The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the key regulatory body for the private security industry in the UK.

Established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and sponsored by the Home Office, its main purpose is to raise and maintain standards across the sector.

The SIA has two primary functions:

• Compulsory Licensing: Licensing individuals who work in designated security roles (e.g., Close Protection, Door Supervision).
• Standards: Setting and approving required standards for conduct, training, and supervision.

• The course is 18 intensive days (Monday to Friday).
• Most days start at 08:00 and finish between 18:00 - 20:00.
• It meets the regulatory minimum of 194 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

• Core Security: Threat & Risk Management, Operational Planning, Surveillance & Anti-Surveillance, and Profiling.
• Operational Drills: Foot Drills, Vehicle Security Drills (Embus/Debus), and Reconnaissance.
• Licensing Modules: Conflict Management, Terror Threat Awareness, and Physical Intervention (PI).
• Professional Conduct: Etiquette and Professional Dress.

• Six Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) exams (e-assessments).
• Practical scenario assessments based on your performance.
• A series of open-response questions and discussions.
• A compulsory written student portfolio workbook to be completed during the course.

• Yes. It is a regulated Level 3 Close Protection Operative qualification.
• It is accredited by an SIA-recognised Awarding Organisation; Highfield Awarding Body of Compliance (HABC).

• MCQ exams require a pass mark of either 70% or 80%, depending on the unit.
• Practical assessments and the student workbook are graded on a strict Pass/Fail/Refer basis.

• You must be over 18 years of age.
• You must be able to communicate fluently in both spoken and written English.
• You must be physically fit to participate in practical and PI training.
• You must hold a valid Level 3 First Aid at Work/ECFR/FREC 3 certificate with at least 12 months remaining from course start date (FAW and FREC 3 can be booked with us). 

• A DBS check is not required to attend the course.
• A clear background check is a mandatory part of the SIA licence application process after you pass the course.

• Pens, pencils, and a notebook.
• Appropriate smart/casual clothing for classroom sessions.
• Suitable attire for physical and practical assessments.
• A smart dark suit, tie, and shoes for live exercises.
• A laptop compatible with Microsoft Word for portfolio work.

• All Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences are valid for three years.
• You must complete a refresher course (Top-Up Training) before applying for renewal.

• Once you receive your certificate, you apply online via the SIA portal.
• This involves identity verification at a Post Office, payment of the licence fee, and the SIA conducting a compulsory DBS check.
• The total processing time is typically 4–6 weeks.

While we are not a recruitment agency, we actively assist students with CV guidance and provide direction to help you find work in the sector.

Starting day rates can vary, but a newly qualified CPO in the UK generally ranges from £200 to £350 per day.

• Executive Protection: Corporate executives and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs).
• High-Profile Clients: Celebrities and public figures.
• Static Roles: Residential Security Teams (RST) and Asset Protection.
• Specialist: Roles in hostile environments (often requiring additional training).

No. While previous experience is an advantage, we train many successful civilians who excel using strong soft skills and the professional methodology taught on the course.

No, a UK Close Protection license (SIA) does not permit you to carry a firearm. 

The UK has strict firearms laws, and only police and certain other designated agencies are generally authorised to carry them. 

The standard SIA CPO training focuses on risk assessment, conflict management and physical intervention to comply with the law.

No, a standard SIA Level 3 Close Protection course does not include dedicated evasive or defensive driving.

Crucial. While the course provides guidance, networking with experienced CPOs, security managers, and training providers is often the most integral way to find job opportunities in the private security industry.

Yes, we offer two flexible payment options:

• Direct Monthly Invoicing: We can invoice you monthly, allowing you to pay in installments with 0% interest.
• Klarna: You can choose to pay via Klarna at our online checkout system.

In short; No, the Level 3 Close Protection (CP) course is not easy; it is highly demanding.

It is an intensive qualification (18 days, long hours) that tests you physically and mentally to prepare you for a high-stakes career.

Key Demands:

• Academic Rigour: Requires passing multiple-choice exams (70% or 80% pass marks) and completing a compulsory written portfolio workbook on complex topics like Threat & Risk Management.
• Physical Stamina: The intense schedule (08:00 – 18:00/20:00) and Physical Intervention (PI) training require high fitness and discipline.
• Practical Performance: Success relies heavily on passing stressful, realistic practical scenario assessments involving Foot Drills, Vehicle Drills, and Reconnaissance.

Success requires high commitment, discipline, and attention to detail.