Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) provides an internationally recognised framework for the recovery, identification, and reconciliation of victims in mass fatality incidents. Through adherence to global protocols, DVI ensures accuracy, dignity, and coordination during some of the most complex public safety operations. To support international consistency and competence, IPSQA offers a three-tier certification pathway: CorePass® DVI Awareness verifies foundational knowledge for entry-level personnel; the Award in Public Safety (DVI Operator) confirms the skills and competence required to operate independently; and the Certificate in Public Safety (DVI Specialist) recognises leaders and coordinators capable of directing DVI operations to international best practice. Together, these certifications create a structured route from awareness to operational expertise and command-level proficiency.

CorePass® Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Awareness

Laying the foundation for professional competence in disaster victim identification.

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) requires precision, collaboration, and respect in the most challenging environments. CorePass® DVI Awareness is the first step in the IPSQA recognition pathway, providing independent verification of a candidate’s understanding of international DVI principles, team structures, and essential procedures. It confirms a solid base of knowledge before progressing to operational or leadership roles in DVI.

This certification enhances confidence for both agencies and candidates by setting a validated international benchmark. Whether used as a stand-alone assessment or integrated into entry-level training, CorePass® DVI Awareness establishes a foundation for consistency and deployability in critical mass fatality management operations.

Syllabus Summary

• Define the key principles, phases, and processes of Disaster Victim Identification.
• Explain the roles, functions, and structure of a DVI team.
• Identify disaster types and scenarios requiring a DVI response.
• Recognise health, safety, and welfare factors, including PPE and risk assessment protocols.
• Outline effective scene management and evidence preservation planning.
• Describe requirements for ante-mortem and post-mortem data collection and packaging.
• Identify and explain the purpose of internationally recognised DVI forms.
• Demonstrate awareness of search, recovery, and the respectful handling of human remains and effects.
• Summarise basic forensic identification methods and consider risks of misidentification with mitigation strategies.
• Communicate and reflect within multidisciplinary DVI environments, including teamwork, scenario planning, and psychological resilience.

Target Audience:

• New emergency services or law enforcement personnel preparing for DVI duties under supervision.
• Forensic, mortuary, or medical staff developing entry-level recognition for disaster response.
• Humanitarian or disaster management candidates seeking independent competency validation.
• Personnel progressing toward IPSQA Award in Public Safety (DVI Operator).
• Agencies seeking assurance of baseline readiness in staff prior to DVI deployments.

Award in Public Safety (DVI Operator)

Professional recognition for autonomous DVI operators.

Building upon the CorePass® DVI Awareness, the Award in Public Safety (DVI Operator) verifies that candidates have the competencies and experience to carry out assigned operational tasks independently. This ISO17024-compliant certification confirms practical skill, knowledge, and professional conduct to international standards.

Candidates demonstrate readiness to manage DVI responsibilities on scene, ensuring accuracy, safety, and respect within multidisciplinary teams. The Award is assessed through examination, skills testing, and submission of a portfolio of operational evidence reviewed independently by IPSQA Assessors.

Core Pre-Requisites:

• CorePass® DVI Awareness
• CorePass® Bloodborne Pathogens
• CorePass® HAZMAT Awareness
• CorePass® Stress Injury Awareness

Target Audience:

• Police, forensic, and recovery personnel conducting hands-on DVI activities.
• Experienced responders seeking ISO17024-recognised operator certification.
• Emergency service staff assigned to international disaster response deployments.
• Agencies requiring documented proof of operational DVI capability.
• Candidates preparing to progress toward specialist-level leadership roles.

Certificate in Public Safety (DVI Specialist)

Validating leadership and command-level DVI capability.

The Certificate in Public Safety (DVI Specialist) represents the highest level of IPSQA DVI certification, ensuring candidates can lead and coordinate complex operations. This ISO17024-compliant certification validates strategic oversight, scene coordination, family liaison, and adherence to international best practice in managing mass fatality incidents.

Candidates must evidence advanced operational, leadership, and management competencies within the DVI framework. Assessment includes written examination, skills evaluation, and submission of an independently reviewed portfolio of experience.

Core Pre-Requisites:

• Award in Public Safety (DVI Operator)
• CorePass® Incident Management
• CorePass® Heat Illness Prevention
• CorePass® INSARAG First Responder
• CorePass® Family Liaison I

Target Audience:

• Senior police or agency personnel leading DVI operations.
• Scene commanders and phase coordinators (PM/AM) within mass fatality responses.
• Personnel engaged in international deployment and cross-border DVI operations.
• Disaster managers integrating forensic processes into large-scale incident response.
• Agencies requiring demonstration of leadership capability meeting global standards.