Who is eligible to attend the Level 1 Instructor Course?

The course is restricted to active sworn law enforcement officers, military personnel, first responders, and tactical operators.

How long is the Level 1 Certification valid?

The Level 1 Certification is valid for 2 years from completion.

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INSTRUCTOR LEVEL I CERTIFICATION

Level 1 Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification

Effective Fitness Combatives (EFC) provides 40-hour, in-person courses designed by cops, for cops. Equip yourself with the pressure-tested skills necessary to train, lead your peers, and raise the standard of defensive tactics and use of force training in your agency.

Level I Certification
(40 Hours)

Designed by Cops, for Cops

Best in class Instructor Cadre

The purpose of this instructor course is to create effective LE Professionals.

These courses were designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to train and lead your peers in an effort to raise the standard of training as it pertains to combatives, defensive tactics, and use of force situations.

Find an upcoming course to attend near you.

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Overview

Here is what our school offers

01.

Tailored To Law Enforcement Officers

Designed for experienced, proactive, and open-minded LEOs looking to train and lead others in effective combatives tactics.

02.

Level 1 Instructor Certification

40 Hours In-Person Training with

Effective Demonstration of Employing Course Objectives. Exam

03.

2 Year Certification

Level 1 & Level 2 Certifications are Good for 2 Years. Repeat the Course or Level Up to Maintain Certification.*

*A One Time Online Recertification is allowed for the Level 1 Course

04.

24/7 Access

24/7 access to our platform where you can explore resources, continue your professional development, share thoughts and ideas, increase your connection, get assistance from our Subject Matter Experts to include case law and expert documentation.

05.

Best In Class Instructor Cadre

Over 250+ years combined experience from our instructor cadre using street pressure tested combatives.

Host an EFC Course at Your Agency Facility

Upcoming Level 1 Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification courses

EF Combatives (EFC) offers POST/IADLEST-accredited, in-person instructor certification for law enforcement. The following 66 upcoming Level 1 Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification course(s) are scheduled (updated July 22, 2026). Certification is valid for two years, with a one-time online recertification option for Level 1.

