Training On Your Schedule

The online Basic CPTED Course is on demand, go at your own pace, & there is no deadline for completion.

Internationally Recognized

All of the NICP’s CPTED courses are open to participants worldwide and provides the opportunity to earn our CPTED Professional Designation (CPD). The CPD is recognized internationally and currently there are CPTED Professional Designation holders on six continents. Looking forward to adding Antarctica to the list!

Course Requirements

  • All course curriculum must be completed and section quizzes passed with a minimum score of 80%.

  • The Basic CPTED course includes 2 graded hands-on activities

  • The Basic CPTED course requires the completion of a graded CPTED Field Assessment and Presentation - this requires an on site visit to a pre-approved location in your community.

  • The Basic CPTED course concludes with a final exam - a minimum score of 80% is required to pass the course.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome to the NICP's Basic CPTED Course

  • 2

    Module 1: Introduction to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

    • Introduction to CPTED

    • Stairway Project

    • CPTED Definitions & Strategies

    • Three D's of CPTED

    • Benefits & Potential Problems

    • Human Behavior & CPTED

    • Philadelphia Mural Program

    • CPTED in Flint, MI

    • Urban Design

    • Module 1: Introduction to CPTED Quiz

  • 3

    Module 2: Barriers - Real vs. Symbolic

    • Fencing & Walls Part 1

    • Government Building without Bollards

    • Fencing & Walls Part 2

    • Landscaping Part 1

    • Landscaping Ambush Point

    • Landscaping Part 2

    • Module 2: Barriers - Real vs. Symbolic Quiz

  • 4

    Module 3: Lighting for Safety

    • Introduction to Lighting

    • Lighting Vocabulary Part 1

    • Footcandles - Lux

    • Canopy Lighting Evaluation & Light Meters

    • Lighting Vocabulary Part 2

    • Types of Lighting Part 1

    • OLED

    • Types of Lighting Part 2

    • OLED TV

    • Types of Lighting Part 3

    • American Medical Association & LED Lighting

    • Properties of Lighting & Technology Part 1

    • Light and Color

    • Properties of Lighting & Technology Part 2

    • Lighting & Technology

    • Properties of Lighting & Technology Part 3

    • Module 3: Lighting for Safety Quiz

  • 5

    Module 4: Planning, Zoning & CPTED

    • Introduction to Planning & Zoning Part 1

    • Change Your Environment

    • Introduction to Planning & Zoning Part 2

    • CPTED & Zoning

    • Pedestrian Oriented Development & CPTED Part 1

    • Livable Streets

    • Pedestrian Oriented Development & CPTED Part 2

    • Robotic Parking

    • Pedestrian Oriented Development & CPTED Part 3

    • Transit & CPTED

    • Twelve Steps for Creating Safe Vibrant Communities Part 1

    • Streets

    • Twelve Steps for Creating Safe Vibrant Communities Part 2

    • The Spirit of Detroit

    • Twelve Steps for Creating Safe Vibrant Communities Part 3

    • CPTED & The Planning Process

    • Module 4: Planning, Zoning, & CPTED Quiz

  • 6

    Module 5: Neighborhood Design Charrette

    • Neighborhood Design Part 1

    • Participatory Design

    • Project 1: Neighborhood Design Charrette

  • 7

    Module 5: Neighborhood Design Charrette Follow Up

    • Neighborhood Design Charrette Follow Up

  • 8

    Module 6: Writing a CPTED Standard/Overlay Districts

    • What Is An Overlay District?

    • Tampa Riverwalk

    • Form Based Codes & CPTED

    • Form-Based Codes Defined

    • Zoning Codes

    • Miami 21

    • Module 6: Writing a CPTED Standard/Overlay District Quiz

  • 9

    Module 7: Traffic Calming & CPTED

    • What is Traffic Calming?

    • Life Paint

    • CPTED & Traffic Calming Applications Part 1

    • Crosswalks

    • CPTED & Traffic Calming Applications Part 2

    • Tactical Urbanism Street Mural

    • CPTED & Traffic Calming Applications Part 3

    • Module 7 Traffic Calming & CPTED Quiz

  • 10

    Module 8: Understanding Site Plans/Site Plan Review

    • Understanding Site Plans

    • Project 2: Site Plan Review Part 1

    • Project 2: Boys & Girls Club Blueprints

    • Project 2: Site Plan Review

  • 11

    Module 8: Site Plan Review Follow Up

    • Project 2: Site Plan Review Follow Up

  • 12

    Module 9: CPTED Report Writing

    • CPTED Report Writing.pdf

    • NICP Field CPTED Form

    • CPTED Presentation Rubric

    • CPTED Field Assessment PowerPoint Template

    • Presentation Example 1

    • Presentation Example 2

    • Presentation Example 3

    • Presentation Example 4

    • Presentation Example 5

    • Project 3: Site Selection for CPTED Assessment

  • 13

    Module 9: CPTED Report Writing Assignment

    • Project 3: CPTED Field Assessment & Presentation

  • 14

    Module 10: Global CPTED Programs

    • US CPTED

  • 15

    Final Exam

    • Certificate Information

    • The US CPTED Association

    • Basic CPTED Final Exam

Basic CPTED Course Reviews

5 star rating

Excellent Course/Experience

Gary Novelich

This CPTED course has been a great learning experience! This course was well designed, the online learning platform was easy to use, and the material was pre...

