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Active Shooter Awareness Course (US) 2026

This course is for security officers and other staff in the United States who want to know how to respond to an active shooter. It follows public federal guidance from DHS, CISA and the FBI: planning, warning signs and reporting, Run, Hide, Fight, calling 911, what to do when police arrive, and what happens after. It is awareness only and does not replace the guard training your state or employer requires.

  • Course
  • United States
  • 25 questions
  • Checked October 13, 2026

Quick answer

This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.

Start with the lessonsActive Shooter Awareness Course (US): Lessons: about 30 minutes of reading. Every test question is covered in the lessons.

What you will learn

  • Define an active shooter incident and explain why the first minutes matter
  • Describe the security officer's role and its limits
  • List key parts of an emergency action plan and a good drill
  • Recognize and report concerning behavior based on facts
  • Apply Run, Hide, Fight in the right order
  • Give 911 the right details and act safely when police arrive
  • Explain what happens after the threat is over

Score 80% or more to download your certificate.

  1. Question 1 of 25

    How does the FBI define an active shooter?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. One or more people actively trying to kill people in a populated area

    The FBI defines an active shooter as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    CISA guidance says active shooter incidents are often over how quickly?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Within 10 to 15 minutes

    CISA says these incidents are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, often before police arrive, so people must be ready to act on their own.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    National Archives active shooter guidance says security officers on site should do what?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Help contain the situation and assist police, not hunt the attacker

    National Archives guidance says security guards contain the situation and assist police. They should not seek out or engage the suspect.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    CISA's active shooter pocket card says to note what in any building you enter?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The two nearest exits

    Knowing the two nearest exits ahead of time lets you move fast if you need to run.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    Under OSHA's emergency action plan rule, which item must a plan include?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A way to account for all employees after evacuation

    OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 lists minimum plan elements, including procedures to account for all employees after an evacuation.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    DHS suggests active shooter drills that teach staff to do which of these?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Recognize the sound of gunshots

    DHS lists recognizing the sound of gunshots, reacting quickly, calling 911 and reacting when police arrive as parts of a good exercise.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    DHS lists which behavior as a possible sign of potential workplace violence?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Explosive outbursts of anger without a clear cause

    DHS lists explosive outbursts of anger or rage without provocation, more alcohol or drug use and unexplained absences among possible warning signs.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    What does DHS say about employees who become violent at work?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. They usually show signs first and do not just snap

    DHS says people typically do not just snap. They often show signs over time, which is why reporting concerns early matters.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Under CISA guidance, what should a report of suspicious activity be based on?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Observed behavior and facts you can explain

    CISA says reports should be based on observed behavior with facts you can explain, never on race, religion, sex or sexual orientation alone.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    In CISA's Power of Hello, what is a good first step when a person's behavior seems a little odd?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Greet them and ask how you can help

    The OHNO approach is Observe, Initiate a hello, Navigate the risk and Obtain help. A friendly greeting often shows whether there is a real concern.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Under the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign, where should non-emergency suspicious activity be reported?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. To local law enforcement or a person of authority

    DHS says to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or a person of authority, and to call 911 in an emergency. Do not report it to DHS.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    In Run, Hide, Fight, when should you choose to run?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. When there is a safe escape path

    If there is an accessible escape path, DHS guidance says to try to get out, even if others will not follow.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    You are escaping from an active shooter. What should you do with your bag and coat?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Leave them behind

    CISA and DHS guidance say to leave belongings behind so nothing slows you down.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    After you get out, what should you do about people heading toward the danger area?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Try to keep them from going in

    DHS guidance says to prevent others from entering an area where the active shooter may be.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    A good hiding place during an active shooter incident should be what?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Out of view and behind a locked door

    Federal guidance says to hide out of the shooter's view, in a place that gives protection, such as an office with a closed and locked door.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    You are hiding in a locked office. What should you do with your cell phone?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Silence it so it makes no sound

    CISA says to silence mobile devices while hiding, and to stay quiet, so you do not give away your location.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    You are hiding and cannot speak safely. What can you do on a 911 call?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Leave the line open so the dispatcher can listen

    If you cannot speak, leaving the line open lets the dispatcher hear what is happening.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    When is fighting back the right choice in Run, Hide, Fight?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Only as a last resort when your life is in immediate danger

    DHS guidance says to take action against the shooter only as a last resort, when your life is in imminent danger.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Which detail should you give the 911 dispatcher during an active shooter incident?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The attacker's location and description

    DHS lists the shooter's location, number of shooters, physical description, number and type of weapons and number of possible victims.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    When police arrive at an active shooter scene, what should you do with your hands?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Keep them empty and visible

    Drop anything you are holding and keep your hands empty and visible, so officers can see you are not a threat.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    As you leave the building, police officers rush past you. What should you do?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Keep going and do not stop them to ask for help

    DHS guidance says not to stop officers to ask for help or directions while you evacuate. Keep moving and follow the responders' directions.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    The first officers inside move past people who are hurt. Why?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Their first job is to stop the attacker; rescue teams follow

    The first officers go straight to the threat. Rescue teams follow to treat and remove the injured.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    DHS Stop the Bleed says a person with severe bleeding can die within how long?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 5 minutes

    DHS says a bleeding person can die within five minutes, and bystanders will always be first on the scene.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    After the threat is over, what does DHS say should happen at the assembly point?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Account for everyone to find who is missing or hurt

    DHS says to account for all people at a designated assembly point to find out who may be missing or injured.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    After you reach safety, police want to question you. What should you expect?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. You may be held as a witness until police say you can leave

    Federal guidance says people who escape will likely be held and questioned as witnesses. Do not leave until authorities say you may.

What to know before the test

  • The FBI defines an active shooter as one or more people actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.
  • CISA says active shooter incidents are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, often before police arrive.
  • Federal guidance teaches three options: run if you can, hide if you cannot, and fight only as a last resort when your life is in danger.
  • The first officers on scene go straight to the threat and will not stop to help the injured. Rescue teams follow.
  • DHS warns that a person with severe bleeding can die within five minutes, and bystanders will always be first on the scene.

Frequently asked questions

Should a security officer go looking for the attacker?

No. Federal guidance for security guards says to contain the situation and assist police, not to seek out or engage the suspect. Warn people, help them escape or hide, and give police information.

What should I tell 911?

Give the attacker's location, the number of attackers, their description, the number and type of weapons, and how many people may be hurt. If you cannot speak, leave the line open.

Does this course meet a state training requirement?

No. Many states license security guards and set their own training. For example, California requires a BSIS guard registration with Power to Arrest training, 32 hours of skills training in the first 6 months and 8 hours every year. This course is awareness only.

What does Run, Hide, Fight mean?

Run if there is a safe way out. Hide if you cannot get out, behind a locked door and out of sight. Fight only as a last resort when your life is in immediate danger.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

Sources

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