Close Protection Level 3 Certificate

Do you want to work as a close protection operative within the private security industry?

This qualification meets the requirements of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The security training takes place in Oxford and is based on the relevant SIA specifications. It gives you the necessary knowledge and understanding you need to apply for a SIA licence.

On this security training course you will:

1. Understand the legislation that is relevant to people working in the close protection industry
2. Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Close Protection Operative
3. Know the importance of threat assessment and risk management
4. Know surveillance techniques
5. Understand venue security operations
6. Know how to design and demonstrate operational planning
7. Know the importance of interpersonal skills
8. Know the importance of teamwork
9. Know the importance of reconnaissance
10. Know how to conduct close protection foot drills
11. Know the importance of planning and selecting routes
12. Know vehicle movement tactics and operations
13. Know the search techniques and procedures for close protection operations
14. Know how to apply conflict management techniques while providing close protection

Training is delivered through a wide range of teaching methods.

In week 1 the focus of learning is through powerpoint presentation, team working, and group tasks to introduce concepts and knowledge and through media sources. Focused drills and practical exercises first introduce a skill and then contextualise it into the workplace.

In week 2 it is necessary for the learner to begin to build a detailed portfolio, which is done under guidance from the teaching staff. This will include documents that support a live exercise. The live exercise will last for 3 days and simulate a task in the life of a personal security detail (close protection team) for an executive VIP (known as a ‘Principal’).

The course is highly intensive, challenging and testing. It prepares you for the realities of close protection.

Assessment methods is as follows:

Part one is assessed by a 60 question, 2-hour multiple-choice examination. Learners must achieve 42 out of 60 to achieve a pass in this section of the assessment.

Part two is assessed by a portfolio of evidence.

You gain the HABC Level 3 Award in Close Protection (QCF) qualification.

Ideally you need a minimum of Level 2 (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy.

When applying for a CP licence, you need to produce evidence that you have attained a recognised first aid award.

Therefore, you should present a valid first aid certificate to the training provider before you start your training. If you do not have a recognised first aid award, you will need to get one in order to get a CP licence. This is in addition to the minimum 138 hours knowledge and practical skills training.

First aid awards recognised by the SIA are:

HABC Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF)
HABC Level 3 Award in First Aid Response (pending approval by SIA)
First Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate Award - 30 hours (Edexcel / IHCD

The skills you need for this training course include:
- a basic knowledge of use of a laptop/tablet
- ability to use Google maps (or similar)
- a basic knowledge of map reading and word processing

You will be fully responsible for your own personal administration throughout the course, i.e. personal hygiene, laundry, clothing maintenance, ironing and polishing shoes.

The equipment you need includes pen and note pad, laptop or tablet for word processing, USB/ flash drive for transferring documents.

After this course you can do:

- First Aid at Work Level 3
- Aegis-Skills Part One and Two Physical Intervention

The training is delivered at our Blackbird Leys campus, Oxford.

Timings are to remain flexible throughout the course and students are to expect long days, particularly in week 2 during the live exercise. An average contact time in 1 day is 10–12 hours.