---
title: "NRC security trainings"
description: "The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) provides security training for aid workers and other professionals working in complex and volatile environments."
url: "https://www.nrc.no/heat-training"
language: "en"
published: "2016-06-07T12:53:47Z"
modified: "2026-09-24T13:08:01Z"
---
# NRC security trainings
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) provides security training for aid workers and other professionals working in complex and volatile environments.
Updated 24. Sep 2026
**HEAT: Hostile Environment Awareness Training →**
**HEIST: Hostile Environment Individual Security Training →**
**First Aid Training →**
**Safe Driver Training →**
**Humanitarian Access and Negotiation Training →**
**Psychological First Aid Training →**
## Training by aid workers, for aid workers
NRC has been helping aid workers to operate safely since 2007. Our full-time training unit is staffed by safety experts with extensive experience in the field. Our instructors deliver practical, scenario-based training worldwide, supported by other NRC professionals and a select network of specialist consultants.
Delivered in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Pashto, Urdu and Norwegian, our programmes serve a global humanitarian community. Our certifications are widely recognised and trusted across the aid sector and beyond. Most of our courses are also available in Training of Trainers (ToT) formats to help organisations build sustainable internal capacity.
### HEAT: Hostile Environment Awareness Training
NRC’s HEAT course is designed to build the resilience of aid workers to enable them to operate in situations of high and extreme risk.
Due to the high levels of stress – including trauma – among frontline aid workers, this course is preceded by a psychological pre-screening and, if necessary, follow-up consultations. This ensures that staff are not only prepared but also avoid possible (re-)traumatisation during the training.
**2026 TRAINING DATES**
**Thiès, Senegal**
- 3 to 8 February 2026
- 27 October to 1 November 2026
Training venue: Centre d’Entrainment Tactique de Thiès (CET7)
**Nairobi, Kenya**
- 17 to 22 March 2026
- 14 to 19 April 2026
- 15 to 20 September 2026
Training venue: [Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS)](https://www.ipstc.org/index.php/courses/hpss)
**Amman, Jordan**
- 14 to 19 April 2026
- 24 to 29 November 2026 – **A minimum of 34 participants is required for this HEAT to proceed. If the minimum number of participants is not reached by COB October 23rd, the course will be cancelled.**
Training venue: [Jordan International Police Training Center](https://www.facebook.com/Jiptc.jordan/)
**Oslo, Norway**
- 23 to 28 June 2026
- 18 to 23 August 2026
Training venue: [Garder kurs- og konferansesenter](https://garder-kurs.no/)
**Chișinău, Moldova**
- 1 to 6 September 2026
**How to apply:**
Most key information related to the HEAT training will be available in the registration form.
Confirmed participants will receive a confirmation email approximately 40–60 days before the start date. This email will include the Pre-Arrival Package, containing essential administrative, security, and logistical details to facilitate preparation for the training.
Applicants placed on the waiting list will be contacted by email should a slot become available.
Please note that dates and venues may change depending on venue availability dates and needs within NRC.
Course capacity is 40 participants. Priority will be given to higher risk offices.
| **Location** | **Registration links** |
| --- | --- |
| HEAT Senegal – 3 to 8 February 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Kenya – 17 to 22 March 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Kenya – 14 to 19 April 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Norway – 23 to 28 June 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Norway – 18 to 23 August 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Moldova – 1 to 6 September 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Kenya – 15 to 20 September 2026 | Closed |
| HEAT Senegal – 27 October to 1 November 2026 | **[Register here](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tNGGP2ssGkuyrm9elQvKHl1qSfFmWrFPkDIG6Imnf61UMU1PQ0xDMDc4UUhTUkpDWUtEVVFBN0tVQi4u)** |
| HEAT Jordan – 24 to 29 November 2026 | [**Register here**](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tNGGP2ssGkuyrm9elQvKHl1qSfFmWrFPkDIG6Imnf61UNThaS0g0WFRWWUw2WVNRQTlPQlhJRzlJNC4u) |
**Costs:**
- NRC/NORCAP: USD 2,950
- Other humanitarian NGOs: USD 2,950
- Others: USD 3,500
For external participants, an additional fee of 50 USD will be added to the invoice for international bank transfers.
Training costs include the training, accommodation during the training and transport to the training venue and back to designated pick up point for each location.
Cancellations within 30 days will be charged the full course fee. No exceptions. This is applied to all participants (internal and external).
*Updated January 2023*
What would you do if the refugee camp where you work was attacked by armed groups? The HEAT security training prepares aid workers for similar scenarios. Photo: Ingrid Prestetun/NRC
### HEIST: Hostile Environment Individual Security Training
HEIST is a three-day intensive training that provides hands-on experience across key humanitarian access and safety topics. Through practical exercises, participants develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to assess risks, make sound decisions, and respond effectively to real-time threats in complex settings.
The training can be extended to four days to include a dedicated field first aid component.
HEIST is also delivered as a comprehensive Training of Trainers (ToT) programme. The ToT format runs over ten days: five days of instructional content, one day of preparation, and four days of participant teach-back and facilitation practice.
Training dates, locations and registration information will be shared in due course.
*Please note that a minimum number of participants is required to deliver this training.*
### First Aid Training
We offer two comprehensive first aid programmes: Basic First Aid and Field First Aid.
Basic First Aid training provides participants with the knowledge and skills to confidently perform essential first aid interventions. The course follows the DMARCH method and adheres to the standards of the Norwegian First Aid Council, ensuring a solid foundation in life-saving techniques.
Field First Aid training builds on the principles of Basic First Aid, exploring practical applications in realistic field scenarios. This advanced course introduces the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) approach, preparing participants to respond effectively to injuries in high-risk and complex environments.
Dates, locations and registration information will be shared in due course.
*Please note that a minimum number of participants is required to deliver this training*
Trainings prepare aid workers for various scenarios to both build and maintain their skills. Photo: Ingrid Prestetun/NRC
### Safe Driver Training (SDT): Training of Trainers
NRC takes road safety in the field very seriously. Drivers and vehicles are critical in enabling aid organisations to reach people, complete their missions and return safely, yet drivers are often overlooked for training. This programme is an eight-day practical course based on current international road safety standards.
We deliver a limited number of Training of Trainers courses every year, and humanitarian aid organisations are welcome to participate if places are available.
*Please email [heat@nrc.no](mailto:heat@nrc.no) for information.*
### Humanitarian Access Negotiation Training
NRC operates in areas with significant access challenges and has years of experience navigating such contexts. Our access negotiation training is now available for NRC staff, partners and other humanitarian aid organisations in Amman and Nairobi, as well as on request. It can be attended as a standalone two-day course or combined with a Training of Trainers element into a four-day course.
Dates, locations and registration information will be shared in due course.
*Please note that a minimum number of participants is required to deliver this training.*
### Psychological First Aid Training
This short, low-threshold training provides a simple, practical approach to supporting people in the first days and weeks after a crisis. Just as traditional first aid treats physical injuries, psychological first aid helps with the emotional impact by restoring a sense of safety, calm, and human connection.
It is not therapy or counselling. Rather, it focuses on care, presence and practical support, helping people regain stability and reducing the risk of long-term distress. We deliver this training in two formats: a 3.5-hour online session or a 4-hour classroom session.
Dates, locations and registration information will be shared in due course.
*Please note that a minimum number of participants is required to deliver this training.*
| Contact information:
[heat@nrc.no](mailto:heat@nrc.no)
Ines Brini
+47 48 04 57 49 |
| --- |
## More on
[#Security](https://www.nrc.no/themes?categoryId=163)