of discrimination.

 Students with Disabilities

 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires the course location to be physically and programmatically accessible. As required by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, reasonable accommodations are provided to ensure equal opportunity for students with verified disabilities.

Physical Conditioning:

 This course requires a high degree of physical fitness. Students must run, jump, and wear protective equipment (such as body armor and ballistic eye protection), and may come into contact with other students or instructors during training.

 Students with medical conditions that prohibit them from taking part in physically demanding training or exercises are not authorized to attend the course. The Director of Training must approve a waiver request before the attendee can attend.

Dress code

 During class, students are expected to dress in business casual attire, which typically includes a button-down or polo shirt and slacks. However, T-shirts, workout, and tactical gear are allowed during tactical exercises. For the capstone exercises, students may need to wear a suit and tie.

Non-Graduate Policy

 Individuals who do not fulfill the minimum required training standards during the session will not receive a training completion form or certificate.

Expulsion Policy

 Each person attending an approved training session shall follow the regulations set by the board and any other rules within the training school’s authority. If the training school director or instructor considers a violation of the rules harmful to the training of other students or involves cheating on exams, they may expel the individual from the school. Notification of such action shall be immediately reported to the employing firms and the department.

 

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