Federal regulations and sponsor agency requirements have resulted in mandatory research security and related training for covered individuals, defined as those who contribute in a substantive and meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of federally funded research projects.
If a federally funded research project (including subawards) includes a student worker or postdoctoral scholar in the role of principal investigator, co-principal investigator or key personnel, the student or postdoc, whether paid or unpaid, is required to complete the Research Security Training Module, which encompasses research security, foreign travel security and insider threat awareness training. For student workers and postdoctoral scholars not serving in any of these roles, these Research Security Training modules are optional but highly encouraged.
Beyond the Research Security Training modules required of all covered individuals, researchers will need to complete additional training if they are working on projects involving controlled unclassified information, information regulated by export controls, or Department of Defense contracts requiring operational security training.
Below is the current list of research security related training required and who it applies to. It is the responsibility of individuals to understand and comply with critical training requirements.
All required research security training should be completed within 30 days of being appointed as a covered individual on a research project.
Trainings
Who: All covered individuals, as defined by NSPM-33 and the CHIPS & Science Act to include individuals that (A) contributes in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with a research and development award from a Federal research agency; and (B) is designated as a covered individual by the Federal research agency concerned.
What: Web-based training made up of 4 modules on research security risks and tools
When: After taking the initial training, this training must be renewed on an annual basis.
Don't forget: Download your certificate(s) of completion and submit to Research Training and Education Services.
NOTE: This training is not a standalone module. Please complete research security training to fulfill this requirement.
Who: All covered individuals, as defined by NSPM-33 and the CHIPS & Science Act to include individuals that (A) contributes in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with a research and development award from a Federal research agency; and (B) is designated as a covered individual by the Federal research agency concerned.
What: Web-based training on ensuring safety, security and proper safeguarding of controlled and sensitive information while traveling internationally; housed within research security training
When: After taking the initial training, this training must be renewed on an annual basis.
Don't forget: Download your certificate(s) of completion and submit to Research Training and Education Services.
Who: All USC personnel involved in export-controlled research; required by NSPM-33. Note that most USC research is not subject to export control regulations, which apply to research on specific technologies that could be used for military purposes and items listed on the United States munitions list.
What: Training to raise awareness about export control laws and regulations, including the potential risks of non-compliance.
When: After taking the initial training, this training must be renewed on an annual basis.
Don't forget: Download your certificate(s) of completion and submit to Research Training and Education Services.
NOTE: This training is not a standalone module. Please complete research security training to fulfill this requirement.
Who: All covered individuals, as defined by NSPM-33 and the CHIPS & Science Act to include individuals that (A) contributes in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with a research and development award from a Federal research agency; and (B) is designated as a covered individual by the Federal research agency concerned.
What: Web-based training designed to help deter, detect and mitigate actions by insiders who represent a threat to national security; housed within research training security
When: After taking the initial training, this training must be renewed on an annual basis.
Don't forget: Download your certificate(s) of completion and submit to Research Training and Education Services.
Who: All USC personnel with access to CUI information ((defined as sensitive information that does not meet the criteria for classification but must still be protected); required by the DoD.
What: Web-based training on the eleven training requirements for accessing, marking, safeguarding, decontrolling and destroying CUI along with the procedures for identifying and reporting security incidents
When: After taking the initial training, this training must be renewed on an annual basis.
Don't forget: Download your certificate(s) of completion and submit to Research Training and Education Services.
Who: USC personnel working on DoD contracts/projects that list OPSEC as a training requirement; required by the DoD
What: Web-based training made up of 6 modules on protecting unclassified information about operations and personal information to ensure safe and successful operations and personal safety
When: After taking the initial training, this training must be renewed on an annual basis.
Don't forget: Download your certificate(s) of completion and submit to Research Training and Education Services.
Confirm completion of training modules
To receive credit for completing required research security training, users must download their certificates of completion and submit them to Research Training and Education Services.