Free Online Training

The Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) is a nationally accredited, award-winning directorate within the Defense Security Service (DSS) located in Linthicum, MD. CDSE provides security education, training, and certification products and services to a broad audience supporting the protection of National Security and professionalization of the DoD security enterprise. 

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. All are offered free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment. To get a complete listing of courses, view the list of active courses.   

 Providing awareness level training in a broad range of topics from HazMat and Basic EMS/Mass Prophylaxis to Cybersecurity.  Awareness level training is designed to provide a basic understanding of the topic, and in some cases, serve as the pre-requisite training for more advanced training.   Courses are funded through DHS/FEMA’s Homeland Security National Training Program and are offered at no cost.  The online format allows individuals to register and take the training at their own pace.  Each of the courses offers Continuing Education Units from the International Association of Continuing Education and Training.  In addition, the Cybersecurity online courses offer the opportunity to earn college credit hours as recommended by the American Council on Education.