DoD CUI: Policy & Practice Training Course

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requires careful handling even though it is not classified information. This training course provides employees and professionals with a practical understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) CUI, including how to identify, mark, safeguard, disseminate, and report issues involving controlled information.

Participants learn the difference between CUI Basic and CUI Specified, understand appropriate access and dissemination requirements, and learn how to respond when CUI is improperly marked, disclosed, or misused. The course helps organizations strengthen their information-handling practices and reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosure.

Training Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and identify its different types
• Distinguish CUI from classified information
• Understand the differences between CUI Basic and CUI Specified
• Identify appropriate CUI marking procedures
• Understand proper safeguards for protecting CUI
• Apply appropriate dissemination protocols
• Recognize who may have access to CUI for a lawful government purpose
• Identify potential unauthorized disclosures and misuse of CUI
• Understand how to respond to incorrectly marked CUI
• Apply appropriate practices for protecting sensitive government information

Course Overview

Handling government information carries important responsibilities. Although Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) does not require a security clearance in the same way classified information does, it is still subject to controls governing how it is accessed, handled, safeguarded, and disseminated.

This course introduces participants to the fundamentals of DoD Controlled Unclassified Information and explains why proper handling is important. Participants learn how to recognize CUI and understand the requirements that apply when working with information that has been designated for controlled dissemination.

The training explains the two primary safeguarding categories: CUI Basic and CUI Specified. Participants learn how these categories differ and why specific laws, regulations, or government-wide policies may establish additional requirements for certain types of CUI.

Proper marking is an important part of CUI management. The course explains how CUI should be identified and marked, including the use of appropriate banner markings, CUI control information, categories, and limited dissemination markings. Participants also learn why documents should contain information identifying the designating agency.

Incorrectly marked CUI can create confusion about how information should be handled. The course explains the appropriate response when CUI appears to be improperly marked, including notifying the sending or designating agency and requesting corrected documentation when necessary.

Participants also learn about CUI safeguarding and dissemination. Access to CUI should be limited to individuals with a lawful government purpose for receiving the information. Understanding these requirements helps employees avoid unnecessary disclosures and ensures that sensitive information is provided only to appropriate individuals or organizations.

The course addresses what can happen when CUI is improperly disclosed or misused and emphasizes the importance of following established organizational policies and procedures. By understanding how CUI is identified, marked, safeguarded, and disseminated, employees can play an important role in protecting sensitive government information.

This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.

Key Benefits

• Build a practical understanding of DoD Controlled Unclassified Information
• Learn the difference between CUI and classified information
• Understand CUI Basic and CUI Specified
• Recognize appropriate CUI markings and handling requirements
• Improve CUI safeguarding practices
• Understand appropriate dissemination procedures
• Learn how to respond to incorrectly marked CUI
• Recognize the risks associated with unauthorized disclosure or misuse
• Strengthen employee awareness of sensitive government information
• Support organizational CUI handling and compliance practices

Course Details

• Course Length: 14 minutes
• Language Options: English, Spanish, and French closed captions
• Progress Tracking: Included
• Mobile Compatible: Yes
• Participant Guide: Downloadable participant guide included
• Access: Streaming video on-demand access included with license
• LMS Compatibility: Compatible with your LMS or accessible via hosted LMS platform
• Year Produced: 2026
• SKU: AT240

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is appropriate for employees and professionals who handle or may have access to Controlled Unclassified Information, including:

• Government employees
• Department of Defense personnel
• Government contractors
• Defense contractors
• Administrative and support personnel
• Employees responsible for information management
• Compliance and security personnel
• Employees who handle government documents or information
• Organizations responsible for safeguarding or disseminating CUI

Why CUI Training Matters

CUI may not be classified, but improper handling can still expose sensitive government information to unauthorized individuals. Employees need to understand when information is subject to CUI controls and how to handle it appropriately throughout its lifecycle.

Training employees on CUI identification, marking, safeguarding, dissemination, and incident response can help organizations establish more consistent information-handling practices and reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosure.