Description
The Certified News Media Safety Advisor (CNMSA) programme is an online training and certification course designed specifically for consultants supporting journalists and news organisations operating in complex environments.
Media safety advisors play an important role in supporting news gathering activities, yet there has traditionally been no widely recognised pathway for developing, assessing, and demonstrating capability within the profession.
CNMSA was developed to help address that challenge by providing a structured pathway for professional development, assessment, and certification. The programme focuses on the knowledge, judgement, and professional behaviours required to support journalists effectively while operating in complex and dynamic environments.
Built around the realities of news gathering, the programme explores how media safety differs from traditional security and risk management roles, placing particular emphasis on understanding journalism, meaningful planning, operational judgement, and effective relationship management.
Successful candidates are awarded Certified News Media Safety Advisor (CNMSA) status and may use the post-nominal letters CNMSA while certification remains valid.
KEY FEATURES
• Approximately 30 hours of online learning
• 26 structured learning modules
• Delivered entirely online
• Self-paced learning with six months to complete
• Assessment throughout the programme
• Certification valid for two years
• Designed specifically for media safety advisors
• Suitable for both new entrants and experienced consultants
• Includes certification and use of the CNMSA post-nominal while valid
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Full access to all 26 modules
• End-of-module assessments
• Certification on successful completion
• Downloadable certificate
• Two years of certification validity
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• No previous media safety advisory experience required
• Suitable for new entrants and experienced practitioners
• Suitable for military, police, security, and risk professionals transitioning into media safety roles
• Medical qualifications are not required to enrol
• Advisors are expected to hold, or obtain separately, an appropriate pre-hospital care qualification such as FREC 3 or an equivalent standard before accepting assignments
DELIVERY & CERTIFICATION
Delivery Method:
Online
Programme Length:
Approximately 30 hours
Completion Window:
Six months
Assessment:
End-of-module assessments throughout the programme
Certification:
Certified News Media Safety Advisor (CNMSA)
Certification Validity:
Two years
Recertification:
Required after two years through reassessment and refresher training where required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this course suitable for new entrants?
Yes. The programme provides a structured pathway into the profession and is suitable for individuals with no previous media safety advisory experience.
Is this course suitable for experienced advisors?
Yes. The programme helps experienced consultants formalise existing experience, demonstrate capability, and maintain professional standards.
Do I need a medical qualification before enrolling?
No. Medical qualifications are not required to enrol or complete the programme.
Can I use the CNMSA post-nominal?
Yes. Successful candidates may use the post-nominal letters CNMSA while certification remains valid.
Is the programme delivered live?
No. The programme is delivered entirely online and can be completed at your own pace within the six-month access period.
How long is certification valid?
Certification remains valid for two years following successful completion of the programme.
