INTELLIGENCE ANALYST PRIMER
Your entry point into professional intelligence training.
The Intelligence Analyst Primer is the perfect way to test the waters before committing to the full analyst certification. You’ll learn key tradecraft, practise real-world techniques, and walk away with a solid foundation to take the next step with confidence.
Backed by global standards in intelligence training
The Intelligence Analyst Primer pulls key foundational modules and lessons from the full Intelligence Analyst Certification Course, which is certified to meet the strict content standards of the International Association for Intelligence Education.
 Expand your professional development through CPD
The Intelligence Analyst Primer is CPD accredited by an independent international body. This ensures that the learning design, frameworks and instructions meets the rigorous requirements expected for professional development.
"The exercises were engaging and pushed me to think critically, giving me valuable hands-on skills that required thinking outside the box. The immersive approach made the learning memorable, and I especially enjoyed the reading material and how it tied into the exercises."
Ulli M.
Everything was really well laid out and explained. The instructions for completing exercises were clear and easy to follow. I found this course really enjoyable and didn't feel like I was studying in the normal sense of studying. It was really well laid out, easy to use and the community of other course participants is a really great aspect of the course.
Leandro S.
The course was well-structured, with modules that built knowledge over time and linked from start to finish. Real-world examples, clear presentations, and detailed feedback made the learning engaging and easy to follow, while preparing us for the final exercises.
Nicolas K.
Without a doubt, this has been one of the best trainings I’ve taken. The practical focus, realistic exercises, and personalised instruction made it immediately applicable to real-world scenarios. The strong learning community, ongoing engagement after the course, and flexible enrolment options made the experience even more valuable.
Eddie G.
I wanted to give you a massive thank you for creating this course. It's so well done and very professional! As someone who is aspiring to the intelligence trade, I feel like things are really starting to make sense to me now. Once again, thank you so much for all your hard work in creating this course.
Peter H.
I've had a great experience with the intelligence course and workshop. It was engaging, practical, and well-structured. I have certainly picked up valuable skills and knowledge through the very realistic, globally relevant scenarios, using a variety of analytical tools and techniques. Highly recommended for anyone interested in intelligence and analysis.
Magalingam G.
I found the learning modules to be very engaging and insightful. As someone new to the intelligence world, I truly enjoyed the content and the way it was presented - it made complex ideas simple and accessible for a beginner like me. This has motivated me even more to start my career in intelligence soon. Thank you for making the learning process clear, practical, and enjoyable.
Astro B.
An easy to follow, self pace course that lets you dip your toe into the waters of intelligence and analysis. Providing a tool to parse the torrent of information we have to process every day is a useful helper for daily life. Cole speaks clearly, with professionalism, and I look forward to more courses!
Michael D.
Pretty new to the course and already finding it incredibly worthwhile. As a cybersecurity analyst, I appreciate how clearly the course ties intelligence fundamentals to real-world applications in threat detection and response. The instruction is thorough without being overwhelming, and the community of students — from various backgrounds — makes for great discussion and shared learning.
Dan F.
Overall, this has strengthened both my confidence and competence in intelligence analysis. It’s not just another training programme - it feels like an investment in becoming a more disciplined, structured, and proactive thinker. I would highly recommend it to anyone serious about a career in intelligence, risk, or security.
We give you everything you need to get started in your intelligence journey
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Key Features
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Three structured modules with lessons and exercises drawn directly from the Intelligence Analyst Certification Course (IACC).
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Self-paced learning – move through the material at your own speed, with lifetime access.
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Interactive lesson prompts to develop your analytical thinking and engage with course concepts.
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Knowledge check quizzes to reinforce key ideas and measure understanding.
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Practical exercises that mirror real-world intelligence tasks.
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Introduction to the Iron Guardian exercise, giving you a first taste of scenario-based training.
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Personalised feedback on select exercises from an ALCON instructor.
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Professional Certificate of Completion for your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.
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Pathway to the full IACC, with advanced modules, live coaching, community access and course credit if you choose to continue.
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Designed and delivered by a veteran intelligence professional with years of operational, instructional, and leadership experience.
The Intelligence Analyst Primer Curriculum
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Introduction to the Intelligence Analyst Primer
3 lessons- Welcome to the Intelligence Analyst Primer
- Meet your Instructor
- How this course will run
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1.0 Intelligence Fundamentals
29 lesson- Module Introduction
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1.1 Describe Intelligence
- Submodule Intro
- 1.1.1 Define intelligence
- 1.1.2 Intelligence Characteristics
- 1.1.3 Types of Intelligence
- 1.1.4 Levels of Intelligence
- Further Reading: Types and Levels of Intelligence
- Confirm Describe Intelligence
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1.2 The Intelligence Community
- Intelligence Community Intro
- 1.2.1 Government Agencies
- 1.2.2 Private Agencies
- 1.2.3 NGOs
- 1.2.4 The OSINT Community
- Confirm the Intelligence Community
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1.3 Understand Ethical Considerations
- Introduction to Ethical Considerations
- 1.3.1 Ethics in Intelligence
- 1.3.2 Legal Considerations
- 1.3.3 Your Responsibilities as an Intelligence Analyst
- Further Reading: Ethics in Intelligence
- Confirm Ethical Considerations
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1.4 Introduction to the Intelligence Cycle
- Introduction to the Intelligence Cycle
- 1.4.1 The Intelligence Cycle
- Confirm Introduction to the Intelligence Cycle
- Case Study: The Intelligence Cycle During COVID-19
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1.5 Introduction to Intelligence Systems
- Introduction to Intelligence Systems
- 1.5.1 The Intelligence System
- 1.5.2 Your role in the Intelligence System
- Confirm Intelligence Systems
- Module Validation: Intelligence Fundamentals
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2.0 The Intelligence Analyst
25 lesson- Module Overview
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Exercise Crazy Craters
- Exercise Instructions
- Exercise solution
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2.1 Characteristics of an Intelligence Analyst
- Introduction to Characteristics of an Analyst
- 2.1.1 Role of the Intelligence Analyst
- Case Study: My Role as a Principal Analyst
- 2.1.2 Attributes of an Intelligence Analyst
- Confirm Characteristics of an Analyst
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2.2 The Mindset of an Analyst
- Introduction to the Mindset of an Analyst
- 2.2.1 Intellectual Curiosity
- 2.2.2 Working Under Extreme Pressure
- 2.2.3 Mental Resilience when Viewing Objectionable Material
- Case Study: Real-time Resilience
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2.3 The Critical Thinker
- Submodule Introduction
- 2.3.1 Define Critical Thinking in Intelligence Analysis
- 2.3.2 Eight Elements of Thought
- Welcome to Exercise Iron Guardian - Critical Thinking Exercise
- CRITICAL THINKING EXERCISE SUBMISSION
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2.5 Cognitive Biases
- Cognitive Bias Sub-module Introduction
- 2.5.1 What is Cognitive Bias?
- 2.5.2 Common Cognitive Biases
- 2.5.3 How to Overcome Bias
- Exercise Iron Guardian - Cognitive Bias Exercise
- Exercise Iron Guardian - Cognitive Bias Exercise Submission
- Module Validation: The Intelligence Analyst
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Course Completion
0 lessons
MEET YOURÂ INSTRUCTOR
Cole Proebstel - Director of ALCON Intelligence and a 15-year veteran of the New Zealand military. He’s led intelligence teams across operations, government, and law enforcement, and now trains the next generation of analysts through practical, real-world instruction.
Cole is a proud member of the International Association for Intelligence Education and the New Zealand Institute of Intelligence Professionals.
