Frequently Asked Questions

Once taught only to industry professionals, the content in AVERT has been specifically adapted for the general public by medical and law enforcement experts. Unlike other training programs that focus solely on Run, Hide, Fight techniques, AVERT uses a dynamic method to teach situational awareness, how to react during a violent situation, and how to protect yourself and others. AVERT also emphasizes how to respond to stop the bleed of severe injuries that are often a result of these occurrences.

The AVERT course is delivered in a “blended” training format. This means students will first receive online training introducing them to the subject and preparing them for the instructor-led session.

The instructor-led session lasts approximately three hours and includes hands-on training, realistic drills, and education with encouraging tips and feedback. Class sizes are limited to 15 people or less per instructor. All participants have an opportunity to practice and gain the confidence to respond appropriately if an active violence or life-threatening situation arises.

AVERT certification is valid for two years. We recommend training staff annually or every two years and maintaining a workplace safety program to protect against harm or violence as required by OSHA [section 32.0.2(1)]. Clear policies and procedures should be reviewed and updated annually.

Selecting an individual(s) to become an authorized AVERT Instructor by attending an AVERT Instructor Development Course (IDC) is one option to train internal staff as needed. Another option is to talk to our training development team who will provide flexible training options and arrange for one of our Authorized AVERT Instructors to conduct the training for your organization.

Yes, we do. If you are interested in training a group, please contact us so we can learn more about your specific needs and how we can support you.

At this time, we are only conducting our AVERT program in the U.S. We have received interest from many people outside of the U.S., and we will send a notification if we expand the program internationally.

Due to the subject matter and dynamic nature of how AVERT is taught, all instructor candidates must attend an AVERT Instructor Development Course (IDC).

The AVERT IDC uses blended learning, meaning the initial training is first completed online as preparation for a one-day in-person course with an AVERT Instructor Trainer. The online portion takes approximately two hours to complete, and the in-person training is about six hours.

Yes, you can become an authorized AVERT Instructor and offer this training for your organization and/or customers. Since the AVERT course is very different than our other training programs, we require all instructor candidates to attend our AVERT IDC to become an authorized AVERT Instructor.

The AVERT IDC is $695 and includes the blended, online streaming and in-person hands-on IDC course, digital AVERT Instructor Guide, admission to our AVERT Instructor portal giving you direct access to our experts and your AVERT Instructor peers who can answer your questions about the program. The price of the IDC also includes an AVERT Instructor Training Kit in a soft carry case (a $395 value):

• 15 training tourniquets
• 15 wound simulators with gauze
• 10 distraction objects
• 1 orange rifle replica
• 1 orange handgun replica
• 1 TAC+PAC bleeding control kit

You may be eligible for an additional discount if you are a current HSI CPR and First Aid Training Center or Instructor, or if you are a first responder, law enforcement professional, or military personnel. Please ask our scheduling team for your one-time special discount pricing of up to $100 off the IDC course.

Authorized AVERT Instructors are eligible to teach for one year. After one year, an annual fee of $100 per year is required to maintain authorized AVERT Instructor status. Because the nature of this topic is very dynamic, content will be updated on a regular basis.

No. AVERT was developed by experts who bring extensive experience in these fields and have adapted this knowledge to train the general public. During the AVERT IDC, you will learn how to conduct an AVERT training session and be part of the AVERT Instructor community that will include access to our experts who will support you as needed.

No, as an Authorized AVERT Instructor, you will receive orange training replicas of a rifle and a handgun as part of your instructor training kit. You will be trained by one of our AVERT Instructor Trainers on how to use these training components to conduct the weapon disarming portion of the class. All information specific to weapons is covered in the video portion of the course, and no experience with any type of weapons or self-defense is needed to teach AVERT.

The first year of AVERT Instructor authorization is included with your IDC. Each year after this will be an annual fee of $100.

AVERT provides authorized AVERT Instructors with the tools necessary to conduct training as well as an exclusive forum to ask questions and discuss ideas with your peers and AVERT experts. If you qualify as an authorized AVERT Instructor for the National Training Solution (NTS) Network, HSI will provide you with training opportunities in your area as they become available.

NTS is a nationwide referral system for AVERT classes that brings training opportunities to qualified local Training Centers/Instructors. Information about training your team with the AVERT NTS program can be found here.

We appreciate that you may already have similar items for active shooter training, however, we require all authorized AVERT Instructors to use the AVERT Instructor Training Kit provided with your IDC. The AVERT Instructor Training Kit includes components designed with safety features for both the instructors and students throughout the course. In addition, using the Instructor Training Kit enables the AVERT program to be delivered in a consistent manner, giving students the best learning experience.

We do not sell the AVERT Training Kit separately from the IDC. We understand that through training classes, some components of the kit may show normal wear and tear, and we plan to expand accessory replacement options.

At this time, we are only conducting our AVERT IDCs in the U.S. We have received interest from many people outside of the U.S., and we will send a notification if we expand the program internationally.

AVERT stands for Active Violence Emergency Response Training. AVERT goes beyond active shooter response training by including emergency bleeding control basics. AVERT helps participants understand how to respond appropriately during a violent incident and helps individuals who may be injured before medical responders arrive on scene.

AVERT training supports anyone who could be involved in an active violence situation, and it’s appropriate for all industries and types of venues such as: Government, Healthcare, Places of Worship, Schools, Sporting Venues, Manufacturing, Office Settings, Retail Environments, Grocery Stores, and more.

All employees should participate in AVERT training to help ensure they know how to prevent incidents and respond appropriately during an active violence situation.

The AVERT certification course is an active program that integrates hands-on skills and techniques, making it necessary to require a maximum class size of 15 students per authorized AVERT Instructor..

AVERT teaches topics from both active shooter response and emergency bleeding control training. By combining these topics into one dynamic hands-on course, AVERT covers a wide range of what you need to know to react during a life-threatening situation.

Authorized AVERT instructors use orange replica weapons to discuss the types of weapons most commonly used in violent situations. The replicas are also used to demonstrate how to disarm an attacker if other alternatives, such as evading and escaping, are not possible.

Yes, AVERT uses training tourniquets to prepare students to respond to potential injuries that may occur in an active violence or emergency bleeding event.

AVERT also promotes TAC+PAC Bleeding Control kits, which include a tourniquet. AVERT TAC+PACs are free from allergens and have unlimited shelf life to help you and your company be prepared and always ready to respond if needed.

OSHA does not have a specific standard for workplace violence. However, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the OSH Act, or the Act), the extent of an employer's obligation to address workplace violence is governed by the General Duty Clause, which is often interpreted to include protection from workplace violence.