Highlights

Here are some of the highlights for this micro-credential.

  • No admission requirements, no application process, no pre-requisites, open to anyone

  • Take up to 90 days to complete the course

  • Learn at your own pace using a computer, tablet or smartphone

  • Receive a certificate of course completion and digital badge for successfully completing the course which can be shared on social media (e.g. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter), downloaded as a PDF, or even embedded in an email signature

Overview

Welcome to Level One of the Crisis Negotiation and Intervention Techniques (CNIT) micro-credential series. Whether you work in law enforcement, healthcare, security, education, or are a frontline responder or a service provider, this course is designed with you in mind. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just beginning your learning in crisis response,

Level One of the Crisis Negotiation and Intervention Techniques (CNIT) micro-credential will introduce you to communication-based strategies grounded in real-world practice. These techniques are adapted from the field of police crisis negotiation, but this course is not exclusive to law enforcement. The CNIT model prioritizes de-escalation, empathy, and behavioural influence; skills that are as relevant to a hospital or classroom as they are to a tactical response team.

This first level introduces the foundational principles of crisis negotiation through three carefully designed modules:

  • Module 1: Principles of Crisis Negotiations and Requirements for Success

  • Module 2: Crisis Recognition, Incident and Person Assessment, and the Role of Time

  • Module 3: Communication Strategies and the Behavioural Influence Stairway Model

Each module is drawn from proven crisis negotiation practices traditionally taught to law enforcement crisis negotiators. However, the core skills - such as de-escalation, active listening, rapport building, and situational assessment - are universally transferable. They are essential for anyone who interacts with individuals in distress, conflict, or high-risk circumstances.

Learners who successfully complete the course will earn a digital badge and certificate of course completion that can be downloaded and shared via social media. 

You will have access to the course for 90 days to work through the content.

Skills, Attitude, and Knowledge

At the end of this micro-credential, which includes applicable learning exercises and scenarios, you should be able to:

  • Support persons in crisis using principles of crisis negotiations and requirements for success.

  • Recognize crisis and the importance of incident and person assessment and the role of time.

  • Conduct an incident and person assessment in a manner that supports persons experiencing crisis.

  • Recognize the importance of communication strategies and the "Behavioural Influence Stairway Model".

  • Communicate effectively to support persons in crisis using strategies from the Behavioural Influence Stairway Model.

Curriculum

    1. Land Acknowledgement

    2. Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (IDEA) Statement

    3. Introduction from Sault College's eLearning Department

    4. What is asynchronous online self-directed learning?

    5. Learner Resources and Supports

    6. Technology Requirements

    7. Privacy and Accessibility Policies

    8. Navigation

    9. Learner Introductions

    10. Discussion Forum: Learner Engagement

    11. Technical Discussion Forum

    12. Frequently Asked Questions

    13. Help & Contact Information

    14. Copyright Disclaimer

    1. Before we begin...

    2. Introduction to Level One- Multimedia Presentation

    1. Module 1: Introduction to Crisis Negotiation and Intervention Techniques

    2. Module 1: Discussion Forum

    1. Module 2- Incident Risk Assessment

    2. Module 2: Discussion

    1. Module 3: Behavioural Influence Stairway Model

    1. Conclusion

    2. Before you go...

    3. Final Letter of Thanks

    4. Thank you

About this course

  • $225.00

Professional Disclaimer and Statement of Intent

Important Note: While this course is built on law enforcement crisis negotiation frameworks, it is NOT law enforcement training. This curriculum does not authorize or substitute for police negotiation duties or tactical responsibilities. Rather, it translates advanced communication and de-escalation strategies into practical tools that can be adapted across professions. The Crisis Negotiation and Intervention Techniques (CNIT) micro-credential series is designed to enhance your professional communication skillset - equipping you with transferable, evidence-based tools that contribute to personal and public safety, situational awareness, and decision-making in crisis environments.

These techniques are especially relevant for, but are not limited to:

  • Security personnel managing volatile encounters or threats
  • Healthcare professionals supporting patients in crisis
  • Educators navigating challenging behaviours or student distress
  • Social service providers intervening in crisis situations
  • Community responders intervening in crisis situations
  • Community responders working with vulnerable populations
  • Frontline responders facing high risk situations
  • Service providers in all professions who encounter escalated persons


The CNIT approach supports peaceful, informed, and ethical resolution of escalated situations, emphasizing calm, connection, and communication. These principles are universal. This micro-credential program empowers learners to:

  • Recognize and respond appropriately to individuals in emotional crisis.

  • Navigate volatile situations without escalating tension or risk.

  • Influence behaviour safely and ethically, without needing positional authority.

  • Make time your ally in dynamic or unstable encounters.

  • Engage in meaningful dialogue that supports peaceful resolution and preserves dignity.