Basic Security Awareness in the Field (BSAFE)
A mandatory, self-paced online training programme developed by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), teaching essential security techniques, risk management and field safety awareness for UN personnel, partners and field professionals. Plan for 3–4 days of focused study.
Programme Overview
Basic Security Awareness in the Field (BSAFE) is a mandatory, self-paced online training programme developed by the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) to teach UN personnel the essential security techniques required to operate safely in today's complex field environments. Plan for 3–4 days of focused study.
BSAFE replaces the previous BSITF and ASITF online courses and brings a renewed focus on risk management, safety culture and personal preparedness. It is accessible to all staff, interns, consultants and implementing partners working under UN security arrangements.
Through eight interactive, scenario-based modules — each ending with a 15-question quiz (75% to pass) — participants build proactive security knowledge covering practical field techniques, crisis preparation, cultural awareness, emergency communication and residential and travel security.
Learning Objectives
UN Security Management System
Understand the UN Security Management System and its relevance to personal safety in the field.
Practical Field Techniques
Apply practical security techniques in diverse field environments and operational contexts.
Crisis Response
Prepare for and respond to crisis situations effectively, calmly and in line with UN protocols.
Cultural Awareness
Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in security and inter-personal contexts.
Emergency Communication
Utilise emergency communication protocols and reporting procedures with confidence.
Risk Management
Assess and manage security risks proactively across personal, residential and travel contexts.
Course Modules
Eight bite-sized, interactive modules aligned to the UNDSS BSAFE curriculum and accessible from any device.
UN Security Management System
How the UNSMS works, key actors, and your responsibilities as personnel.
Security Risk Management
Threat, vulnerability and risk concepts; SRM process at the duty station.
Personal Security Awareness
Situational awareness, low-profile behaviour and proactive habits.
Cultural Awareness & Conduct
Respectful engagement and conduct that reduces exposure to risk.
Crisis Preparation & Response
Preparing for fire, medical, security and natural-hazard incidents.
Emergency Communication
Radio basics, check-in procedures, warden systems and reporting.
Residential & Travel Security
Securing your home, hotel and movements during official travel.
Assessment & Certification
Interactive scenarios and the BSAFE knowledge check leading to certification.
Online, Self-Paced Delivery
Fully Online
Access the programme anytime from desktop, tablet or mobile — no travel required.
3–4 Days, Self-Paced
Approximately 3–4 days of focused study, structured across 8 modules. Pause and resume on any device.
Instant Certification
Pass every module quiz and the final knowledge check and download your IILPD Certificate immediately.
Target Audience
UN Personnel
All staff members, consultants, UN Volunteers and interns across UN agencies, funds and programmes.
NGO & Partner Staff
Implementing partner personnel, NGO staff and contractors working under UN security arrangements.
Visitors & Dependants
Official visitors, eligible dependants and others residing or travelling under UN security responsibility.
Cost of Participation
A complete 3–4 day self-paced BSAFE online experience — inclusive of all eight modules, module quizzes, final assessment and certification.
- Full 3–4 day self-paced BSAFE programme
- 8 interactive scenario-based modules
- 15-question quiz at the end of every module (75% to pass)
- Self-paced access across devices
- Knowledge check & final assessment
- Downloadable reference materials
- IILPD Certificate of Completion
Group and institutional rates available on request.
Certification
Participants who successfully complete BSAFE receive an IILPD Certificate of Completion aligned to UNDSS BSAFE learning standards. The certificate is widely recognised across the UN system, NGOs and partner organisations as evidence of mandatory security awareness training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must complete BSAFE?+
BSAFE is mandatory for all UN personnel — staff, consultants, UN Volunteers, interns and eligible dependants — and is required before deployment or travel on official business.
How long does the course take?+
Plan for 3–4 days of focused, self-paced study. You can pause and resume across sessions and devices until you complete all eight modules and the final knowledge check.
Is BSAFE the same as SSAFE?+
No. BSAFE is an online foundational course on security awareness, while SSAFE is an in-person advanced field training for high-risk duty stations. BSAFE is typically a prerequisite for SSAFE.
How is the certificate issued?+
Upon passing every module quiz and the final assessment you receive an IILPD Certificate of Completion aligned to UNDSS BSAFE learning standards, downloadable immediately.
Does BSAFE replace previous courses?+
Yes. BSAFE replaces the earlier BSITF (Basic Security in the Field) and ASITF (Advanced Security in the Field) online courses.
Get BSAFE Certified
Complete your mandatory UNDSS security awareness training at your own pace across 3–4 days and secure your IILPD certificate.