If you’ve ever looked into a career in private security, you’ll have no doubt considered the option of taking a Close Protection Course. But what is Close Protection and how do you know if it’s the right path for you?

What is a Close Protection Course?

A Close Protection Course is a professional training programme that prepares you to work as a Close Protection Officer (CPO) - someone responsible for planning and delivering the personal security of a client. It combines classroom learning, scenario-based training and assessment to ensure you can operate safely, legally and professionally.

For many service leavers and veterans, Close Protection is often a natural next step. It allows them to apply planning, discipline and situational awareness skills in a high-demand civilian role.

What Does “Close Protection” Actually Mean?

Close Protection (CP) is the professional practice of protecting individuals who may be at increased risk because of their role, profile, location or activities. This may include:

• Senior executives and high-net-worth individuals
• Government officials or public figures
• Media teams and NGOs in higher-risk environments
• Private families and VIPs

The work of a CPO involves much more than “bodyguarding”. A competent CPO is constantly:

• Assessing threats and vulnerabilities
• Planning secure movements and routes
• Managing access and environments
• Coordinating with teams, drivers and venues
• Making decisions under pressure in fast-changing situations

In the UK, most roles in regulated private security require a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). You can read more about the Close Protection licence here: https://www.gov.uk/close-protection-licence 

A Close Protection Course is designed to give you the knowledge, skills and qualification needed to meet these professional and regulatory expectations.

What is Covered on a Close Protection Course?

A high-quality Level 3 Close Protection qualification blends theory with realistic practical exercises. While the exact syllabus varies by provider, you can expect modules such as:

• Threat and risk assessment, identifying, analysing and managing threats
• Surveillance and counter-surveillance, detecting and mitigating hostile observation
• Route planning and convoy procedures, planning secure movements and contingencies
• Operational communications, radio procedure, briefings, reporting and handovers
• Conflict management and use of force, de-escalation, decision-making and legal frameworks
• Protective security in public and private spaces, venues, vehicles, residential settings
• Teamwork and leadership in protective operations, roles, responsibilities and coordination

Many courses, including Highfield-endorsed qualifications, follow an agreed national standard so that training is recognised across the industry. You can learn more about Highfield as an awarding organisation here: https://www.highfieldqualifications.com

Who is a Close Protection Course for?

A Close Protection Course is suitable for:

• Service leavers and veterans using ELCAS funding as part of their resettlement
• Former police or law enforcement officers moving into private security
• Individuals already working in security who want to progress into higher-level roles
• Professionals seeking to work internationally in protective or risk management roles

You do not need to have served in the military to become a CPO, but ex-military personnel often have a strong foundation in:

• Situational awareness
• Operating in structured teams
• Following rules of engagement and legal frameworks
• Working under pressure in complex environments

A good course will recognise and build on this experience while filling in the civilian regulatory, legal and customer-facing aspects of the job.

How Does Close Protection Training Work in Practice?

Most Level 3 Close Protection courses in the UK are intensive programmes delivered over a set number of days. Training typically includes:

• Classroom sessions on law, licensing, roles and responsibilities
• Practical drills in protective formations, arrivals and departures
• Live scenario exercises simulating protective operations
• Written assessments and practical evaluations

If you are leaving the Armed Forces, you may be able to fund your training using Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS). The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service supports eligible personnel to gain civilian qualifications as part of their resettlement. Full information is available here:
https://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Peregrine Risk Management offers a Level 3 ELCAS-accredited and Highfield-endorsed Close Protection Course, allowing eligible learners to use their funding toward a modern, employment-focused qualification.

What Jobs Can a Close Protection Qualification Lead to?

Completing a Close Protection Course is the first step towards a range of professional security roles, including:

• Close Protection Officer (CPO)
• Residential Security Team (RST) operative
• Security driver or convoy team member
• Maritime security operator
• Security advisor or risk management specialist

With further experience and development, many CPOs progress into:

• Operations management - coordinating teams and deployments
• Security consultancy - advising organisations on risk, travel security and crisis planning
• Training roles - instructing the next generation of security professionals

Salaries vary based on location, role and experience, but qualified CPOs can command competitive day rates, particularly on specialist or international tasks.

Why Train with Peregrine Risk Management?

Not all Close Protection training is the same. Peregrine Risk Management offers:

1. Operational expertise
Peregrine is an active risk management company delivering protective operations for governments, NGOs and private clients around the world. Your instructors are ex-military and experienced practitioners, not just career trainers.

2. Highfield-endorsed, ELCAS-accredited training
Our Level 3 Close Protection Course is endorsed by Highfield and approved under ELCAS, ensuring it meets recognised industry and academic standards.

3. Career-focused outcomes
Training is designed with the end goal in mind: employability. We provide guidance on CVs and professional profiles, signpost opportunities and help you understand how to position your skills for the market. You also have access to Peregrine’s strong domestic and international networks.

4. Understanding of the veteran journey
Many of our team members are veterans themselves. We understand the demands of resettlement and aim to make the transition from military to civilian professional as smooth as possible.

Your Next Step

If you’re exploring whether Close Protection is the right path for you, a Highfield-endorsed Level 3 Close Protection Course is the best starting point.

Whether you’re a veteran using ELCAS credits, already working in security, or considering a complete career change, Peregrine’s training team can help you understand the route into professional protective work.

To learn more about the course, upcoming dates and how funding works, visit the Peregrine Level 3 Close Protection Course page.

This article was created with input from James Lawrence (MSc CSyP FSyl) and Peregrine Risk Management’s operational training team, who deliver protective security services worldwide and train new CPOs to the highest industry standards.