Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society

Improvised Explosive Device Awareness and Understanding Training

SAQA US 258014 | NQF 5 | Credits 12 | Duration 9 Days
From $1,798 per delegate

Description

This course equips learners with the knowledge to identify, assess, and respond to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in various contexts. It covers the characteristics, components, and indicators of IEDs, as well as safety protocols and reporting procedures. The aim is to enhance workplace and public safety by fostering a proactive awareness of IED threats.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the basic components and types of improvised explosive devices.
  • Recognize common indicators and placement methods of IEDs.
  • Apply appropriate safety procedures when encountering a suspected IED.
  • Demonstrate proper reporting and communication protocols for IED incidents.
  • Analyze the potential impact of IEDs on people, property, and operations.

Target Audience

This course is designed for security personnel, facility managers, safety officers, and any individuals who may encounter IED threats in their professional environment. It is also suitable for members of the public seeking to improve their situational awareness and safety knowledge.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Improvised Explosive Devices

Objectives:
• Define an improvised explosive device (IED) and its components
• Understand the history and common uses of IEDs in conflict and terrorism
• Identify the legal and ethical implications of IED awareness
• Recognise the importance of IED awareness in security operations

Topics:
• What is an IED? Definition and key characteristics
• Historical overview of IED usage
• Types of IEDs: pipe bombs, package bombs, vehicle-borne IEDs
• Legal framework: Explosives Act and relevant regulations
• Ethical considerations and the role of security personnel
• Basic terminology: initiator, main charge, power source, switch

Day 2: Explosives and Initiating Systems

Objectives:
• Describe different types of explosives used in IEDs
• Explain the function of initiating systems
• Identify common commercial and homemade explosives
• Understand safety precautions when handling explosives

Topics:
• Classification of explosives: low vs. high explosives
• Common military explosives: TNT, RDX, PETN, C4
• Homemade explosives: ANFO, TATP, HMTD, urea nitrate
• Initiating devices: detonators, fuses, blasting caps
• Power sources: batteries, generators, solar panels
• Safety data sheets and handling procedures

Day 3: IED Components and Construction

Objectives:
• Identify the main components of an IED
• Understand how components are assembled
• Recognise common IED configurations
• Analyse typical IED placement and concealment methods

Topics:
• Main charge: selection and preparation
• Initiator: electric vs. non-electric
• Power source: batteries and alternative sources
• Switch/trigger mechanisms: pressure, command, time, victim-operated
• Container and concealment: common objects used
• Configuration examples: roadside bomb, suicide vest, letter bomb

Day 4: IED Detection and Identification

Objectives:
• Identify visual indicators of IEDs
• Use detection equipment effectively
• Apply systematic search techniques
• Recognise suspicious behaviours and items

Topics:
• Visual indicators: wires, antennas, fresh earth, unattended packages
• Detection equipment: metal detectors, X-ray scanners, explosive trace detectors
• Search techniques: grid search, line search, room search
• Behavioural indicators: surveillance, nervousness, unusual interest
• Case studies of IED detection failures and successes

Day 5: IED Incident Response Procedures

Objectives:
• Describe immediate actions upon discovering a suspected IED
• Implement evacuation and cordon procedures
• Coordinate with emergency services and bomb disposal units
• Understand the role of first responders

Topics:
• Initial response: RONR (Recognise, Observe, Notify, Report)
• Evacuation distances and safe zones
• Cordon establishment and control
• Communication protocols with EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
• Medical triage and casualty evacuation
• Post-incident procedures and reporting

Day 6: IED Threat Assessment and Risk Management

Objectives:
• Conduct a threat assessment for IED incidents
• Identify vulnerabilities in a target environment
• Develop risk mitigation strategies
• Apply security measures to reduce IED risk

Topics:
• Threat assessment methodology: likelihood and impact
• Vulnerability assessment: access points, crowd density, infrastructure
• Risk mitigation: physical security, access control, surveillance
• Security planning: site surveys, security audits
• Case studies: high-profile IED attacks and lessons learned

Day 7: IED Disruption and Neutralisation Overview

Objectives:
• Understand the principles of IED disruption
• Describe common neutralisation techniques
• Recognise the role of EOD personnel
• Apply safety protocols during disruption operations

Topics:
• Disruption methods: water disruptors, explosive disruptors
• Neutralisation techniques: render safe procedures (RSP)
• Remote handling equipment: robots, manipulators
• EOD team structure and responsibilities
• Safety distances and protective equipment
• Legal and operational constraints

Day 8: IED Awareness in Specific Environments

Objectives:
• Apply IED awareness in urban environments
• Apply IED awareness in rural and remote areas
• Address IED threats in transport hubs and critical infrastructure
• Adapt awareness to different operational contexts

Topics:
• Urban IED threats: crowded places, buildings, vehicles
• Rural IED threats: roads, trails, agricultural settings
• Transport security: airports, train stations, ports
• Critical infrastructure: power plants, water facilities, government buildings
• Maritime and aviation specific IED considerations
• Case studies: IED attacks in various environments

Day 9: Integration and Scenario-Based Training

Objectives:
• Synthesise knowledge from previous days into practical scenarios
• Demonstrate correct response to simulated IED incidents
• Evaluate personal and team performance
• Develop an IED awareness action plan

Topics:
• Scenario-based exercises: tabletop and practical drills
• After-action reviews and debriefing
• Developing an IED awareness plan for an organisation
• Continuous improvement and training cycles
• Final assessment and feedback

Practicals

28 hours of practicals To be conducted online or on-campus or in-house
Overview

The practicals provide hands-on experience in identifying IED components, conducting searches, and responding to simulated IED incidents. Learners practice using detection equipment, setting up cordons, and applying safety procedures in realistic scenarios.

