SIA Close Protection Course Level 3
Our Close Protection Level 3 programme is an intensive, operationally focused course designed to qualify candidates for the SIA Close Protection licence and prepare them for real-world deployment in the full range of protective security environments.
SIA Close Protection Course Level 3, 18 days (23 days with FREC 3)
Delivered by instructors with decades of British Military service and extensive hands-on Close Protection experience, from hostile environment operations to executive and residential protection — this is a course built by operators, for operators. Training takes place at our dedicated facility in North Wales, providing a controlled, professional training environment with the space and resources to deliver high-quality scenario-based instruction.
October 2026 intake dates are now open. Two course options are available depending on your medical training requirements and career objectives.
What Is the Close Protection Level 3 Course?
The Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry (RQF) is the SIA licence-linked qualification required to apply for an SIA Close Protection licence in the UK. To apply for the licence, candidates must have successfully completed this qualification and hold a Level 3 first aid qualification. On successful completion, the qualification also allows the holder to apply for a Door Supervisor or Security Officer licence through licence integration, making it one of the most versatile security qualifications available.
What You Will Learn
The Close Protection Level 3 programme covers all units specified by the SIA, delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, practical drills, and live scenario exercises:
Roles, responsibilities, and professional standards of a Close Protection Operative
Threat and risk assessment, methodology, planning, and implementation
Surveillance, anti-surveillance, and counter-surveillance techniques
Route reconnaissance and advance work procedures
Residential and venue security operations
Principals, clients, and managing the protection team
Convoy and vehicle operations
Conflict management and physical intervention skills
Principles of working as a door supervisor (for licence integration)
Terror threat awareness and counter-terrorism measures
Emergency procedures and crisis response
Documentation, reporting, and legal responsibilities
Live deployment exercises, assessed protective operations in real-world scenarios
Assessment is by multiple choice examinations and practical assessed exercises. All candidates must achieve the required standard across both elements to receive the qualification.
| Option 1 — CP | Option 2 — CP + FREC3 | |
| Dates | 1–23 October 2026 | 1–5 October 2026 |
| Cost | £2,750 per person | £3,000 per person |
| Medical qualification | First Aid at Work Level 3 | FREC Level 3 |
| Location | Network House, Mochdre, North Wales, LL28 5HN | |
| On completion | CP Level 3 certificate | CP Level 3 + FREC3 certificate |
| SIA licence fee | £204 (paid directly to the SIA after qualifying) | |
Course Options: October 2026
Two pathways are available for the October 2026 intake, differing in their medical training component.
Option 1 — Close Protection Level 3
Dates: 1st–23rd October 2026
Cost: £2,750 per person
This is a Level 3 qualification, which meets the SIA's first aid requirement for Close Protection licensing. It is the standard route for candidates entering Close Protection for the first time. Candidates must provide an in date Level 3 First aid certificate.
Option 2 — Close Protection Level 3 + First Responder Emergency Care (FREC) Level 3
Dates: 1st–5th October 2026
Cost: £3,000 per person
This option replaces the standard FAW with the First Responder Emergency Care (FREC) Level 3 qualification. FREC3 is a superior Level 3 medical qualification that exceeds SIA requirements and is considered essential for deployment on most Close Protection tasks with leading security companies. It is the preferred medical qualification for candidates intending to operate in high-risk or hostile environments, and significantly strengthens a CV for competitive CP roles. The FREC3 option begins two days earlier to accommodate the additional medical training content.
Who Should Attend
This course is suitable for:
Individuals applying for their SIA Close Protection licence for the first time
Former military and police personnel transitioning into the private security sector
Door supervisors and security professionals looking to progress into Close Protection
Candidates seeking the most operationally credible pathway into the CP industry
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have the right to work in the UK, and hold a Level 3 first aid qualification before the CP training begins. If you do not yet hold a qualifying first aid certificate, both course options include the appropriate qualification as part of the programme. Candidates should be in good physical condition and prepared for an intensive, demanding course. All instruction is delivered in English, and candidates must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in the language.
Your Close Protection Qualification
On successfully completing the course, candidates receive the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry (RQF). This is the qualification required to apply to the SIA for a Close Protection licence. The SIA Close Protection licence is valid for three years and costs £204 to apply for. From 1 April 2026, a Close Protection refresher qualification is mandatory for CP licence renewals, and a valid Level 3 first aid qualification must be held before the refresher training can be taken. Our team can advise on renewal requirements when your licence approaches expiry.
Book Your Place - October 2026
Places on both October 2026 courses are strictly limited. To reserve your place, discuss course options, or ask any pre-course questions, contact our training team directly.
Available Courses
-
![]()
Fire Marshal Level 2
Our Level 2 Fire Marshal Course provides essential training for individuals responsible for fire safety in the workplace. Delivered in a single day, it covers fire prevention, emergency procedures, legal responsibilities, and practical extinguisher use—ensuring participants are fully equipped to act confidently and compliantly as designated Fire Marshals.
-
![Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 Course]()
Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 Course
Our Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3 Course is a 1-day regulated qualification, designed to equip individuals with vital life-saving skills for workplace emergencies. Covering CPR, use of AEDs, managing unconscious casualties, and treating wounds, burns, and shock, this course meets HSE standards and is ideal for security staff, event teams, and frontline professionals.
-
![]()
First Aid at Work Level 3 Course
Our First Aid at Work Level 3 Course is a comprehensive 3-day regulated qualification designed for individuals who may be required to respond to a wide range of workplace medical emergencies.
-
![]()
SIA Door Supervisor Level 2 Course
Our 7 day Door Supervisor Course, combined with Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Level 2 Fire Marshal training, offers a comprehensive pathway into the security industry.
-
![]()
SIA Door Supervisor Level 2 Refresher
Our Level 2 Door Supervisor Refresher Course is designed for security professionals who need to renew and update their skills in line with current SIA standards.
-
![]()
SIA Close Protection Level 3
Our Close Protection Level 3 programme is an intensive, operationally focused course designed to qualify candidates for the SIA Close Protection licence and prepare them for real-world deployment in the full range of protective security environments.
-
![]()
SIA CCTV Level 2 Course
Our SIA CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Level 2 course is the licence-linked qualification required to work legally as a CCTV operator in the UK's private security industry.
-
![]()
Level 2 Spectator Safety Course
Our Level 2 Spectator Safety course is the industry-standard qualification for anyone working or looking to work in event stewarding, crowd safety, or spectator safety roles across the UK.
