 THE COURSE THAT WILL REDEFINE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE
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The CARVER Decision Advantage System™
Stop Guessing. Start Calculating Better Decisions.
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Three online courses, two USF-issued certifications, one structured methodology. Learn the same decision-making system used by CIA officers, military planners, and Fortune 500 security teams — taught by CARVER architects Leo Labaj and Luke Bencie.Â
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Three Courses. One Progression.
CARVER Essentials™
6 modules + bonus Q&A
The foundation. Learn the six CARVER criteria and how to break complex situations into clear, measurable parts.
CARVER Mindset™
10 modules · 25-question exam →CCMA™
Think like an intelligence professional. Observe, read intent, and act on limited information with speed.
CARVER TAVA®
12 modules · 50-question exam → CCAP®
The operational layer. Conduct full target analyses and vulnerability assessments with defensible scoring.
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Three Programs. One Powerful System for Better Decisions.
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The CARVER Decision Advantage System™ takes you from foundational understanding to real-world application of one of the most powerful decision-making methodologies used by the CIA, military planners, and Fortune 500 organizations. It is not a single course. It is a structured progression through three integrated programs.
Through concise, on-demand video modules, you first build the foundation in Essentials, then train your observation and anticipation in Mindset, and finally apply the full methodology in TAVA; assessing risk, analyzing targets, and making clear, defensible decisions. Whether you work in security, intelligence, or business the system gives you the clarity, structure, and confidence to make smarter decisions under pressure.
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Learning Objectives & Outcomes
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One core capability: making faster, smarter, and more defensible decisions under pressure.
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By the end of the system, you will be able to:
- Break down complex problems into clear, actionable components using the CARVER framework
- Identify, prioritize, and protect what matters most in any organization or environment
- Think like an adversary — anticipating threats, intent, and courses of action
- Quantify and justify decisions with defensible scoring and prioritization
- Develop Design Basis Threat (DBT) scenarios and build a true threat spectrum
- Analyze recovery timelines and operational resilience after a disruption
- Communicate findings that support leadership decisions, budgets, and strategy
- Position yourself for growth in security, intelligence, business, and leadership roles
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Course Delivery
Video Lectures
Clear, concise on-demand instruction through every phase of the methodology.
Case Studies
Real-world scenarios across security, business, and strategic environments.
Downloadable Tools
Scoring spreadsheets, threat-spectrum formulas, PDF references, and worksheets.
Certification Exams
Mindset exam (25 questions) and TAVA certification exam (50 questions).
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The CARVER AI Prompt Library
50 CARVER-specific AI prompts across ten areas of responsibility, including:
- Intelligence collection and situational awareness
- Risk and vulnerability assessments
- Strategic planning
- Sales, negotiation, and influence
- Crisis management and incident response
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Curriculum Summary
The curriculum is organized around three courses: CARVER Essentials™, CARVER Mindset™, and CARVER TAVA®.
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What People Say About the Program
Introductory offer
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Purchased separately: $3,591
$2,997 (Save $594Â )
AI Prompt Library included free
GET CERTIFIED — $2,997
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Add two credentials to your professional résumé. Through the CARVER Training Institute's partnership with the University of South Florida's Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education, students who pass both exams earn:
- Certified CARVER Mindset Analyst™ (CCMA)
- Certified CARVER Assessment Professional® (CCAP)
Each comes with a Credly digital badge for LinkedIn. The courses also carry continuing education units (CEUs) recognized by organizations such as ASIS International and NASBA.
Who should attend
This system is ideal for:
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Business leaders & executives seeking better decision-making tools
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Security and risk management professionals
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Military, law enforcement, and intelligence personnel
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Entrepreneurs and team managers
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Anyone looking to sharpen critical thinking and prioritization
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About the Instructors
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Leo Labaj
"The Godfather of CARVER"
A veteran of the U.S. Navy, the Air National Guard, and the CIA with more than 40 years of government and commercial experience. At the CIA he developed the Defense Against Terrorism Survey, used to assess borders, high-threat facilities, and over 100 international airports. He served on the FAA's Blue Ribbon Panel on Airport Security and has led assessments of water utilities, chemical facilities, and 11 U.S. Naval facilities.
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Luke Bencie
Author of eight books on security and intelligence and founder of modern CARVER
Over two decades in the U.S. Intelligence Community, travel to more than 130 countries, and a certified CIA training instructor. He began as a technical operations officer at the CIA and later worked for Raytheon. Since 2010 he has run Security Management International, serving the DoD, DOJ, two dozen Fortune 500 security departments, and foreign governments.Â
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Questions About the CARVERÂ Leadership Course
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Start to Think and Decide Like an Intelligence Professional
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Every CARVER course has carried a 30-day, full money-back guarantee since 2010. If you are not completely satisfied, email us and we will refund your purchase.
GET CERTIFIED — $2,997 | Lifetime Access
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Certification Courses
CARVER 3 Day LIVE
CARVER Strategy
CARVER Leaderhip
CARVER Mindset
CARVERÂ Fundamentals
The CARVER Training Institute is accredited by these fine organizations.
