Close protection operatives guard people against physical assault or injury. In the UK that needs an SIA close protection licence. Many operatives also work abroad, and we cover that in a separate guide.
The short version: you need the Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives Working in the Private Security Industry and a level 3 first aid qualification. The SIA licence fee is £204 and the licence lasts 3 years, but the training is paid for separately, and close protection courses often cost thousands of pounds, far more than the licence fee.
What the licence covers
You need a close protection licence if you guard people against physical assault or injury. It also allows you to use CCTV to guard premises or property. Historically it has also let you do door supervision and security guarding, but the SIA has been consulting on whether that should continue, so check the current rules on GOV.UK before you rely on it.
Training you need
First-time applicants need the Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives Working in the Private Security Industry, gained within the last 3 years from an approved provider. Before the course you need a level 3 first aid qualification, for example Level 3 First Aid at Work (the full course), Level 3 First Person on Scene (FPOS) or Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC). It must be valid for at least another 12 months. A one-day Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is not accepted for close protection, even though it is for door supervisors and security guards.
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Renewing
Refresher training became mandatory for close protection renewals on 1 April 2026. You need the Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher), plus a first aid qualification valid for at least another 12 months. Close protection holders can also take the door supervisor refresher and switch licence type. See the renewal guide.
Cost
The SIA licence fee is £204 and it lasts three years. That is only the licence. The Level 3 course and your level 3 first aid are paid for separately to the training provider, and close protection training is much more expensive than the door supervisor or security guard courses, often running into the thousands of pounds. Prices vary a lot between providers, so compare what is included (exam fees, accommodation, kit) before you book. See the cost guide.
Working overseas
An SIA licence is a UK licence. If you plan to work abroad, including in hostile environments, read our guide to working abroad as a security professional. If you have spent time overseas, you may need overseas criminal record checks when you apply.
Quick questions
How much is a close protection licence?
£204 for one licence from 1 April 2026, valid for three years.
Do I need first aid for close protection?
Yes, a level 3 first aid qualification valid for at least another 12 months, before the full or refresher training. Level 3 First Aid at Work, FPOS and FREC are examples. A one-day EFAW certificate is not accepted for close protection.
Is refresher training compulsory for close protection renewals?
Yes, from 1 April 2026.
Is a close protection licence valid abroad?
No. It is a UK licence. See our working abroad guide.
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Build my free Career PassportRelated guides
- Working abroad as a security professional
- How to renew your SIA licence
- How much does an SIA licence cost?