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This CPTED course has been a great learning experience! This course was well designed, the online learning platform was easy to use, and the material was presented in a way which was easily understood. Great overall experience!

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5 star rating

Basic CPTED on-line course

Wes Griffith

I recently completed the Basic CPTED on-line course. Although I am not generally a fan of on-line course work, I found the website remarkably easy to navigat...

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I recently completed the Basic CPTED on-line course. Although I am not generally a fan of on-line course work, I found the website remarkably easy to navigate. The material presented in the course was very good and explained well. I enjoyed the use of intermittent videos to disrupt the powerpoint slides. The short tests at the end of the major sections were good, especially as a means to gauge comprehension as we progress through the program. The final exam was challenging but not impossible. After having gone through the basic course, I'm excited to sign up for the advanced coursework. Great Job!

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5 star rating

Great Course!

Robert Wilson

This is an excellent course, especially for those of us who could not do in-person training due to the pandemic or other reasons. The materials are excellent...

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This is an excellent course, especially for those of us who could not do in-person training due to the pandemic or other reasons. The materials are excellently articulated by Art! This is a worthwhile training that anyone interested in Crime Prevention and Security should consider. Be prepared to work and learn. Thanks.

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5 star rating

Introduction to CPTED

Jonathan Tallman

Very informative. Much more to the principles of practice than I initially thought but it is easy to understand.

Very informative. Much more to the principles of practice than I initially thought but it is easy to understand.

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5 star rating

Great course!

David Malakouti

Working amongst crime prevention professionals, CPTED is a strategy that I had a great interest in. Thanks for the opportunity to participate and learn so ...

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Working amongst crime prevention professionals, CPTED is a strategy that I had a great interest in. Thanks for the opportunity to participate and learn so much. The self pace was incredibly helpful due to my hectic schedule. Art was very responsive and I appreciate all the feedback. Well worth it!

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5 star rating

Essential for all designers

alyssa moffitt

The value of this course goes beyond its title. It takes a holistic approach towards the goal of improving the quality of life for communities. The instruc...

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The value of this course goes beyond its title. It takes a holistic approach towards the goal of improving the quality of life for communities. The instruction was thorough and much more interesting than I expected. The critiques were detailed and personalized. I had intended to take the course in person (pre pandemic) but the online course turned out to be easier to fit into my busy life and could make this training much more accessible to more people.

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5 star rating

Basic CPTED

Ronald Trn

I thought the course was well presented and structured and made learning each component easy. I liked the tests at the end of each segment and the mandatory...

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I thought the course was well presented and structured and made learning each component easy. I liked the tests at the end of each segment and the mandatory assignments were helpful in bringing it all together.

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5 star rating

Basic CPTED Course

Thomas Conklin

The NICP Basic CPTED course was very thorough, educational, and eye opening! I am a retired law enforcement officer with 30 years of experience. I spent year...

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The NICP Basic CPTED course was very thorough, educational, and eye opening! I am a retired law enforcement officer with 30 years of experience. I spent years learning and using the Problem Oriented Policing model. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design goes much further and incorporates all of the players and layers in a community. I also learned through the course that several police departments actually have a CPTED specialist that goes out and does site reviews not only of existing locations but of locations under development as well. We need CPTED trained individuals in all law enforcement facilities especially during this time of divisiveness and community unrest! Thank you for a great course!

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5 star rating

Wonderful Course!

Charles Todd

I've been in the law enforcement and security field for 27 years. This course exposed me to new concepts and helped me look at safety and security in a new ...

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I've been in the law enforcement and security field for 27 years. This course exposed me to new concepts and helped me look at safety and security in a new light. Very informative course presented in a user-friendly way that promotes learning and understanding. Instructor responded to questions and assignments quickly and provided specific and extremely helpful feedback.

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5 star rating

Excellent Course

brian mitchell

I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking to work on their CPTED certification. I was hesitant, being that I'm from Canada, when registering fo...

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I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking to work on their CPTED certification. I was hesitant, being that I'm from Canada, when registering for a course from the USA as I often find they can be very "USA-centric". This course was not one of those. The information is thorough, relevant, and practical exercises really make you think about your external environment. The courses keep you engaged, entertained, and you'll start thinking about ways you can fix your community after the first module. Thanks!

