Level 3 OSINT Course for Intelligence Professionals
Develop practical open-source intelligence skills through a five-week, practitioner-led programme designed for professional intelligence environments and leading to an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification.
Five Weeks
60 Hours Guided Learning
Ofqual-Regulated Level 3
Developed with NOCN
Online and Face-to-Face
What You Will Learn
Finding information online is easy. Turning it into reliable intelligence requires methodology, judgement and accountability.
This open source intelligence course moves beyond basic search techniques to develop repeatable approaches to professional OSINT work.
By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:
- Conduct structured and lawful open-source research
- Identify and collect relevant information from open sources and digital footprints
- Assess source provenance, credibility and reliability
- Apply structured intelligence analysis techniques
- Recognise patterns, establish context and challenge assumptions
- Document findings with an appropriate evidence trail
- Produce clear intelligence reports and briefings
- Apply professional OSINT methodologies in real-world scenarios
Course Curriculum
The programme develops practical capabilities across the intelligence cycle, helping learners move from information discovery to defensible intelligence outputs.
Research Planning and Methodology
Develop a clear and accountable research approach, defining intelligence requirements and structuring investigations before collection begins.
Lawful Open-Source Collection
Learn structured methods for identifying and collecting relevant information from publicly available sources and digital footprints using an accountable research methodology.
Source Verification
Develop methods for evaluating provenance, reliability and credibility before incorporating information into intelligence assessments.
Intelligence Analysis
Apply structured analytical thinking to recognise patterns, establish context and challenge assumptions when evaluating findings.
Reporting and Briefing
Learn to document findings and communicate intelligence accurately, clearly and with an appropriate supporting evidence trail.
Practical Casework
Apply core OSINT methods through realistic case studies, hands-on exercises and assessed work based on professional intelligence scenarios.
How the Five-Week Course Is Structured
The course runs over five weeks, combining structured tutor-led learning with practical exercises, assessed work and ongoing feedback.
Learners progress through the programme with direct tutor support, applying each stage of the methodology as their knowledge and practical capabilities develop.
Course Format
- Structured tutor-led learning
- Guided open-source research
- Practical intelligence exercises
- Case study-based learning
- Ongoing tutor feedback
- Coursework and practical assessment
- Portfolio-based evidence
- Reporting and briefing activities
Course Modules
How the OSINT Course Is Delivered
The programme combines structured learning with direct access to experienced intelligence practitioners.
Online and face-to-face delivery options are available, allowing learners to complete the qualification through a format suited to their circumstances while maintaining the same standards of teaching, practical work and assessment.
Across the five-week programme, learners receive ongoing guidance and feedback rather than completing the qualification through self-directed learning alone.
For organisations, group delivery is also available where consistent intelligence methodologies need to be developed across a wider team.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment is designed to demonstrate that learners can apply OSINT methodologies in practice, rather than simply recall theoretical knowledge.
Learners complete coursework and practical assessments throughout the programme, building a portfolio of evidence across:
Completed portfolios are assessed and internally quality assured before being submitted to the awarding body.
Gain a Recognised Level 3 OSINT Qualification
Not all OSINT courses result in a regulated qualification.
Obsidian Arc Training’s Level 3 OSINT programme has been developed with NOCN as an Ofqual-regulated qualification. Learners complete formal coursework and practical assessments before their portfolio is quality assured and submitted to the awarding body.
This gives learners an OSINT qualification with recognised regulatory oversight rather than simply a certificate of course completion.
Why Choose an Ofqual-Regulated Qualification?
An Ofqual-regulated qualification provides a defined framework for learning, assessment and quality assurance.
For professionals working in intelligence, investigation, security and other evidential environments, this provides greater assurance around the standards behind the qualification.
The programme combines:
- Structured learning and assessment
- Practical intelligence exercises
- Tutor guidance and ongoing feedback
- Portfolio-based evidence
- Internal quality assurance
- Awarding body oversight
- Professional OSINT methodologies
Who Is the Level 3 OSINT Course For?
