NIC Learn Center

This course presents basic information that community supervision staff must know to keep themselves and those they supervise safe from inappropriate interactions. The course includes the definition of staff sexual misconduct, identification of prohibited behaviors, agency reporting requirements, and strategies for avoiding this behavior.
Estimated duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes. (NIC ID: 22ECCS2964)

The purpose of this course is to provide jail administrators and jail personnel with sufficient knowledge to develop housing plans that help manage inmate behavior.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECJA2356)

Teamwork is a survival skill in and out of the workplace. Whether it be rafting, playing a team sport, or working on a project, collaboration with others is necessary to get the job done. In this course you will learn about the importance of collaborations in corrections. Collaborating with others can greatly enhance the services we provide and help to reduce recidivism. Particularly in these turbulent times, collaboration may ensure the survival of programs, services, and even agencies.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2377)

This e-course provides an overview of infectious disease outbreaks in correctional and detention facilities and describes the critical role correctional nurses and others play in an outbreak investigation. The course also provides an overview of the 10 key elements of an outbreak investigation. In addition, the e-course provides important resources on the topic, and covers expectations around reporting. Upon completion of this e-course, participants will be able to: Identify common organisms associated with correctional & detention facility outbreaks. Identify the 10-step model for responding to correctional & detention facility outbreaks.
Estimated duration: 45 minutes. (NIC ID: 21ECPR2834)

This course will provide you with information that will contribute to you being a successful Deputy Warden. The course discusses key leadership characteristics and skills to portray, and how to use a priority matrix to help you with achieving work-life balance.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECPR2333)

This course will introduce you to the relationship between memory and learning and will present techniques that enhance learning in response to that relationship. When you finish this course, you will be able to explain the research-based rationale for why and when certain design elements should be incorporated into learning.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2334)

This course will introduce you to the concept of digital literacy as it applies to the development and delivery of training. When you finish this course, you will be able to describe how digital literacy can be used to improve performance.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2335)

This course will help you conduct an assessment of your unit or department, help you prepare for the future, and help you put together a plan to maximize the learning of your organization. It is recommended that you take this training sequentially as presented to you, because the concepts build upon each other.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2378)

This course is Course One in the NIC’s six-course Evidence-Based Practices in a Correctional Setting program. The purpose for the entire six-part program is to provide front line supervisors and staff with the opportunity to learn the history, advancements and benefits of using evidence-based practices. The program addresses specific skills and correctional practices that, when implemented effectively, can increase positive outcomes with defendants, offenders, and inmates in the areas of pretrial, probation, jail, prison, parole, and re-entry back into the community.
(NIC ID: 19ECCS2342)

This course is course two in the NIC’s six-course Evidence-Based Practices in a Correctional Setting program. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to describe actuarial risk assessments and how they are utilized as a tool within criminal justice professions.
(NIC ID: 19ECCS2343)

This course is course three in the NIC’s six-course Evidence-Based Practices in a Correctional Setting program. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to explain how social learning theory can be used in a correctional environment to encourage recidivism reduction, and the skills, techniques and interventions that hold the most promise to affect behavior change.
(NIC ID: 19ECCS2344)

This is course four in the NIC’s six-course Evidence-Based Practices in a Correctional Setting program. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to explain how case plans are used at the different points in the criminal justice system.
(NIC ID: 19ECCS2345)

This course is course five in the NIC’s six-course Evidence-Based Practices in a Correctional Setting program. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to explain how evidence-based practices are documented and implemented into correctional practices and how data are analyzed to ensure intended actions are achieved.
(NIC ID: 19ECCS2346)

This course is course six in the NIC’s six-course Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) in a Correctional Setting program. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to explain how EBPs are implemented throughout the correctional continuum.
(NIC ID: 19ECCS2347)

During this course, you will learn about the characteristics of effective performance objectives.  You will also learn to differentiate between complete and incomplete performance objectives, and lower and higher levels of performance objectives.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2428)

In this course, we’ll set the stage for performance management activities, such as succession planning, in all types of corrections settings. We will explore the connection between sets of correctional management and leadership development competencies through an initial introduction to NIC’s Core Competency work.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2398)

