Introduction
The following guidance for the transfer of UK military working dog handler qualifications into civilian security dog handler qualifications has been developed by NASDU in conjunction with both serving and retired military instructors as well as ELCAS approved training providers.
These nationally recognised civilian qualifications at Levels 2, 3 & 4 aim to provide the military handler with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as a civilian Security/Detection Dog Team.
These qualifications (endorsed by HABC) have been developed by NASDU to meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Security Detection Dog Handler as well as the training requirements contained within BS 8517:2016 Parts 1 and 2, (in that) it is an assessment of the handler’s ability to be deployed as a Team and to meet the required performance criteria.
For whom suitable
These programmes meet the requirements of those qualified handlers from HM Armed Forces (either currently serving or retired) who wish to transfer their military qualifications into civilian qualifications.
Awarding Body
HABC – All NASDU qualifications are externally endorsed by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) who is a recognised and regulated awarding organisation with OFQUAL, SQA and the SIA.
The EDD qualification is also endorsed by The Institute of Munitions Clearance & Search Engineers (IMCSE).
Level
Levels 2 and 3 for Security Dogs i.e., General Purpose
Levels 3 and 4 for Detection Dogs i.e., Drug and Explosive Detection
Course Duration/Recognition of Prior Learning
Each military qualification has been mapped against its equivalent civilian qualification for the transfer of recognition of prior learning (RPL) for which a minimum number of additional Guided Learning Hours (GLH’s) have been identified to ensure understanding of civilian requirements.
These additional hours would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency in each chosen discipline (see Schedule 1).
GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their tutor and not the duration of a course.
Programme Structure
The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of a number of units and pathways all of which are compulsory (see Content).
Prior Learning
All learners should hold an appropriate SIA licence (unless exempt).
The dog should be of an acceptable breed and above 12 months old, possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.
Dogs previously schooled in other disciplines must be identified to the Instructor/Trainer prior to commencement of training; Explosive Detection Dogs must not have been schooled in any other scent discipline.
Assessment
Course assessment shall be carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer, the mode of assessment shall be by practical on-going assessment by question and answer sessions and by written examination(s).
Final End Point Assessment (EPA) for Level 3 and 4 Detection Dog qualifications regarding the safe systematic search and the positive indication of target scents shall be carried out by a suitably qualified (i.e. ACPO/DAC) external assessor who does not have an interest in the learner achieving and who has not been involved in the learners training.
Quality Assurance
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) shall be carried out by NASDU, with external endorsement of the learning provision and External Quality Support (EQS) carried out by HABC.
Progression
The successful learner can proceed onto a variety of security/detection dog work within the private security dog sector or into dog training.
Certification
Handlers who achieve with their dog shall receive 2 certificates.
- HABC Certificate – endorsement of learning programme shall be for the handler (lifetime achievement)
- NASDU Certificate – assessment of competency shall be as a Team i.e., Handler & Dog (12 month expiry)
Content
The full content of each learning programme discipline is detailed in the following Fact Sheets:
- Level 2 – Security Dog Handler
Pathway: General Purpose Security Dog
- Level 3 – Security Dog Handler
Pathway: General Purpose Security Dog
- Level 3 – Detection Dog Handler
Pathway: Passive Drug Detection Dog
Proactive Drug Detection Dog
- Level 4 – Detection Dog Handler
Pathway: Explosive Detection Dog
Details of RPL and additional GLH’s to transfer military qualifications is contained in the attached Schedule 1.
Course Fees, Location & Dates
Learners interested in transferring their military qualifications should contact either:
One of NASDU’s Approved ELCAS training providers:
Or if still in service the Chief Canine Trainer at one of the following military training establishments:
- DATR – Melton Mowbray
- MWD – North Luffenham
- Hereford
- Poole
Further information regarding these transfer courses can also be obtained from NASDU Head Office.
Telephone No: 01483 224320 – Option 2
Email: [email protected]
Schedule 1
TRANSFER OF MILITARY TO CIVILIAN QUALIFICATIONS
GUIDED LEARNING HOURS (GLH’S)
| MOD QUALIFICATION |
NASDU QUALIFICATION |
QUALIFICATION
GLH’S
|
PRIOR LEARNING
RPL
|
ADDITIONAL
GLH
|
| Patrol Dog Handler |
Level 2 General Purpose |
60 |
45 |
15 |
| Police Dog Handler |
Level 3 General Purpose |
160 |
145 |
15 |
| Drugs Detection Dog Handler |
Level 3 DDD (Passive & Proactive) |
200 |
185 |
15 |
| Vehicle Search (Explosive) Handler |
Level 4 EDD (VS Only) |
100 |
85 |
15 |
| AES Handler |
Level 4 EDD |
150 |
120 |
30 |
| HASD Handler |
Level 4 EDD |
150 |
75 |
75 |
| IE3D Handler |
Level 4 EDD |
150 |
100 |
50 |
| PED Handler |
Level 2 GP
Level 4 EDD
|
60
150
|
45
100
|
15
50
|
Evidence Requirements
Evidence to support the transfer of any of the above military qualifications shall be by the production of a handler certificate for each specific discipline they wish to use as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
In the absence of a specific handler certificate the learner must produce a letter from a serving Commissioned Officer confirming they have served as a military working dog handler in the discipline they wish to use as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
In the absence of either of the above the learner will be required to undertake the full qualification Guided Learning Hours (GLH’s).
The above Guided Learning Hours are issued as guidance and are the minimum hours to achieve the qualification, the total number of hours would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency in each chosen discipline.
