Workplace Security Awareness Training

Last night I completed the on-line FEMA Workplace Security Awareness (IS-906) training program. This course presents information on how employees can contribute to their organization's security. It covers much of the same information as the chemical sector security awareness training program provided by DHS but includes additional information on areas such as cyber security and the handling of bomb threats.

The format for the training program is much more traditional than the chem. sector training program. Once you get passed the introductory material most of the material is presented as written matter. I’m not sure why this is the case, but even with most of the video presentations this training program contains a dearth of audio material.

The lack of audio for most of the videos makes them practically worthless. I recommend skipping any video that includes the notation that it does not include audio; you get a better understanding of the scenario from the written description provided than from the audio-less video.

As with almost all on-line training programs this is designed to be completed by individuals. There is a 15 question test that can be taken at the end of the training; successfully completing the test (75% to pass) provides the individual with certificate of completion that can be used to document training completion for various regulatory training requirements. Note: the email provided the link to the actual certificate is not a clickable link, you need to copy/paste it into your browser for it to work.

Group Training

For facilities that prefer to conduct their regulatory required training in a classroom environment, this program could be used, but the reliance on reading the information really does make it impractical. FEMA has provided a summary of the course material that could be readily turned into a slide presentation that could be used for a traditional classroom presentation. They also provide a copy of the test that could be used to document the training for meeting regulatory requirements.

Since government publications are not covered by copyright laws, I will not be surprised to see enterprising consultants adapting this summary into pretty PowerPoint® presentations. It could be worth the cost if it were pretty enough.

Valuable Information

There is some good supplementary information provided in the training program that any security manager ought to keep handy. The Additional Resources page of the presentation is a good example, providing links to all sorts of good information. This page is certainly worth copying.

Finally, there is a link to the DHS Bomb Threat Checklist. When I was in the Army we had a similar form at every phone. I have not seen them since I got out of the Army in 1987. Every corporate telephone should have one underneath it for ready access in the event a bomb threat is received. It provides an excellent reminder of how to handle such telephone calls and a ready form for recording critical information.

Training Resource

Personally I prefer the more innovative training program produced by the Chemical Sector Office, but this training program is certainly a worthwhile addition to any organization's security training program.