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 Two of the Crisis Negotiation and Intervention Techniques (CNIT) micro-credential series. Building on the foundational knowledge gained in Level One, this next tier is designed to deepen your expertise in effective crisis communication, structured de-escalation techniques, and an understanding of suicide intervention.

Where Level One introduced core principles such as crisis recognition, scene safety, and the Behavioural Influence Stairway Model, Level Two elevates your skills into dynamic application, providing more advanced, structured, and scenario-based tools for managing high-risk incidents across diverse environments.

Professionals in security, education, healthcare, mental health, community services, and frontline response roles will benefit from the deeper exploration of person behaviour, intervention strategies, and risk assessment. This level integrates the ethical, psychological, and tactical dimensions of communication and intervention, including essential approaches to suicide risk response which can form part of any crisis situation.

This level includes the following modules:

  • Module 1: Communication Strategies for Crisis Response

  • Module 2: Crisis De-escalation and the Three-Phase Response Model

  • Module 3: Suicide and Suicide Intervention: Risk, Recognition, and Response

Each module draws from real-world negotiation techniques adapted from law enforcement and behavioural psychology, refined for professionals working in high-risk, emotionally volatile, or unpredictable settings

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 at your own pace.

Skills, Attitude, and Knowledge

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

  • Apply advanced active listening techniques and adjust verbal and non-verbal communication to support de-escalation and behavioural influence.

  • Execute a structured three-phase de-escalation process: ensure safety, stabilize the person, and initiate problem-solving.

  • Use time and verbal strategies to slow emotional escalation and promote rational thinking.

  • Apply emotional regulation strategies to remain calm, assertive, and self-aware during high-pressure encounters.

  • Engage in empathetic, non-judgmental dialogue to assess risk and encourage voluntary compliance and support-seeking.

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 Two- Multimedia Presentation

    1. Module 1: Communication Obstacles and Strategies

    2. Module 1: Discussion Forum

    1. Module 2- Crisis Intervention and De-escalation

    2. Module 2: Discussion

    1. Module 3: Suicide and Suicide Risk and Intervention

    1. Conclusion

    2. Before you go...

    3. Final Letter of Thanks

    4. Thank you

About this course

  • $350.00

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.