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5 star rating

Very Satisfied

Louis Escobar

This course has delivered much more than I anticipated. I've already applied these concepts while on routine calls for service.

This course has delivered much more than I anticipated. I've already applied these concepts while on routine calls for service.

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5 star rating

Major concepts of CPTED

William Blake

User friendly, interactive, informative and inspiring.

User friendly, interactive, informative and inspiring.

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5 star rating

The unexpected

Alicia Smith

I came into this course not having a good understanding what to expect. The information was very informative and definitely brought awareness to things I usu...

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I came into this course not having a good understanding what to expect. The information was very informative and definitely brought awareness to things I usually do not observe. This course was not easy, presented a challenge, but I am happy that I stuck with it.

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4 star rating

One Person's Critique

John J. Anton

Thank goodness for self-paced, online courses. The material was vary informative/detailed and at some points it was like trying to take a sip from a fire ho...

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Thank goodness for self-paced, online courses. The material was vary informative/detailed and at some points it was like trying to take a sip from a fire hose. The projects were certainly challenging and course participants definitely benefit from "in-person" group participation, especially on the third project. The site I chose for my project allowed me to network within the local government circles (albeit challenging at times) to grasp a better understanding of who actually controls what around town. It was a learning experience in small town politics. This course of study is not for the faint of heart and was an excellent learning opportunity.

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Instructor

President/Lead CPTED Instructor

Art Hushen

Art Hushen is the President/Owner of the National Institute of Crime Prevention (NICP, Inc.), a global training and consulting company specializing in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. (CPTED) The NICP maintains the nationally recognized CPTED Professional Designation (CPD) Program. Prior to the creation of NICP, Inc., Art was assigned to the Tampa Police Department’s Special Operations Bureau / CPTED Section where he was instrumental in the creation of the Department’s CPTED Unit and Tampa’s first CPTED Ordinance for the Westshore Business District, which is the largest Business District in Florida. He implemented the CPTED review process for the Tampa Parks Department Greenways and Trails Master Plan. He worked with the Tampa Housing Authority on their Hope VI program and was part of the task force implementing design guidelines. He completed the CPTED review process for the West Tampa Overlay District, East Tampa Overlay District, and the Tampa Lighting Initiative. Art also completed the City of Tampa’s Downtown Security Guideline requirements under the Mayor of Tampa’s Downtown Initiative. He implemented CPTED strategies into security and design reviews of commercial buildings, schools, multi family housing, and residential communities. Art implemented similar strategies in zoning ordinances, land use development, public transportation, and roadway design through traffic calming. He has conducted numerous CPTED site reviews and security surveys for the City ofTampa as well as for the National Institute of Crime Prevention. As President of NICP, Inc. he continues a similar process of implementing CPTED concepts and strategies at a national level through training programs and consulting with various government, private sector, and nonprofit groups. Through the implementation of the CPTED Professional Designation (CPD) Program the NICP has set a standard for professional recognition for those earning the CPD. Art received his Crime Prevention Practitioner Certification and CPTED Designation through the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute where he assisted in the creation of the Advanced CPTED program, the State standards for the CPTED Designation, Critical Infrastructure and CPTED, Making Schools Safe by Design program, CPTED for Hospitals, and Lighting for Safety He is the lead CPTED instructor for the Florida Attorney General’s Office specializing in Basic & Advanced CPTED, and Advanced CPTED Topics. Art is also an instructor for D-PREP, LLC specializing in Basic and Advanced CPTED. Art holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida. Art is the past Chairman of the Florida Design Out Crime Association (FLDOCA), Past Board Member of the International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners (ISCPP), Past Board Member of the International CPTED Association (ICA) and is a member of ASIS International and previously served on the ASIS Physical Security Council. Art has conducted seminars and training through the United States and has been a guest speaker / trainer in Canada, South America, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Art is a recipient of the Florida Design Out Crime Association Lifetime Achievement Award.

FAQ

  • How is the course curriculum presented?

    The course information is presented in a presentation format with audio to provide greater detail. There are some short videos that illustrate the material presented in each module. At the end of most modules there will be a short quiz that must be passed to move to the next module. There are three graded projects included in the course. At the conclusion of the course there is a 50 question timed final exam.

  • What is required for the graded CPTED Field Assessment and Presentation?

    You will need to locate a site within your community and have it approved by the NICP. Once approved, you will visit the site and utilizing a CPTED Field Assessment form you will conduct a CPTED site assessment. You will then put together a presentation of your findings following the presentation rubric provided. You will submit the presentation for a grade. While visiting the site you will need to take pictures, conduct user interviews, and talk with a property stakeholder about issues being experienced at the site. You will also be required to collect demographics and crime data for the site.