This e-course is intended for second-line supervisors and administrators. This course will provide you with an advanced understanding of the response to emergencies in an institutional setting. It will also present the proper method of creating and conducting simulations that are safe and minimally disruptive to operations.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECPR2361)

This e-course is intended for line staff and non-security staff. This course will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the line-level response to emergencies in an institutional setting.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 21ECPR2838)

This e-course is intended for first-line supervisors and provides a thorough understanding of the line-level and first- and second-line supervisor response to planned or spontaneous incidents in an institution. This course an introduction to the proper method for creating and conducting simulations that are safe and minimally disruptive to operations.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECPR2362)

During this course, you will learn about ITIP components and how to use each one; the differences between each component and their traditional lesson plan counterparts; and expectations and considerations for each component. You will also learn how to apply each step of the ITIP model to your own agency.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2399)

This course will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for using good communication skills will enhance management, control, and professionalism, when working with offenders. You will be able to describe three major parts of positioning and good posturing, and describe four sizing up skills, primary components of observing, and steps in listening.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2400)

This course will identify the two add-on skills, the two steps in identifying content, meaning, and feeling, the threes techniques used in asking questions, the three levels of intensity for feelings, and identify the components of the 5W's and H method.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2401)

This course will explain more in depth how to manage offender behavior, handling requests, verbal and non-verbal recognition, anti-social patterns, and four basic skill strategies in the Cognitive-Based Communication Model.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2402)

This course will introduce you to the purpose of the NIC’s Correctional Leadership Competency Model and how it can be used to develop you, your team, and your organization. The course is for anyone in the corrections field who wants to learn more about leadership competencies or who will participate in any of the NIC’s leadership courses.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 19ECAC2337)

The Introduction to Thinking for a Change e-course introduces and recruits future facilitators and Justice Practitioners on the Thinking for a Change program and its resident facilitator course. This nationally established program has proven practices in reducing recidivism. The program is an integrated cognitive behavioral change program focused on restructuring and social skills for use in problem solving. The content and its purpose mean to leave the learner thinking about adopting the program and becoming a facilitator.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 23ECAC3032)

While this course focuses on data analysis in jails, it gives a basic overview of statistics for any corrections professional. During this course, you will gain general familiarization with types of statistics and how to use them. In addition, you will learn how to explore data analysis by working through a case study. Upon completion of the course you will be able to: describe statistics, their purposes and common statistical mistakes; analyze and learn to interpret data, and formulate conclusions from case studies based on statistical examples.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECJA2368)

This video features the scenario of an inmate attempting to blackmail an officer. Your role will be to select the most appropriate option to respond and see the consequences of your decision.

This pair of videos examines methods of providing feedback to an officer to correct performance. The focus of these videos is on “how” to have a conversation and will feature the opinions of law enforcement officials.

Complacency can be especially challenging in the corrections environment. Our jobs require routine and daily repetition, making it easier than we'd like to believe to feel overly confident. In this video, you will observe how being complacent is especially dangerous in the correctional setting.

Complacency can be especially challenging in the corrections environment. Our jobs require routine and daily repetition, making it easier than we'd like to believe to feel overly confident. In this video, you will observe how being complacent is especially dangerous in the correctional setting.

This video features the scenario of an inmate seeking privileges from an officer. This video also features interview footage of law enforcement officials discussing the impact of inappropriate action.

This video features the scenario of potential manipulation of an officer by an inmate. This video also features interview footage of law enforcement officials discussing the impact of inappropriate action.

In this series of videos, you will identify appropriate ways in which to perform a count and recognize the consequences of doing so incorrectly. This series includes the call to count, announcing count, and resuming normal operations.

This pair of videos examines methods of providing feedback to an officer to correct performance. The focus of these videos is on “when” and “where” to have a conversation and will feature the opinions of law enforcement officials.

This pair of videos examines methods of providing feedback to an officer to correct performance. The focus of these videos is on “when” and “where” to have a conversation and will feature the opinions of law enforcement officials.

