RBPS 11 – Training is the performance standard that addresses security and response training, exercises, and drills. By performing these properly, a facility prepares its personnel to identify and respond to suspicious behavior, attempts to enter or attack a facility, or other malevolent acts by insiders or intruders.

A strong training program typically includes joint activities involving law enforcement and first responders to help them understand the layout and hazards involved with the facility.

Well-trained personnel who practice how to react will be more effective at detecting and delaying intruders as well as reducing the consequences of an attack.

• Read or download the CFATS RBPS Guidance
• Read or download the RBPS 11 - Training Fact Sheet

Security Awareness and Training Program

A facility should maintain a Security Awareness and Training Program (SATP). An SATP is a predefined and documented set of training activities that focuses on relevant security-related issues for the facility and enhances the overall security awareness of facility employees.

A comprehensive SATP typically applies to all levels of facility personnel including executives, management, operational and technical employees.

Objectives may include reviewing response plans, policies, and procedures, and ensuring personnel are familiar with security equipment operations. Typical components of a comprehensive SATP include:

• Training: hands-on activities, orientations, online or interactive programs, briefings
• Exercises: predefined, documented set of activities that represent a realistic rehearsal of an emergency
• Drills: an exercise focused on a single specific operation or function
• Tests: demonstrating the correct operation of all equipment, procedures, processes, and systems
• Joint Initiatives: training, exercises, or drills that involve the participation of entities outside of the facility

Tailoring Training Requirements

A facility should consider creating training specific to its risks and security concerns. For example, all facilities should emphasize reporting of a security incident, but perhaps a release facility would specifically focus on ensuring their workforce has strong vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) recognition.

Additionally, to maximize the benefit of an SATP—and therefore satisfying RBPS 11—a facility may want to tailor training topics to specific classes of employees, as not all personnel need the same level of training. For example, detailed training on security procedures, the operating of security equipment, and security laws and regulations may not be worthwhile for employees who do not have specific security responsibilities. Conversely, certain topics, such as incident identification and notification, would be beneficial for the entire workforce.

Considerations and Best Practices

• Consider obtaining input from staff on training needs
• Invite community representatives to provide training
• Include first responders to improve their understanding of the layout and hazards associated with the facility
• Align training with other regulatory requirements (e.g., Hazardous Materials Endorsement [HME], Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], etc.), and include existing training
• Provide formal training on a set schedule (for example, annually), but also hold informal, more frequent sessions
• Include regional or location-specific information as part of your training, if applicable

Available Training and Resources

DHS provides free tools and resources to security partners and stakeholders. The Chemical Sector-Specific Agency collaborates with government and sector partners to provide security awareness trainings and resources. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/chemical-sector-training and www.dhs.gov-chemical-sector-resources. Other available trainings include:

• Computer Security Resource Center: https://csrc.nist.gov
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides more than 700 trainings from emergency planning to chemical spills: https://training.fema.gov
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides online courses that grant certification for various, Department of Transportation (DOT) and OSHA regulations. At times, you can align these trainings with your CFATS trainings: www.hazmatschool.com/
• The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) provides timely, detailed information to the American public: www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system
• Active Shooter Preparedness: www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness  
• Commercial Facilities Training: www.dhs.gov/commercial-facilities-training
• Bombing Threat Management: www.dhs.gov/publication/dhs-doj-bomb-threat-guidance

Contact Information

Information provided is derived from the CFATS RBPS Guidance. For additional information on RBPS 8 and all other DHS RBPS, please visit the RBPS webpage.

For more information about the CFATS program, please contact CFATS@hq.dhs.gov.