HABC LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE FOR AN EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG HANDLER

Introduction:
The HABC Level 4 Certificate for Explosive Detection Dog Handlers aims to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as an Explosive Detection Dog Team.

This qualification has been developed by NASDU to meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Security Detection Dog Handler and the training requirements contained within BS 8517-2:2010, (in that) it is an assessment of the learners (handlers) ability to read the indications given by a dog and to meet the required performance criteria.


For Whom Suitable:
This programme meets the requirements of those learners who have experience as General Purpose Security Dog Handlers or Security Officers and wish to become Explosive Detection Dog Handlers. It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police, Prison Service or Customs Officers who wish to take on an Explosive Detection Dog Handler role in the private security industry.

Due to health considerations this programme is not suitable for women who at the time of training are pregnant.


Awarding Body:
HABC Authorised by the regulatory authority OFQUAL
Recognised Awarding Body by the SIA

Externally endorsed by the Institute of Munitions Clearance and Search Engineers (IMCSE)


Level:
Level 4 - Certificate


Course Duration:
Training would be delivered over a number of weeks and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 150 guided learning hours (GLH's).

GLH's are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their tutor and not the duration of a course.


Programme Structure:
The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 units all of which are compulsory (see content).


Prior Learning:
All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. licence (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent as a Security Officers.

The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog. The dog should possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.

Learners who have proven explosive detection dog handling experience as a Police or Prison Officer or a Member of HM Armed Forces within the last 5 years may apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL).

A minimum of 15 GLH’s shall be required for final assessment and examination and to confirm understanding of the private security industry dog sector.

It is strongly recommended that learners and their dog are assessed prior to commencement of training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which additional GLH’s may be identified.


Assessment:
Course assessment shall be of the team and carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer; internal moderation shall be carried out by NASDU. External moderation shall be carried out by HABC.

The mode of assessment shall be by ongoing practical assessment, by question and answer sessions, by a written examination and final practical examination.

Final assessment/examination regarding the indication of target scents and safe systematic search shall be carried out by a suitably qualified examiner (i.e. ACPO) that does not have an interest in the learner passing the qualification.


Certification:
Certificate(s) shall be for the handler and also as a Team i.e. handler and dog.


Progression:
The successful learner can proceed onto a variety of dog detection work including Drug Detection or Dog Training.


Content:
Unit 1 (20 GLH)
Roles and Responsibilities of an Explosive Detection Dog Handler:
Underpinning Knowledge

Unit 2 (20 GLH)
Control an Explosive Detection Dog under Operational Conditions:
Selection
Control
Recall

Unit 3 (100 GLH)
Operational Control:
Prior Assessment
Locating – Building Search
Locating – Vehicle Search
Locating – Open Terrain Search
Indication – Building Search
Indication – Vehicle Search
Indication – Open Search
Safe Systematic Search

Unit 4 (10 GLH)
Health & Safety:
Health & Safety Assessment
Grooming
Load & Unload
Emergency First Aid

Unit 5 (10 GLH)
Management:
Operational Management
Storage, Use & Transportation
Progression of Training


Course Fees, Location & Dates:
Please contact NASDU Head Office for a list of Approved Instructors/Trainers authorised to deliver this specific qualification.