This course explores the causes, symptoms, and effects of burnout among correctional staff. Participants will learn effective coping strategies, stress management techniques, and ways to create a healthier work environment to reduce the risk of burnout and improve overall job satisfaction.

De-escalation is an essential skill in the correctional setting. However, de-escalation is also incredibly challenging in these settings. In this video, you will be challenged to think about how de-escalation is essential for institutional safety.

De-escalation is an essential skill in the correctional setting. However, de-escalation is also incredibly challenging in these settings. In this video, you will be challenged to think about how de-escalation is essential for institutional safety.

A course that emphasizes the importance of the proper use of handcuffs and restraint equipment in correctional settings.

This course teaches the core principles of communication in a correctional environment. Emphasizing active listening, conflict resolution, and de escalation techniques, participants will learn how to interact effectively with inmates, coworkers, and other stakeholders to maintain a safe and productive workplace.

A course designed to address the dangers of neglecting responsibilities within correctional facilities. Participants will examine real world scenarios of inattention to duty, understanding its consequences, and learn strategies for maintaining vigilance and accountability in daily operations.

Losing a key in the correctional environment is not like losing your house key. Key control is one of the most important tasks in managing jails, prisons, etc. In this video, you will observe how poor key control in the correctional setting can have disastrous consequences.

Losing a key in the correctional environment is not like losing your house key. Key control is one of the most important tasks in managing jails, prisons, etc. In this video, you will observe how poor key control in the correctional setting can have disastrous consequences.

Maintaining personal boundaries can be a challenge for anyone. But in the correctional setting, it is especially important. In this video, you will be challenged to think about how crossing personal boundaries could compromise personal and institutional safety.

Maintaining personal boundaries can be a challenge for anyone. But in the correctional setting, it is especially important. In this video, you will be challenged to think about how crossing personal boundaries could compromise personal and institutional safety.

Focusing on the challenges of maintaining professional boundaries, this course covers the potential impact of personal relationships on work performance in a correctional setting. It explores ethical considerations, the risk of conflicts of interest, and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.

This course provides education on identifying, accessing, and managing problem drinking among correctional staff. Topics include understanding the signs of alcohol abuse, its impact on performance and safety, and available resources for seeking help or intervention.

Working in the correctional environment may require staff to use or be familiar with a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE). Familiarize yourself with common personal protective equipment and strategies to safely maintain such equipment in this video.

Working in the correctional environment may require staff to use or be familiar with a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE). Familiarize yourself with common personal protective equipment and strategies to safely maintain such equipment in this video.

Designed to enhance participants' ability to assess and respond to changing environment, this course focuses on improving situational awareness within correctional facilities. It covers recognizing potential threats, understanding environmental cues, and making informed decisions to maintain safety and security.

This course explores strategies for improving staff retention within correctional facilities. Topics include enhancing job satisfaction, fostering a positive work culture, offering professional development, and creating supportive environment to reduce turnover and maintain a dedicated workforce.

Focusing on preventing and addressing staff sexual harassment, this course covers the definitions, legal implications, and consequences of such behavior in a correctional environment. It emphasizes creating a respectful and safe workplace and offers practical strategies for addressing and reporting incidents.

This course, it provides a comprehensive overview of the prison rape elimination act (PREA), Focusing on its policies, standards, and compliance requirements. Participants will learn how to recognize, prevent, and respond to incidents of sexual abuse and harassment within correctional facilities, ensuring the safety of inmates and staff alike.

