FACT SHEET
HABC LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE FOR A
HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT – EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG HANDLER
Introduction
The HABC Level 4 Certificate for a Hostile Environment Explosive Detection Dog Handler 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 EDD Handler deployed in hostile environment on joint military and private security
operations.
Training (and or dogs) will only be supplied to countries that do not have sanctions imposed on them by the
UK, UN or the EU and after gaining guidance from the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth Office.
For Whom Suitable
This program meets the requirements of those learners who have formal training and operational experience as
Explosive Detection Dog Handlers. It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police or Prison
Service who wish to take on an Explosive Detection Dog Handler role in a Hostile Environment. It's also suitable
for none UK nationals of the Armed Forces, Police, Emergency Services or Private Security.
Due to health considerations this program is not suitable for women who at the time of training are pregnant.
Awarding Body
HABC – An awarding organisation approved by the Regulatory Authority OFQUAL and recognised by the SIA
Level
Level 4 Certificate
Course Duration
Training would be delivered over a minimum of sixteen days ensuring a minimum of 150 guided learning
hours (GLH’s).
GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training given to an individual learner to ensure competency and not the
duration of the course.
Program Structure
The program is a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 Units all of which are compulsory
(see content).
This is not an attendance course you will be continually assessed throughout with many topics intended to
improve the mental and physical ability of learners as they learn to deal with conflict situations, violence and
terrorism with realistic scenario based training.
Prior Learning
All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. license (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent in a
Security Officer or Close Protection role.
All learners shall have received the HABC Level 4 Certificate for EDD Handlers having completed a minimum of
150 Guided Learning Hours (GLH’s).
All learners should have proven EDD handling experience within the last 3 years.
SEPTEMBER 2014
It is strongly recommended that learners and their dogs have a skills assessment prior to commencement of
training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which additional GLH’s may be identified.
Learners holding the HABC Level 4 Certificate for an EDD Handler that have not completed a module on Route
Search will be required to achieve such competency prior to commencement of the Hostile Environment
training.
Assessment
Assessment shall be carried out continuously throughout the course program. The mode of assessment shall be
by practical assessment, by question and answer sessions and by a written examination. Learners whose final
assessments are with a dog who successfully indicates the presence of a number of given substances that are
real explosives and not pseudo may apply for additional certification as a HOSTILE ENVIROMENT Explosives
Detection Team.
Verification
Course assessment and ongoing verification shall be carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer;
internal moderation/verification shall be carried out by NASDU Head Office Assessors; external moderation shall
be carried out by HABC.
Instructors
All dog handling instructors are Approved NASDU Instructors/Trainers and are either former or serving Police
(ACPO) Instructors or military instructors with operational experience as EDD Handlers in a hostile
environment.
All specialist instructors such as First Aid, Driving, Fire Arms training etc have the necessary experience,
knowledge and understanding of the sector in which they are providing training, many of whom are former
UKSF.
Progression
The successful learner can proceed onto a variety of dog detection work including drug detection or dog
training.
Content
Unit 01 (10 GLH)
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Roles and Responsibilities of an Hostile Environment Explosive Detection Dog Handler
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Hostile Environment Dog Handler Qualities
IED Awareness
Safe Systematic Search
Protocols
Communication & Conflict Management
Search Awareness
Unit 02 (80 GLH)

Deployment an Explosive Detection Dog under Hostile Environment Conditions
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Control
Assessment
Safe Actions
Building Search
Vehicle Search
Open Terrain/Compound Search
Route Search
Equipment
Navigation / GPS
Driving Skills
Kidnap and Survival
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Unit 03 (20 GLH)

Safe Weapon Handling
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Theory
Handling
Shooting Static & Moving
Drawing and Holstering Pistol
Stoppage Drills
Self-Loading Pistols & Carbines
Unit 04 (30 GLH)
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First Aid
(First Person on Scene Intermediate Award )
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Pre Hospital Environment
Patient Assessment
Respiration and Airway Management
Basic life Support
Defibrillation
Circulation and Shock
Medical Related Emergencies
Unit 05 (10 GLH)
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Maintain the Health, Well Being and Safety of an Explosive Detection Dog and Handler in a Hostile
Environment
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Health & Well Being
Health and Safety Requirements
Emergency Procedures
SEPTEMBER 2014