SIA Approved and Accredited Close Protection Training Courses

Close protection officer roles are one of the most varied in the private security industry. Before applying for any roles in the private security industry you must undertake Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved security training courses and have been granted an SIA licence. The SIA are a regulatory body for the private security industry. All private security companies must be SIA approved and accredited. To work in the private security industry in the UK you must have a relevant SIA licence. It is a legal requirement to hold an SIA licence. SIA licensing covers a wide variety of private security job roles including manned guarding such as security guards, door supervisors, CCTV operatives and Close Protection Officers or Body Guards as they are more commonly referred to.

The SIA compulsory licencing scheme was designed to monitor and standardise security training in the UK. The SIA as a regulatory body is designed to ensure all workers in the private security industry have undertaken the correct training and are properly qualified. All companies offering private security training courses including SIA close protection training courses must be affiliated and approved by the SIA.

As outlined by the SIA, a close protection licence is needed for roles which involve offering protection to one or more individuals from assault or injury. There are two different types of close protection licence. The first type is a front line licence this is needed for close protection security roles. The second type of SIA licence is necessary for non-front line roles. Non-front line roles include managing, supervising or employing individuals who partake in private security licenced roles. After first undertaking an SIA close protection training course the next step is to apply for a SIA licence, once granted you are fully qualified and eligible to apply for close protection private security job roles.