Practical Activities
  • Component Identification and Assembly Simulation — Learners inspect and identify inert IED components, then assemble a simulated IED following safety protocols. (6h)
  • Search and Detection Drills — Learners conduct systematic searches of vehicles, rooms, and open areas using metal detectors and visual inspection. (8h)
  • Incident Response Simulation — Learners respond to a simulated IED discovery, including evacuation, cordon setup, and coordination with EOD. (8h)
  • Scenario-Based Field Exercise — Learners integrate all skills in a full-scale field exercise with multiple IED scenarios. (6h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total
Component Out of Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) 100% 30%
Daily Average (multiple choice) 100% 20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) 100% 50%
Final Total 100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to delegates who achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher on the Final Total (Practicals 30% + Daily Average 20% + Final Test 50%).

How it works
  • Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
  • Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
  • You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
  • If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.

Upcoming Training Sessions
Online training — attend live sessions from anywhere via our virtual classroom.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Mon 07 Sep 2026 Thu 17 Sep 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,798 Register
Fri 02 Oct 2026 Wed 14 Oct 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,798 Register
Thu 22 Oct 2026 Tue 03 Nov 2026 Virtual Spring 2026 $1,798 Register
Thu 10 Dec 2026 Tue 22 Dec 2026 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,798 Register
Wed 13 Jan 2027 Mon 25 Jan 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,798 Register
Tue 16 Feb 2027 Fri 26 Feb 2027 Virtual Summer 2026 $1,798 Register
Mon 01 Mar 2027 Thu 11 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,798 Register
Fri 12 Mar 2027 Wed 24 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,798 Register
Thu 18 Mar 2027 Tue 30 Mar 2027 Virtual Autumn 2027 $1,798 Register
Wed 09 Jun 2027 Mon 21 Jun 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,798 Register
Tue 29 Jun 2027 Fri 09 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,798 Register
Mon 19 Jul 2027 Thu 29 Jul 2027 Virtual Winter 2027 $1,798 Register
Fri 10 Sep 2027 Wed 22 Sep 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,798 Register
Thu 30 Sep 2027 Tue 12 Oct 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,798 Register
Wed 20 Oct 2027 Mon 01 Nov 2027 Virtual Spring 2027 $1,798 Register
Thu 09 Dec 2027 Tue 21 Dec 2027 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,798 Register
Wed 29 Dec 2027 Mon 10 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,798 Register
Tue 18 Jan 2028 Fri 28 Jan 2028 Virtual Summer 2027 $1,798 Register
On-Campus training — face-to-face sessions at our training venues across Africa and beyond.
Showing all 492 sessions across 26 venues
Start End Venue Season Price Action
Mon 10 Aug 2026 Thu 20 Aug 2026 Dubai, UAE Winter 2026 $6,615 Register
Tue 11 Aug 2026 Fri 21 Aug 2026 Pretoria, South Africa Winter 2026 $2,700 Register
Wed 12 Aug 2026 Mon 24 Aug 2026 Abu Dhabi, UAE Winter 2026 $6,615 Register
Thu 13 Aug 2026 Tue 25 Aug 2026 Durban, South Africa Winter 2026 $4,293 Register
Thu 13 Aug 2026 Tue 25 Aug 2026 Mauritius Winter 2026 $5,211 Register
In-House training — we bring the trainer to your organisation, tailored to your team.
Start End Delivery Season Price Action
Tue 15 Sep 2026 Fri 25 Sep 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $2,338 Register
Mon 05 Oct 2026 Thu 15 Oct 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $2,338 Register
Fri 30 Oct 2026 Wed 11 Nov 2026 Your Premises Spring 2026 $2,338 Register
Fri 18 Dec 2026 Wed 30 Dec 2026 Your Premises Summer 2026 $2,338 Register
Thu 21 Jan 2027 Tue 02 Feb 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $2,338 Register
Wed 24 Feb 2027 Mon 08 Mar 2027 Your Premises Summer 2026 $2,338 Register
Tue 09 Mar 2027 Fri 19 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $2,338 Register
Mon 15 Mar 2027 Thu 25 Mar 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $2,338 Register
Fri 26 Mar 2027 Wed 07 Apr 2027 Your Premises Autumn 2027 $2,338 Register
Thu 17 Jun 2027 Tue 29 Jun 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,338 Register
Wed 07 Jul 2027 Mon 19 Jul 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,338 Register
Tue 27 Jul 2027 Fri 06 Aug 2027 Your Premises Winter 2027 $2,338 Register
Mon 13 Sep 2027 Thu 23 Sep 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,338 Register
Fri 08 Oct 2027 Wed 20 Oct 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,338 Register
Thu 28 Oct 2027 Tue 09 Nov 2027 Your Premises Spring 2027 $2,338 Register
Fri 17 Dec 2027 Wed 29 Dec 2027 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,338 Register
Thu 06 Jan 2028 Tue 18 Jan 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,338 Register
Wed 26 Jan 2028 Mon 07 Feb 2028 Your Premises Summer 2027 $2,338 Register
Training Discounts
Delegates Discount
5 3% off
10 6% off
15 9% off
20 12% off
25 15% off
30 18% off
50 30% off
75 35% off
100 40% off

3% off per 5 delegates, up to 40% for 100+

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