SIA Close Protection Licence
The SIA (Security Industry Authority) was introduced in 2003 to stabilise, police and structure Professionals working in today’s Specialist security Sector in the UK. It is illegal to Operate as Close Protection Officer in England and Wales without this license.
The Process covers recognised Training and qualifications, Operational Hours, First Aid Training and a Criminal Record Check.
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 determine whether 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.
Useful Resources/links:
SIA Rules re-Required Training
SIA Rules re Previous Training/exemptions
SIA Approved Training Providers
SIA How to Apply for a Licence
