It is a criminal offence to work as a contracted Close Protection operative in the UK without a SIA CP licence. For more detail see the link below:
We have been asked a number of questions about CP training so attached below a short brief. More detail can be found on the SIA Web Site (see Links)
A Close Protection licence is required when guarding one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others.
To get a SIA Close Protection licence you will need to attend a training course (a minimum of 150 hours knowledge and practical skills training) and take and pass an exam. When applying for your licence you will be required to produce evidence that you have attained a recognised first aid award (currently First Aid at Work (FAAW) or First Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate Award)
If you have completed formal close protection training from: Special Air Service or Royal Military Police; Metropolitan Police Royalty Protection, Special Branch or Police National Close Protection Courses including Northern Ireland; Nemesis Group or Phoenix, and have remained in an operational close protection role you will be exempt from further training but will be required to take the knowledge test and a practical skills assessment. Be aware that the terminology and procedures in the exam are different to those used by the military/police.
If you have already done some other formal close protection training and are currently employed in an operational close protection role you may be exempt from all or part of the SIA approved training. The date and content of your training will effect if you have to do a complete course or just the 24 hour Guided Learning Hours Refresher Course. It is probably best to call your original training Provider (as long as they are now SIA approved) and find out what extra training you need to do.
Cost: The Close Protection licence application fee is £245 for a 3 year licence and is not refundable. If you pay your own licence fee you will be able to claim tax relief against your taxable income. If you require a second licence then there is a 50% discount.
If you have completed formal close protection training from: Special Air Service or Royal Military Police; Metropolitan Police Royalty Protection, Special Branch or Police National Close Protection Courses including Northern Ireland; Nemesis Group or Phoenix, and have remained in an operational close protection role you will be exempt from further training but will be required to take the knowledge test and a practical skills assessment. Be aware that the terminology and procedures in the exam are different to those used by the military/police.
If you have already done some other formal close protection training and are currently employed in an operational close protection role you may be exempt from all or part of the SIA approved training. The date and content of your training will effect if you have to do a complete course or just the 24 hour Guided Learning Hours Refresher Course. It is probably best to call your original training Provider (as long as they are now SIA approved) and find out what extra training you need to do.
Cost: The Close Protection licence application fee is £245 for a 3 year licence and is not refundable. If you pay your own licence fee you will be able to claim tax relief against your taxable income. If you require a second licence then there is a 50% discount.
SIA Web Site Home Page
SIA Rules re Required Training
SIA Rules re Previous Training
SIA Approved Training Providers
CP Training Providers
First Aid Training Providers
SIA How to Apply for a Licence
SIA Rules re Required Training
SIA Rules re Previous Training
SIA Approved Training Providers
CP Training Providers
First Aid Training Providers
SIA How to Apply for a Licence
If you hold more than one SIA Licence then you can claim a refund of £122.50? Details as how you can claim can be found on the SIA Web Site.