Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- Who is NCBRT?
- What sets NCBRT’s training apart from other training providers?
- What levels of training does NCBRT offer?
- What training formats are available?
- How do I schedule an instructor-led course?
- Can NCBRT customize training for my agency?
- How do I enroll in online courses?
- Where are the trainings held?
- How can I find out if there is an NCBRT course scheduled in my area?
- What does this training cost?
- Are these courses certified by the Department of Homeland Security?
- What type of certification will I receive for completing this training?
- Are there any prerequisites before I can take this training?
- Do you offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Training?
- How do I obtain a copy of my transcript or certificate?
- How do I request a WMD Guidebook?
- How do I request Indirect training materials?
- Are NCBRT courses certified by Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in my state?
Who is NCBRT?
The National Center for Biomedical Research and Training (NCBRT) provides high-quality training to emergency responders throughout the United States and its territories. We are dedicated to excellence as measured by our quality products and services. Committed to “preparing you today for tomorrow’s threats,” NCBRT has many years of experience in course development and delivery. NCBRT is part of the Stephenson National Center for Security Research and Training (SNCSRT), as well as the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), recognized as the principal vehicle through which the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Training and Education Division (NTED) identifies, develops, tests and delivers training to federal, state, local and tribal emergency responders.
What sets NCBRT’s training apart from other training providers?
NCBRT training is quality training that you will use and apply to your jobs long after you leave the classroom. In 2014, 80.93% of instructor-led training participants surveyed said they shared information and skills presented in the course with other employees in their organization; 69.50% of those surveyed said they had used or applied information and skills presented in the course in day-to-day work tasks, training and in general. The most cited responses to this question included "improved planning and preparedness” and “enhanced training”. Also, NCBRT employs the most experienced instructors and subject matter experts. At more than 200 strong, this elite group of experts enhances each course delivery with their unique professional experience.
What levels of training does NCBRT offer?
NCBRT offers courses at the Awareness, Performance, and Management and Planning levels as designated by the DHS NTED division.
Awareness level courses are designed for responders who require the skills necessary to recognize and report a potential catastrophic incident or who are likely to witness or investigate an event involving the use of hazardous and/or explosive devices.
Performance level courses are designed for first responders who perform tasks during the initial response to a catastrophic event.
Management and Planning level courses are designed for managers who build plans and coordinate the response to a high-consequence event (either man-made or natural).
What training formats are available?
NCBRT offers the following training formats:
Direct Delivery: With Direct Delivery, instructors teach participants directly.
Web-based: Online courses offer the same high-quality, challenging training as those taught in the classroom, with the added convenience and flexibility of training at locations and times that are convenient for the participant.
How do I schedule an instructor-led course?
NCBRT has coordinators ready to assist you with your scheduling needs. You can speak directly with the coordinator assigned to your state; simply identify the phone number using this color-coded map. You may also contact your state administrative agency.
Can NCBRT customize training for my agency?
Yes, NCBRT can customize training in several ways. Course delivery schedules can be adjusted to suit your agency’s needs. For example, courses can run on two different schedules to accommodate shift work, or courses can be delivered at night if necessary. Course content can also be customized through the selection of course scenario options that are most applicable to the host agency and their community. In addition, course content is kept up-to-date with case studies that address the most current issues. NCBRT can also provide interpreters and translated course materials to Spanish-speaking populations. Finally, as part of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, NCBRT hosts training initiatives or conferences with consortium partners, giving participants the opportunity to attend several NDPC courses within a short time period.
How do I enroll in online courses?
To register for online courses, visit www.ncbrt.lsu.edu/elearning/register.php. Already registered for a web-based course? Sign in now.
Where are the trainings held?
NCBRT offers classroom and online training. All classroom training is mobile, meaning that courses are delivered at your agency's training facility. Online courses offer the same high-quality, challenging courses as those taught in the classroom, with the added convenience and flexibility of training at locations and times that are convenient for you.
How can I find out if there is an NCBRT course scheduled in my area?
Contact the Regional Training Manager for your state
What does this training cost?
Under a cooperative agreement funded by DHS/FEMA, NCBRT provides training at no cost to your agency. Because NCBRT does not have a limitless supply of training for each state, training can be purchased through the Excess Delivery Acquisition Program (EDAP) to allow for those cases when more deliveries of a requested class are needed than the grant funds can accommodate.
All online courses are free.
Are these courses certified by the Department of Homeland Security?
Yes, NCBRT has 25 courses that have received DHS certification.
What type of certification will I receive for completing this training?
After successfully completing the post-test, you will receive a certificate from NCBRT that includes the course title, number of course contact hours you completed, and the DHS logo (when applicable).
Are there any prerequisites before I can take this training?
For all courses, the following prerequisites apply: 1) you must be a U.S. citizen and be able to show proof of citizenship; and 2) you must be at least 18 years of age.
Do you offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Training?
Yes. CEUs are awarded upon successful completion of training. One CEU equals 10 contact hours of participation.
How do I obtain a copy of my transcript or certificate?
Simply fill out the document request form.
How do I request a WMD Response Guidebook?
Simply click here and complete the WMD Response Guidebook request form.
How do I request Indirect training materials?
After completing the Train-the-Trainer version of a course, simply complete the Indirect Course Request Form.
Please Note:The training material request form requires a valid trainer number. If you have not
registered as a trainer with NCBRT, you may do so by completing the Indirect Trainer Application Form.
Are NCBRT courses certified by Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in my state?
Please email accredit@ncbrt.lsu.edu or contact your NCBRT regional training coordinator to find out if our courses are certified by POST in your state.