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Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (RQF)

Professional Training for Tomorrow's Protectors

The Close Protection Operative (CPO), licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), plays a vital role in safeguarding individuals who are at heightened risk due to their public profile, profession, assets, or affiliations. These operatives are often referred to as bodyguards, but their responsibilities extend far beyond physical presence—they are highly trained professionals tasked with planning, threat mitigation, and rapid response under pressure.

If you dream of working as a bodyguard close protection operative for celebrities and want to experience glamor of the rich and famous plus you have a passion for security, this is the qualification for you.

What Is Close Protection?

Close protection is a specialist field within the private security industry, focused on the personal safety of clients. These clients may include:

VIPs and celebrities
Government officials and diplomats
High-net-worth individuals
Foreign dignitaries
Corporate executives
Witnesses under protection

CPOs work either individually or as part of a protection team, adapting their operations based on the client's risk profile and environment.

After Completing This Course

After doing the close protection training you would be able to apply for the highly esteemed close protection license from SIA which will allow you to work as a close protection officer in the United Kingdom.

You may escort and accompany celebrities and dignitaries to other countries.

Course Description

We aim to provide you with solutions to obtain the most affordable close protection qualification in the UK. Less price for the close protection course does not mean that we would compromise on quality.

General Information

Guided Learning Hours:194
Credit Value:24
Duration:18 Days
Price:£2800
Assessment:Portfolio, Physical Tasks, MCQ

Training Commitment

The close protection course linking to SIA license can be completed in a period of thirteen days.

You have to remember that in order to complete this qualification you be required to demonstrate you have dedication and commitment to finish the close protection training over a period of thirteen days.

Qualification Overview

Unit TitleLevelCreditGLHTUT
Principles of Working as a Close Protection Operative386875
Working as a Close Protection Operative397094
Application of Conflict Management in the Private Security Industry211113
Knowledge of Door Supervision Responsibilities for Close Protection Operatives211013
Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry221317
Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry (Close Protection)222020
Principles of Terror Threat Awareness in the Private Security Industry2123
Total-24194235

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions. The learner should be:

Must be 18+ years old
Must have competency in English

What You Will Learn

Understand the legislation that to people working in the close protection industry
Roles and responsibilities of the Close Protection Operative
Know the importance of threat assessment and risk management
Introduction to Surveillance techniques
Venue security operations
Know how to design and demonstrate operational planning
Importance of interpersonal skills
Teamwork and its importance
Reconnaissance
How to conduct close protection foot drills
Planning and selecting routes
Vehicle movement tactics and operations
Search techniques and procedures for close protection operations
Apply conflict management techniques providing close protection

Practical Skills Development

Unit 1 Skills

Carry out basic search techniques for people, vehicles, and property
Conduct room search
Complete a reconnaissance activity
Use basic surveillance, anti-surveillance, and counter surveillance techniques
Apply basic negotiation skills

Unit 2 Skills

Conduct a team briefing, handover and debrief
Complete a threat and risk assessment using a decision-making model
Develop an operational plan
Produce primary and secondary route plans using paper-based and technology-based resources
Implement an operational plan
Use a flexible approach to protection on foot
Use a range of communication techniques on foot
Carry out body protection of a principal
Extraction of a principal on foot
Embus and debus techniques
Manage a close protection operation

First Aid Requirement

It is an SIA requirement that centres must confirm that each learner has a valid first aid qualification OR can evidence sufficient training or experience to the:

Level 3 First aid at work award (RQF)

DO YOU HAVE A VALID FIRST AID AT WORK QUALIFICATION?

If your first aid qualification is less than three years old, you will not be required to retake the course. However, you must provide valid evidence of your certification on the first day of training.

SIA License Renewal & Recertification Training (Refresher)

To maintain your SIA Close Protection Licence, you must complete mandatory refresher training every three years.

This is a national regulatory requirement and a condition for license renewal.

Close Protection Refresher Course

Duration:3 Days
Price:£350
Assessment:Written exams, practical demonstrations
Delivery:Classroom and physical environment

Refresher Training Units

Unit 1Principles of Terror Threat Awareness in the Private Security Industry

Understand current and emerging terror threats, security procedures, and awareness techniques relevant to Close Protection.

Unit 2Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor for Close Protection Operatives

Covers the roles and responsibilities specific to Door Supervision, including licensing, ejection protocols, and customer service for licensed venues.

Unit 3Application of Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives

Practical, scenario-based training on intervention, control, and restraint techniques under the Close Protection context.

Unit 4Application of Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry

Focuses on incident resolution and the safe application of physical skills, including use of force principles and legal considerations.

Note: You must complete this refresher course before your license expires. Failure to do so may result in delays or disqualification from renewal.

Begin Your Journey in Executive Protection

Train with professionals. Qualify with confidence. Operate at the highest level in the private security industry.

Skydatasol Security — Where training meets precision, and protection begins with purpose.