CTM 1.2
NSF SECURE Center Consolidated Training Module for Institutions
The NSF SECURE Center provides a condensed and consolidated version of the federal RST training modules for individual and institutional use. A co-creation process involving the stakeholders was used to update, improve and refine the existing modules to reduce administrative burden and better serve the community. All federal agencies implementing the RST requirement to date have indicated the CTM is compliant and the existing federal modules are no longer being updated.
NSF Training Modules
Why is research security an important issue?
What is a disclosure policy and how will it be used?
What actions can federally funded research recipients take to manage and mitigate risk?
Is international collaboration encouraged?
This streamlined version contains the core learning module without additional customizable slides, ready for immediate deployment in your LMS.
General LMS Implementation Steps:
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Download your preferred SCORM package (zip file)
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Log into your Learning Management System as an administrator or instructor
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Navigate to your course content area
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Look for options like "Add Content," "Import Package," or "SCORM Upload"
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Upload the zip file (do not extract it first)
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Configure any tracking or completion settings as needed
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Test the module to ensure proper functionality
Technical Requirements
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SCORM 1.2 compatible LMS
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Modern web browser with JavaScript enabled
Need Help? Contact your LMS administrator or IT support team if you encounter any issues during the upload process, as implementation steps may vary by platform.
Additional Resources for Institutions
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Storyline Source File: CTM 1.2 Storyline Source File In response to stakeholder feedback, the NSF SECURE Center has released the updated Storyline source file for the Condensed Training Module. This editable file includes all module components (slides, animations, audio, and interactions) and is now accessible for institutions seeking to make minor customizations before uploading to their learning management system.
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Additional Information document: This document includes the additional information and links available for access in the module. View Additional Information
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Transcript document: This document provides a written transcript of the module. View Transcript
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Web Preview Version: A preview of the training module can now be downloaded here with a printable certificate of completion included. This version is ideal for institutions that don't have access to their own LMS or prefer a standalone solution. Download Web Preview Version
New RECR Research Security Training Supplement Available to Meet NSF Requirements (View)
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (Section 10337) directed the National Science Foundation (NSF) to require several additions to Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR – also known as RCR) training while also expanding the training to faculty and other senior personnel. The additions include “training to raise awareness of potential research security threats; and Federal export control, disclosure, and reporting requirements. NSF implemented this requirement via Important Notice No. 149 with a new effective date of December 2, 2025, due to the government shutdown, and a grace period for certification through December 31, 2025. Per the notice, the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) is required to certify that the “institution has a plan to provide appropriate training and oversight in the RECR” to personnel supported by NSF to conduct research and that “such training addresses mentor training and mentorship, training to raise awareness of potential research security threats, and Federal export control, disclosure, and reporting requirements.” This training material, drawn from the SECURE Center’s condensed training module, can be used to augment RECR/RCR training to meet the NSF requirements, The additional material can be added to institutions’ existing RECR training via their learning management systems or distributed through other channels.
Module Updates
CTM has subsequently updated.
Changes included in the update to CTM 1.2 include: In response to user feedback, the SECURE Center has further updated the condensed research security training transcript and module to further improve accessibility. -The transcript now includes content that is not narrated in the module. This includes all knowledge check on-screen text and text from pop-up windows that contain additional information and links. -Links now use content specific text rather than “click here”. These changes allow users utilizing the transcript to have a similar experience as those using the module. -Additional materials links are now also included in the transcript. The training module and audio files have been updated to reflect the content-specific text.
Click here for the changes included in the update to CTM 1.1: Accessibility Improvements: Additional accessibility improvements were made for better compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Level AA standards. Bug Fixes: Fixed potential completion tracking issue on interactive slides by implementing a dual-check system to accommodate slower server/client processing speeds. New Customization Options: Added versions with 4 and 6 customizable university-specific pages in response to stakeholder requests. Web Preview Enhancement: Added a printable certificate feature to the web preview version that allows researchers and others to take the training via the SECURE Center website and obtain a certificate of completion. Other Updates: Minor content edits for clarity and accuracy
Federal Research Security Training Requirements
Federal research funding agencies continue to implement research security training (RST) requirements in accordance with the CHIPS and Science Act. Covered individuals (CI - senior/key personnel) listed on the application for a research and development award are required to take the training in the 12 months prior to proposal submission.* The requirement is applicable to CI on applications submitted by any institution or organization regardless of type or funding level.
View summary of US federal agency-specific RST requirements
Additional Information document: This document includes the additional information and links available for access in the module. View Additional Information
Transcript document: This document provides a written transcript of the module. View Transcript
CTM Training and Resources for Institutions/Organizations
The CTM files can be found below for download and use in your organization’s learning management system. The files include editable html-based files that can be modified to supply institution-specific contact information and links to institutional resources in 2, 4, or 6 slides. In accordance with recent NIH guidance, it is advisable to include information and links to your institutions disclosure guidance and requirements. Links to institution’s webpages and contacts can also be included here. A version with no editable files is also available. CTM 1.2 files can be downloaded below.
This version includes two customizable slides at the end of the module (before the certificate of completion) where you can add your institution's specific information, resources, and contact details. To customize these pages, you'll need to modify the HTML files within the SCORM package before uploading to your LMS.
This version includes four customizable slides at the end of the module.
This version includes six customizable slides at the end of the module.