UPDATE - 2022 Extension of Blanket FACT Waivers Due to COVID-19 IS NOW EXPIRED

Counter Threat Awareness Training (CTAT)

Traveling internationally fewer than 90 days cumulative for the calendar year?

CTAT fulfills a Department of State mandatory training requirement for all personnel traveling internationally for less than a cumulative 90 days for the calendar year. CTAT is not required for, and does not include, non-official (personal) international travel.

CTAT training on the CLC takes approximately 5 hours to complete all modules. The CTAT completion certificate is valid for 6 years, at which time the training must be completed again.

If an individual is executing official international travel and does not have access to the CLC, the CTAT is accessible via the Department of State Foreign Service Institute (FSI) website which temporarily is offered free of charge.

Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT)

Traveling internationally for 90 days or more (e.g. Permanent Change of Station to overseas post) cumulative for the calendar year?

Personnel who will incur 90 days or more of official international travel cumulative for the calendar year on temporary duty [or on permanent change of station (PCS) orders] are required to complete the 5-day FACT course. Enrollment procedures, cost, course schedule and other information regarding this training can be found at the Department of State (DOS) Foreign Service Institute (FSI) website. This course is valid for 6 years.

A valid FACT course certificate will be recognized in lieu of the CTAT requirement for official international travel.

Counterintelligence Briefings

The Department of State requires specific Counterintelligence briefings prior to approving official government travel to some countries.

Applicable DOC travelers will be notified of this requirement via their eCountry Clearance response message directing them to contact Diplomatic Security's Counterintelligence division (DOS/DS/CI) to receive this briefing. DOC is able to provide the counterintelligence briefings directly to Department travelers so please contact your bureau’s Field Servicing Security Office to ensure compliance with this requirement.

Resources

• Security Training Requirements for Official International Travel, memo dated December 27, 2019 from the Director for Security
• Expanded Mandatory Training for International Travelers and Permanent Change of Station, memo dated October 19, 2016 from the Director for Security
• Travel Tips from the ODNI National Counterintelligence and Security Center
• Department of State Travel Advisories
• Department of State Memo: Blanket FACT Waivers Due to COVID-19 FACT Cancellations

For questions related to CTAT or FACT training requirements:

If you are Commerce personnel, please contact the Office of Security Training Program POC at OSY-PPCD@doc.gov. 

If you are not Commerce personnel, please visit the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) for answers and contact information: https://www.state.gov/contact-us-foreign-service-institute/