The course is designed for professionals and aspiring practitioners whose work depends on finding, evaluating and communicating information from open sources.
No previous formal OSINT qualification is required before enrolling.
Practitioner-Led by Design
Obsidian Arc Training is the education arm of Obsidian Arc, a UK-based OSINT and intelligence services company.
The course is led by former military officers and intelligence practitioners with decades of collective experience across government, investigations and private-sector intelligence work. That experience directly shapes the methodology, casework and feedback learners receive.
Practitioner-Led
Learn from professionals with direct operational intelligence experience.
Ofqual-Regulated
Work towards a recognised Level 3 qualification developed with NOCN.
Practical
Apply intelligence methodologies through realistic casework and assessed exercises.
Tutor-Supported
Receive ongoing feedback, guidance and assessment throughout the programme.
From Enrolment to Qualification
Registration and Initial Discussion
Continue building knowledge and practical skills through more focused OSINT training as future specialist programmes become available.
Enrolment
Once enrolled, learners receive joining information and any required pre-course materials ahead of the programme.
Tutor-Led Training
Complete five weeks of structured learning supported by experienced intelligence practitioners, with practical exercises and ongoing tutor guidance throughout.
Practical Assessment
Build a portfolio of evidence through coursework and practical exercises covering intelligence collection, research, verification, analysis, reporting and briefing.
Qualification
Completed portfolios are assessed, internally quality assured and submitted to the awarding body for completion of the Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification.
Training a Team?
The Level 3 OSINT course is also available for organisations seeking to develop consistent intelligence standards across investigation, security, risk and research teams.
Group delivery can help establish a shared methodology for lawful collection, verification, analysis and reporting while placing the learning within the realities of the organisation’s sector and operational environment.
- Intelligence teams
- Investigation departments
- Corporate security functions
- Financial crime teams
- Risk and security consultancies
- Government and policing bodies
- Media and research organisations
Group delivery can be placed within the realities of the organisation’s sector and operational environment while maintaining clear professional intelligence standards.
Register for the Next Cohort
Review the key course information below before registering for the next Level 3 OSINT cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
All your questioned answered. Have another? Feel free to reach out.
What is an OSINT course?
An OSINT course teaches structured methods for collecting, verifying, analysing and reporting information obtained from lawful open sources and digital footprints. Professional training goes beyond online searching by developing repeatable intelligence methodologies, analytical judgement and practical reporting skills.
What will I learn during the OSINT course?
You will learn how to conduct lawful open-source research, verify sources, analyse information, document findings and produce clear intelligence reports and briefings. The course also develops practical OSINT skills through hands-on exercises, casework and real-world scenarios.
What qualification will I receive from the Level 3 OSINT course?
The programme leads to an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 OSINT qualification developed with NOCN. Learners complete formal coursework and practical assessment to achieve the qualification, with recognised standards for learning, assessment and quality assurance.
How long is the course?
The programme runs over five weeks and includes 60 hours of guided learning.
Can I complete OSINT training online?
Yes. Tutor-led OSINT training online is available alongside face-to-face delivery. Online learners still receive structured teaching, practical exercises, assessment and ongoing tutor feedback throughout the programme.
How is the course assessed?
Learners complete coursework and practical assessments throughout the programme and build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their ability to apply professional OSINT methodologies.
Do I need previous intelligence experience?
No. The course is suitable for existing intelligence and security professionals as well as people developing their skills or moving into the sector. An interest in research, critical thinking and intelligence analysis is beneficial, but no previous formal OSINT qualification is required.
Can organisations enrol a group?
Yes. Group delivery is available for organisations seeking to establish consistent methodologies across intelligence, investigation, security, risk and research teams.
Develop Intelligence Skills That Stand Up to Scrutiny
Build the methodology, judgement and practical capabilities required to turn open-source information into reliable intelligence.
Complete a structured five-week programme, learn directly from experienced practitioners and work towards a recognised Level 3 OSINT qualification.