Jul 20–23, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Fredericksburg, VA, hosted by Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy (4 Days). Public. IADLEST NCP. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/fredericksburgva-july2026
Jul 27–31, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in San Antonio, TX, hosted by San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (5 Days). Public. TCOLE Approved. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/sanantoniotx-july2026
Jul 27–31, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Manchester, NJ, hosted by Manchester Township Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/manchesternj-july2026
Aug 3–7, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Elverson, PA, hosted by Carnarvon Township Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. MPOETC - CLEE Approved. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/elversonpa-august2026
Aug 3–7, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Des Moines, IA, hosted by Iowa Department of Public Safety (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/desmoinesia-august2026
Aug 3–6, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Charleston, SC, hosted by Charleston Police Department (4 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-charleston-south-carolina-2026-08-03
Aug 10–14, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Memphis, TN, hosted by Shelby County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Sold Out. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/memphistn-august2026
Aug 10–13, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Spartanburg, SC, hosted by Spartanburg Police Department (4 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/spartanburgsc-august2026
Aug 10–14, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Mason, MI, hosted by Ingham County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-mason-mi-2026-08-10
Aug 17–21, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Davie, FL, hosted by Broward College - Institute of Public Safety (5 Days). LEO Only. IADLEST NCP. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/daviefl-august2026
Aug 31 – Sep 4, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Brea, CA, hosted by Brea Police Department (5 Days). Public. CA POST Approved. Sold Out. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/breaca-september2026
Sep 14–17, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Carmichael, CA, hosted by Sacramento County Sheriff's Office (4 Days). LEO Only. Sold Out. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/carmichaelca-september2026
Sep 14–17, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Monroeville, PA, hosted by Monroeville Police Department (4 Days). Public. MPOETC - CLEE Approved. Sold Out. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/monroevillepa-september2026
Sep 14–17, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Marquette, MI, hosted by Northern Michigan University Public Safety Institute Consortium (4 Days). MCOLE Approved. Sold Out.
Sep 28 – Oct 1, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Amarillo, TX, hosted by Panhandle Regional LE Academy (4 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-amarillo-tx-2026-09-28
Oct 5–9, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Auburn Hills, MI, hosted by Oakland Police Academy (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/auburnhillsmi-october2026
Oct 6–9, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Forest Lake, MN, hosted by Forest Lake Police Department (4 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/forestlakemn-october2026
Oct 12–16, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Round Rock, TX, hosted by Round Rock Police Department (5 Days). TCOLE Approved. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/roundrocktx-october2026
Oct 12–16, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Dothan, AL, hosted by Dothan Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Responsibility of the Hosting Agency. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/dothanal-january2026
Oct 19–22, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Medford, OR, hosted by Medford Police Department (4 Days). LEO Only. POST Approved. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/medfordor-october2026
Oct 19–23, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Salisbury, MD, hosted by Salisbury Police Department (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/salisburymd-october2026
Oct 19–23, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in London, Ontario, Canada, hosted by London Police Service (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-london-canada-2026-10-19
Nov 2–5, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Brisbane QLD, Australia, hosted by QLD, Australia (4 Days). LEO Only. ILETSB Approved. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/brisbaneaustralia-mach2026
Nov 2–6, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Golden, CO, hosted by Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Lakewood Police Department Combined Regional Academy (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-golden-co-2026-11-02
Nov 9–13, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Lawrenceville, GA, hosted by Gwinnett Police Department (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/lawrencevillega-november2026
Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Luxembourg, Luxembourg, hosted by Luxembourg Police Department (5 Days). Sold Out.
Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Los Angeles, CA, hosted by Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Police Dept. (5 Days). Sold Out.
Nov 30 – Dec 4, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Phoenix, AZ, hosted by Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-phoenix-az-2026-11-30
Dec 7–11, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Davenport, IA, hosted by Davenport Police Department (5 Days). Public. IADLEST NCP. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/devenportia-december2026
Dec 7–11, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Helena, MT, hosted by Montana Law Enforcement Academy (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/helenamt-december2026
Dec 14–18, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Henderson, NV, hosted by Henderson Police Department (5 Days). Public. POST Approved. Sold Out. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/hendersonnv-december2026
Dec 14–18, 2026 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Surrey, BC, Canada, hosted by Surrey Police Service (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/surreybccanada-december2026
Jan 4–8, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Riverside, CA, hosted by Riverside Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/riversideca-january2027
Jan 11–15, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Elkhart, IN, hosted by Elkhart Regional Training Center (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/elkhartin-january2027
Jan 11–15, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Los Angeles, CA, hosted by Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Police Dept. (5 Days). Sold Out.
Jan 11–15, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in San Marcos, TX, hosted by Hays County Sheriff's Office Training Academy (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-san-marcos-tx-2027-01-11
Jan 18–22, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in San Angelo, TX, hosted by San Angelo Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-san-angelo-tx-2027-01-18
Jan 18–21, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Commerce City, CO, hosted by Adams County Sheriff's Office Colorado (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-commerce-city-co-2027-01-18
Jan 25–29, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Troy, MI, hosted by Troy Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/troymi-january2027
Jan 25–29, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Richardson, TX, hosted by Richardson Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-richardson-tx-2027-01-25
Feb 1–5, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Akron, OH, hosted by Akron Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/akronoh-february2027
Feb 1–5, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Fresno, CA, hosted by Fresno County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-fresno-ca-2027-02-01
Feb 8–12, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Folsom, PA, hosted by Ridley Township Police (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-folsom-pa-2027-02-08
Feb 8–12, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Cicero, IL, hosted by Cicero Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-cicero-il-2027-02-08
Feb 15–19, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Vero Beach, FL, hosted by Vero Beach Police Department (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-vero-beach-fl-2027-02-15
Feb 22–26, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Lansing, MI, hosted by Lansing Police Department (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-lansing-mi-2027-02-22
Mar 8–12, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Meridian, Idaho, hosted by Ada County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-meridian-idaho-2027-03-08
Mar 22–26, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Georgetown, KY, hosted by Scott County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/georgetownky-march2027
Mar 29 – Apr 2, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Bernallillo, NM, hosted by Sandoval County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-bernallillo-nm-2027-03-29
Mar 29 – Apr 2, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Salem, Oregon, hosted by Marion County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-salem-oregon-2027-03-29
Apr 5–9, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Grayling, MI, hosted by Kirtland Community College Criminal Justice Programs (5 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/graylingmi-april2027
Apr 5–9, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Georgetown, SC, hosted by Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-georgetown-sc-2027-04-05
Apr 12–15, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in West Fargo, ND, hosted by West Fargo Police Department (4 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-west-fargo-north-dakota-2027-04-12
Apr 19–23, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in White Springs, Florida, hosted by Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-white-springs-florida-2027-04-19
Apr 26–30, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Racine, WI, hosted by City of Racine Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/racinewi-april2027
May 3–7, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Pittsford, VT, hosted by Rutland City Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-pittsford-vermont-2027-05-03
May 3–7, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Tracy, CA, hosted by Tracy Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-tracy-ca-2027-05-03
May 10–14, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Golden, CO, hosted by Colorado State Patrol (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/goldenco-may2027
Jun 7–11, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Cheektowaga, NY, hosted by Cheektowaga Police Department (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-cheektowaga-ny-2027-06-07
Jun 7–11, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Appling, GA, hosted by Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-appling-ga-2027-06-07
Jun 14–18, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Valhalla, New York, hosted by Westchester County Police Department (5 Days). Sold Out.
Jun 21–25, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Tucson, AZ, hosted by Pima County Sheriff (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-tucson-az-2027-06-21
Jun 29 – Jul 2, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Bryan, TX, hosted by Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX LAW)) (4 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-bryan-texas-2027-06-29
Jul 19–23, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Tallahassee, FL, hosted by Florida Public Safety Institute (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-tallahassee-fl-2027-07-19
Aug 16–20, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Noblesville, IN, hosted by Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (5 Days). LEO Only. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-noblesville-in-2027-08-16
Oct 25–28, 2027 — Level 1 - Instructor Certification in Fairfax, VA, hosted by Fairfax County Police Department (4 Days). Public. Open. Registration: https://www.efcombatives.com/course/level-1-fairfax-va-2027-10-25

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Level 1 Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification

Find an upcoming course to attend near you.

Search courses by location

Here is what our school offers

Tailored To Law Enforcement Officers

Level 1 Instructor Certification

2 Year Certification

24/7 Access

Best In Class Instructor Cadre

Host an EFC Course at Your Agency Facility

Subscribe to our newsletter

Helpful links

EFC Level 1 Defensive Tactics Instructor Certification Course

Level 1 Instructor Curriculum Modules

Module 1: Principles of Subject Control & Leverage

Module 2: Wall Pins & Structure Control

Module 3: Vehicle Extractions & Enclosed Spaces

Module 4: Weapon Retention & Anti-Disarming

Module 5: Standing Takedowns & Ground Control

Module 6: Crossfire Mitigation & Positioning

Module 7: Instructional Methodology & Adult Learning

Module 8: Evaluation & Certification Exam

World-Class LEO Instructor Cadre

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible to attend the EFC Level 1 Course?

How long is the Level 1 Instructor Certification valid?

How do agencies host an EFC course?