Certified Intelligence Analyst (CIA)

Courses Syllabus

Introduction

The Certified Intelligence Analyst (CIA) programme is designed to enhance your analytical thinking, strategic insight, and intelligence management skills to help you make informed, data-driven decisions that impact organisational success.

This comprehensive five-day course in Madrid will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to gather, interpret, and communicate intelligence effectively — whether you work in security, government, defence, law enforcement, or corporate strategy.

Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, you will develop the ability to identify emerging threats, anticipate risks, and transform information into actionable intelligence. By the end of this training, you’ll be equipped with advanced analytical techniques and the confidence to make decisive, evidence-based recommendations that shape strategic outcomes.

In this programme, you will learn about:

• Understand the intelligence cycle and its key components
• Apply structured analytical techniques for better decision-making
• Detect, assess, and mitigate security and operational risks
• Strengthen your ability to evaluate data sources and verify information credibility
• Communicate intelligence findings clearly to influence strategic planning
• Lead intelligence projects and manage high-performing analytical teams

Objectives

• Develop strong analytical and critical thinking capabilities
• Enhance your ability to interpret complex information and trends
• Build effective intelligence networks and systems
• Learn to present intelligence reports that drive action and policy
• Improve coordination between intelligence, operations, and leadership functions
• Gain confidence in managing intelligence-led operations and investigations

Contents

Day One

The Foundations of Intelligence Analysis

• Understanding the Intelligence Cycle – From Collection to Dissemination
• Types and Sources of Intelligence: HUMINT, OSINT, SIGINT, and More
• Critical Thinking and Analytical Mindset
• Warehouse automation
• The Role of the Analyst in Decision Support
• Case Study: Identifying Key Indicators and Early Warning Signs

Day Two

Structured Analytical Techniques

• Analytical Frameworks for Problem Solving
• Bias Awareness and How to Minimise Analytical Errors
• Scenario Planning and Hypothesis Testing
• Data Validation and Source Reliability
• Developing Intelligence Briefs and Situation Reports

Day Three

Intelligence Management and Strategic Application

• Integrating Intelligence into Organisational Strategy
• Building and Leading an Intelligence Unit
• Collaboration Between Analysts, Operations, and Executives
• Using Technology and AI Tools for Intelligence Gathering
• Managing Confidential Information and Data Security

Day Four

Risk Assessment, Motivation, and Decision-Making

• Risk Analysis and Threat Evaluation Models
• Behavioural Indicators and Predictive Intelligence
• Motivating and Leading Analytical Teams
• Turning Intelligence into Actionable Insight
• Case Study: Real-Time Decision-Making Simulation

Day Five

Intelligence Communication and Leadership in Action

• Presenting Intelligence Findings Effectively
• Writing and Delivering Executive-Level Intelligence Reports
• Briefing Techniques and Stakeholder Communication
• Managing Crises and Leading Under Pressure
• The Future of Intelligence Analysis – Emerging Trends and Global Challenges

Who Should Attend

This programme is ideal for:

• Intelligence and security professionals
• Risk and compliance officers
• Law enforcement and defence personnel
• Corporate analysts and decision-makers
• Anyone involved in strategic analysis, investigations, or information management

Course Benefits

By completing this five-day Certified Intelligence Analyst (CIA) course in Madrid, you
will return to your organisation with a refined analytical toolkit, enhanced decision-making
ability, and the confidence to interpret intelligence data with precision and clarity. You’ll be
prepared to lead with insight, manage intelligence processes effectively, and deliver
high-impact results in a rapidly evolving security landscape.