This course provides an overview of Motivational Interviewing (MI). By using specific techniques and applying MI, corrections professionals can help increase offenders’ motivation to make changes in their lives that will reduce their likelihood of reoffending.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 20ECAC2433)

The Naloxone Administration e-course is part of the national effort to reduce opioid deaths. The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is providing this training to prevent deaths of staff, contractors, visitors, inmates, and individuals within and outside of our facilities. This course is also designed to prepare all staff to effectively respond to emergency situations when dealing with opioids. This course contains information concerning the opioid crisis with step-by-step instructions on the use and application of the opioid antagonist, Naloxone.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 23ECAC3023)

This course covers the basic information about parole board member duties and activities. Though parole boards across the country are quite diverse in their structure, operations and processes, the focus of this course is on the fundamental similarities that exist in this work. This course is meant to introduce parole board concepts to new members and is the first step in NIC's training opportunities for parole board members.
Estimated duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes. (NIC ID: 21ECCS2914)

This eLearning course will provide the basic training necessary to new parole board executives. The module could also be used as pre-work for future instructor-led training and as a periodic refresher course for existing parole board executives.
Estimated duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. (NIC ID: 23ECCS3022)

This course is intended to assist agencies in meeting the requirements of PREA standard 115.35 Specialized Training: Medical and Mental Health Care. This course will also allow you to apply your medical and/or mental health knowledge and skills to contribute to investigations and provide care in accordance with PREA standards.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECCS2358)

The purpose of this course is to assist agencies in meeting the requirements of Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Section 115.93 Audits of standards. At the end of this course, you will be able to: Explain the audit process; Describe the components of the Audit Instrument; Describe the duties and responsibilities of an auditor in the audit process; Describe the duties and responsibilities of a PREA Coordinator/Compliance Manager in the audit process; and Explain the activities associated with a corrective action period.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECCS2407)

The main purpose of this course is to assist agencies in meeting the requirements of Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standard 115.35 Specialized Training: Medical and Mental Health Care. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to explain the knowledge, components, and considerations that you must use to be effective in your role as a behavioral health care practitioner, consistent with PREA standards.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 21ECCS2809)

The purpose of this course is to provide agency PREA Coordinators with an overview of the basic role and responsibilities of their position. At the end of this course, you’ll be able to: Describe the general duties and responsibilities of an agency-wide PREA Coordinator; Explain the policies, procedures, and practices needed to achieve PREA compliance; Create an action plan for your agency that includes steps needed to achieve PREA compliance; and Serve as the point-of-contact for information concerning PREA standards and the agency’s efforts toward PREA compliance.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 21ECCS2825)

The purpose of this course is to assist agencies in meeting the requirements of Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Section 115.34 Specialized Training for Investigators. At the end of this course, you will be able to explain the knowledge, components, and considerations that an investigator must use to perform a successful sexual abuse or sexual harassment investigation consistent with PREA standards.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 21ECCS2941)

The purpose of this course is to assist agencies in meeting the requirements of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Section 115.35 Specialized training: Medical and mental health care. At the end of this course, you will be able to explain the PREA standards that relate to the provision of medical care for victims of sexual abuse. You will also be able to describe your role and responsibilities in providing this care.
Estimated duration: 3 hours. (NIC ID: 19ECCS2339)

During this course, you will learn to respond appropriately to sexual abuse in your facility. Topics include: elements of The Prison Rape Elimination Act including: defining sexual abuse, inmate-on-inmate sexual abuse, staff sexual misconduct, vulnerable populations, duties to report and respond, and effective communication methods.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 22ECCS3012)

The goal of this course is to educate and inform correctional and civilian staff on the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to their agency’s policies for interactions with individuals under their custody or supervision. The e-course also contains a link to a resources page for agencies to supplement their training and for participants to continue their learning.
Estimated duration: 1 hour. (NIC ID: 21ECPR2903)

This course is Part 2 of 2 in the Veteran-Informed Care Training on Responsivity (VICTOR) course series. This course focuses on case management and veteran resources. NIC suggests you take the Veteran-Informed Care Training on Responsivity (VICTOR): Veteran Culture and Mental Health - Part 1 course before taking this course.
Estimated duration: 2 hours. (NIC ID: 23ECCS3030)

This course is Part 1 of 2 in the Veteran-Informed Care Training on Responsivity (VICTOR) course series. This course focuses on military and veteran culture and veteran mental health issues. NIC suggests you take this course before taking the Veteran-Informed Care Training on Responsivity (VICTOR): Case Management and Resources - Part 2 course.
Estimated duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes. (NIC ID: 23ECCS3028)