Summary: ASSUREd Safe is a national program providing standardized UAS training, certification, and credentialing for first responders, ensuring safe, interoperable, and effective drone operations during disasters and emergencies.
Backed by FEMA, the FAA, and a coalition of universities, it equips agencies with hands-on skills, real-world experience, and up-to-date standards to enhance situational awareness and coordination across jurisdictions.
When disaster strikes - a raging wildfire, a devastating hurricane, or a search for a missing person - seconds and situational awareness can mean the difference between life and death. Across America, first responders are increasingly turning to a new tool in their kit: drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
With transformative technology comes great promise - and responsibility. That’s where ASSUREd Safe steps in as a national game-changer.
ASSUREd Safe is a non-profit, federated ecosystem providing standards, education, training, testing, certification, and credentialing for first responders’ use of UAS in public safety and disaster operations.
Think of it as the “gold standard” pathway - delivering structured training, hands-on skills, and meaningful credentials to fire departments, law enforcement, emergency managers, and government agencies nationwide.
Managed by the FAA’s Center of Excellence (COE) for UAS, ASSURE, and championed by Mississippi State University, ASSUREd Safe is a true national effort.
Before ASSUREd Safe, there was no single national authority to credential and standardize UAS training for first responders. This led to:
ASSUREd Safe addresses these gaps, providing robust, credentialed training that works nationwide — and eventually, internationally.
ASSUREd Safe offers a range of accessible, practical training programs:
Thanks to FEMA sponsorship, many courses are free for first responders, making training accessible even for rural or underfunded departments.
ASSUREd Safe is powered by a coalition of universities and federal partners, ensuring cutting-edge training and research. Key partners include:
Alongside the FAA and select industry partners, these institutions shape curriculum, lead research, and maintain safety and effectiveness standards.
ASSUREd Safe has already transformed first responder operations. Trainees gain:
Case in Point:
A West Virginia detective, trained by ASSUREd Safe, says:
“We use drones for suspect apprehensions, search-and-rescue missions, disaster recovery, and crash reconstruction. The drone is no longer a futuristic add-on; it’s an essential emergency tool.”
First responders have already applied their skills to launch new UAS programs, strengthen existing ones, and support real-world disaster responses.
ASSUREd Safe isn’t just preparing agencies for today’s emergencies - it’s future-proofing them.
This ensures consistent, safe, and interoperable UAS operations nationwide.
ASSUREd Safe is more than a program - it’s a movement.
As drone technology advances, the program will continue to expand course offerings, refine certification tracks, and strengthen collaboration across academia, federal agencies, industry, and first responders.
ASSUREd Safe’s goal is to make every first responder UAS operator safer, smarter, and more connected than ever.
What is the ASSUREd Safe program
It’s a non-profit federated ecosystem offering standards, education, training, testing and credentialing for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) use by first-responders in public-safety and disaster operations.
Why does ASSUREd Safe matter for first responders using drones?
Before this program, UAS training for public safety was inconsistent—creating issues with interoperability across jurisdictions, variable pilot proficiency, and fewer qualified drone operators during emergencies. ASSUREd Safe addresses those gaps.
Who are the key partners behind ASSUREd Safe?
The program is managed by the FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS (ASSURE) and is supported by a coalition of universities (such as Mississippi State University, Kansas State University, New Mexico State University, University of North Dakota, and University of Vermont) along with industry and federal agency partners.
What types of training and credentials does ASSUREd Safe deliver?
Are the ASSUREd Safe courses accessible to smaller or rural agencies?
Yes — many courses are sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are free for first-responders, making the training more accessible for underfunded or rural departments.
How does this program tie in with drone detection and security?
While ASSUREd Safe focuses on training first-responders to use drones safely and effectively, the blog’s host company, AeroDefense, notes that part of airspace security is also knowing “the pilot” and their intent — so training in UAS operations enhances overall safety and readiness of the airspace environment.
What are the key takeaways for an agency considering UAS training via ASSUREd Safe?