By Nick Player - December 2025

Are you serious about a career in private security? At Close Protection Academy in Stratford, East London, we offer the elite training you need to become a licensed Close Protection Operative (CPO). Under the guidance of our Training Director, Nick Player, our 18-day intensive SIA Close Protection Course is designed to transform motivated individuals into industry-ready professionals.

This SIA Close Protection Course is a mandatory qualification for anyone seeking to become a licensed CPO under the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Delivered by Close Protection Academy, a Highfield Approved Training Centre, this course covers all the skills and knowledge required to work as a professional bodyguard or private security specialist in the UK and internationally.

What Will You Master? The Core Course Content
Our rigorous curriculum is fully compliant with UK legislation and based on current industry standards. Delivered through intensive classroom instruction and scenario-based exercises, you'll gain in-depth knowledge across seven critical modules:

• Principles of Terror Threat Awareness in the Private Security Industry: Understanding and mitigating contemporary threats.
  
• Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor for Close Protection Operatives
  
• Conflict Management Skills
  
• Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry
  
• Advanced Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives
  
• Principles of Working as a Close Protection Operative
  
• Planning, Preparing and Conducting Protective Security Operations

This final, comprehensive module includes specialist training in high-level operational skills: principal profiling, venue security planning, reconnaissance, surveillance and anti-surveillance techniques, threat and risk assessments and management, protective foot drills, vehicle embus and debus drills (getting the principal safely in and out of a vehicle), and operational planning.

Course Structure and Assessment Details
This course is genuinely intensive, running for 18 days, Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 20:00. We structure the training to ensure weekends are clear for learners to rest, recuperate, and review the week’s materials—crucial for maintaining focus and absorption.

Assessment Requirements:
To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete the following:

• 6 Multiple-Choice Exams: These are spread throughout the course duration to test your theoretical knowledge.
  
• Knowledge Workbook: A portfolio completed to demonstrate your understanding of the principles of close protection.
  
• Practical Assessments: Scenario-based exercises where you apply your skills in real-world simulations.

Who is This Course For?
  This rigorous training is ideal for several groups ready to commit to a professional security career:

• Individuals looking to become licensed SIA Close Protection Operatives: This is the essential, mandatory qualification.
  
• Ex-military and ex-police personnel transitioning their high-level skills into the private security sector.
  
• Current security personnel seeking to upskill and expand their roles into the demanding world of Close Protection.

Entry Requirements and Professional Conduct
As an elite training provider, we maintain high standards for all our learners.
Essential Entry Requirements:

• Age: Learners must be 18+ years old.
  
• Language: Must be able to communicate fluently in spoken and written English.
  
• First Aid Certification: Must hold a valid Level 3 First Aid at Work/ECFR/FREC3 certificate. (Don't have one? We can book this for you.)
  
• Laptop: A laptop compatible with Microsoft Word is required for assessments and portfolio work.

Expected Professional Conduct and Attire:
We maintain a strictly professional learning environment. We expect all learners to adhere to the following standards of conduct:

• Punctuality and Attendance: Be punctual and attend all sessions in full.
  
• Attitude: Participate respectfully and cooperatively; follow all safety instructions and instructor guidance.
  
• Professionalism: Maintain confidentiality and professionalism during all live exercises.

Required Attire:

• General Attire: Smart casual dress is expected throughout the course.
  
• Physical Training Days: Wear comfortable, durable clothing suitable for physical activity and training drills.
  
• Live Scenario Exercises: A smart, dark suit with tie and formal shoes is required for professional role-play scenarios.

Important Health and Safety:

This course involves physical activity, including defensive tactics and scenario-based training. All exercises are conducted with safety as a priority, but you must ensure you are medically fit to take part. If you have any health concerns, please contact us at contact@closeprotectionacademy.co.uk before the course begins. Any behaviour that is disruptive, disrespectful, or compromises the safety of others will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the course.
 
Ready to take the next step and train with the best? Visit our website at www.closeprotectionacademy.co.uk to secure your place on the next intensive 18-day course!