How do I become an AVIRT instructor?
The AVIRT program does not accept reciprocity to become an instructor, and you will need to enroll in an AVIRT IDC. Please go to https://hsi.com/solutions/active-shooter-training/become-an-avert-instructor for more information.
Why is AVERT now being called AVIRT?
The change from AVERT (Active Violence Emergency Response Training) to AVIRT (Active Violence Immediate Response Training) comes from the key principle of Immediate Response. “In the case of severe, life-threatening bleeding, applying bleeding control measures right away can make a difference in the person’s chance of survival.” This inspires one big change to our active violence training. AVERT is becoming AVIRT to better emphasize the importance of acting quickly during active violence and as an immediate responder to control life-threatening bleeding.
What is the reason for the update?
It had also been 5 years since this program was released, we took input from current AVERT TCs and Instructors and implemented some of the changes/additions that they wanted to see. It was also time to update some key teachings as well as updated the name.
When does the update need to be completed by?
The course must be completed, and the fee must be paid prior to the updated course materials being released on 8/27/2025 or the instructor will not have access to any AVIRT materials and will not be able to teach until the update is completed.
What is a significant change in AVIRT?
In AVERT, students were told to use alternating hands when packing gauze. It is now taught that the fingertips of one hand maintains constant pressure while the other hand pushes gauze into the wound until no more goes in, without alternating hands.
What if you are a new AVIRT instructor?
If you became an Authorized Instructor on or after January 1, 2025, you still need to complete the Instructor Update Course, but you will NOT be charged the $100 Materials Fee for the new course, instructor and student materials. All Instructor authorization expiration dates will remain the same, regardless of the date the Instructor Update Course is taken.
What about if I just paid my reauthorization fee? Will I still need to pay the $100 materials fee (update fee)?
Yes, you will still be required to pay the $100 materials fee even if you have recently reauthorized. These fees are different, and both fees will be required this year unless you became an AVIRT instructor on or after 1/1/2025.
How do Instructors launch the AVIRT update course?
Instructors:
Log in to Otis under your Instructor account.
Find the "Open Courses" section in the top right side of your dashboard.
Next to the "Instructor Update Course" title, click the green "Launch Course" button.
Complete the course.
How do Instructors who are also Training Center Directors complete the update course from the training center?
Instructors who are also Training Center Directors:
If you are an Instructor and Training Center Director, you can access the Instructor Update Course by logging into your TCD account. Follow these steps:
Select "Instructors" followed by "Manage Instructors" on the left-hand menu.
Find your name under the list of Instructors and select the three-dot menu on the far right-hand side to see Additional Actions.
Select "Online Training" from the options listed.
Locate the Instructor Update Course and click "Launch Course".
After taking the Instructor Update Course, you'll also need to process payment of the $100 Materials Fee.
How to pay the AVIRT Update fee?
Training Center Directors:
When an Instructor successfully completes the Instructor Update Course, you need to validate completion and pay the Materials Fee.
Login to Otis with your TCD account.
On the upper left-hand side of your TCD dashboard, click on the AVIRT Action Center.
Follow prompts to select completed Instructors and click the green button to process payment.
Proceed to the store and pay the $100 Materials Fee.
After these steps are taken, the Instructor will have access to the new course, instructor and student materials, and additional 10 digital certification cards on 8/27/25.
AVIRT Instructor Forum
Important Notice: AVIRT Instructor Forum Closing
The AVIRT Instructor Forum will officially close on August 29, 2025. After this date, all posts and information on the forum will no longer be available.
Is there an online only version of AVIRT?
Yes. The course now offers an online only version of the course. The training center will purchase the course, create the online class roster to issue it to the student, and then the student will receive a certificate of completion for the online course once they are completed.
Does AVIRT now offer an in-person only option for the course?
Yes.