Close Protection Training qualifies you for the SIA Close Protection licence and paid work protecting executives, public figures and high value clients. Most close protection work pays £200 to £400 a day.
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The Close Protection Training Course is for anyone who wants to work legally as a Close Protection Officer (CPO), commonly called Bodyguard.
Getting a CPO SIA Licence can be a rewarding career choice for confident newcomers, experienced security professionals, and former armed forces and police personnel.
The Close Protection Training runs over 16-19-days and covers the knowledge, skills and practicals to help you prepare for the exam.
Some of the roles you could find yourself working with a CPO Licence include:
Working as a Bodyguard is exciting.
While the hours can get long and the risks can be high, this is one of the few jobs where you can say no two days at work are ever the same.
How much can you earn as a Close Protection Officer?
Getting a CP Licence is a serious commitment of time and money, and it's usually only for security professionals committed to long-term career growth in this industry.
Once qualified, Close Protection Officers can make anywhere between £200 to £400 per day, depending on your assignment, experience, the risk factor of the role and how you negotiate with your employer.
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To allow ample time to teach the broad range of advanced skills required by bodyguard work, the Close Protection Course runs over 19 days and consists of 3 units:
Unit 1: Working in the Private Security Industry
Unit 2: Working as a Close Protection Operative
Unit 3: Conflict Management
Courses are packed with theoretical and practical activities to keep you engaged. The training is intense, and some exercises will finish late. Candidates should be prepared for a demanding period of instruction. The course covers the following:
Our training providers intentionally make the course fast-paced to fully prepare you for the reality of life as a Close Protection Operative. It's rapid, intensive on the mind and body, and always full of surprises.
Even so, there'll be exams you need to complete, but don't let that put you off. The Close Protection training course covers everything you need to know, and your expert instructor will fully prepare you for success.
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The Close Protection Training course is for you if you want to work in the private security industry as a Bodyguard or Close Protection Officer.
You'll typically have some background in combat or security (although this is not a requirement of the course), and be expected to handle high-pressure situations with a calm, strategic mind.
You'll receive combat training and various skills to assist you when providing protection for important individuals, such as celebrities or high-power businesspeople.
The course lasts for 16-19 days and is instructor-led.
You need to be at least 18 years old to take the Close Protection Course. Moreover, you will need to be fluent in English to follow the content and perform at the assessment.
Some experience in security or combat would also be useful (although this is not a requirement of the course), as the course can be demanding for some people.
Security professionals who have worked for several years already, or people moving into this industry from a military or police background, often do best in CPO training.
You will receive a Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry upon completing the training course.
The Close Protection Training Course is assessed by a written exam and a practical assessment. You will also be assessed on your participation throughout the course.
You're able to retake exams if you don’t pass them. You cannot proceed with applying for your Close Protection SIA Licence, or badge, until you pass all your exams and attain the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry.
Receive your results within just 5 working days after your course is completed. Our aim is to notify you on the same day the training provider sends us your results.
Your results will be available online and we’ll also send you an SMS to inform you when your results are available.
Close Protection Officers (Bodyguards) can work for:
- VIP & Celebrity Security
- Executive & Corporate Protection
- High-Value Asset Security
- International Security & Risk Management
- £200 – £500 per day for standard protection roles
- £700– £1,500 per day for international contracts
No, firearms training is not part of UK-based Close Protection courses due to legal restrictions.
Close protection officers should be calm under pressure, assertive, observant, and have strong communication skills. A professional and respectful attitude is essential when dealing with the public.
Handling conflict involves staying calm, assessing the situation, and using de-escalation techniques. Engaging with people professionally and avoiding unnecessary confrontations is key. The close protection training offered by Get Licensed covers a module on conflict management, equipping students with the knowledge they need to de-escalate situations and recognise risks.
While salaries vary based on experience, location, and role, the average pay for close protection officers in the UK ranges from £50 to £100 per hour.
Use a calm tone, open body language, and active listening to defuse tensions. If necessary, create physical space and call for backup rather than escalating the situation.
The first step is assessing the threat level and attempting to calm the situation through verbal communication before considering any further action.
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