Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SIA?

The SIA – short for the Security Industry Authority – is the regulating body for the private security industry in the UK. It’s their duty to ensure that everyone in the private security industry is qualified to be doing their job and that training providers are meeting quality standards in the way they train students for certain roles.

The SIA review applications for SIA licences to make sure applicants meet all physical, legal and training requirements necessary to hold a licence for specific jobs.

 

What is SIA training?

SIA training is any course that provides qualifications regulated by any approved SIA Awarding Organisation. An SIA licence application needs to provide a certificate proving you’ve got the right qualification, subsequently proving you’ve been adequately trained for the role you need your licence for.

Training centres across the UK can provide SIA training in various roles including close protection and door supervision, however do your research and ensure that you’re getting the right qualification from wherever you choose. SIA training will only count for your SIA licence if you receive an approved qualification at the end of your course.

What courses do you provide?

We provide courses and qualifications regulated by approved SIA awarding organisations:

    • SFJ® Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) (2-Day Practical + 1-Day E-learning)
    • ProQual® Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics.
    • SFJ® Level 3 Close Protection Operative course (3 UNITS) – Allows the Graduate to make the first step in applying for the SIA license
    • SFJ® Level 3 Close Protection Operative course (7 UNITS) – This certificate allows the graduate to apply the first step to the SIA license
Are SIA courses difficult?

SIA courses can be difficult, depending on which one you take. Not all of them are the same, and some – for example close protection – can take longer and need more work.
A lot of the difficulty can be reduced with hard work on the end of the training provider as they can make the education, resources and information more accessible and better distilled.

Do I need a first aid or medic qualification to apply for the 14-day SIA level 3 CPO course?

Yes this is a pre-requisite. You must hold a medical qualification to start our 14-day SFJ level 3 CPO course. That’s why we deliver the SFJ level 3 First Aid at work before to start the level 3 CPO. If you are a medical professional or if you have an equivalent qualification recognized by the SIA, then you don’t need to attend our 3-day level 3 first aid at work course

What is Close Protection?

Close protection is also known as being a bodyguard. This typically involves working to protect a client (known as a principle) from any harm or attention that may come their way. A CPO position where you’re tasked with protecting one person often involves assisting the client in a variety of manners that aren’t strictly related to security, but working to protect larger groups – for example, a family – means a much bigger undertaking that requires working as part of a team.

 

Do bodyguards have to be big?

Bodyguards do not have to be large or physically intimidating to do their job. Although some clients may have a preference for appearance, the main thing that keeps a client safe is the knowledge and training a close protection officer carries with you.

Can Anyone Become a Close Protection Officer?

While most people can technically apply for an SIA close protection training, there are some demands in the required training – as well as the job itself – which means close protection isn’t for everyone.

Close protection officers typically need to be fairly in shape as most close protection training courses can be quite physically demanding. In the job, if you’re following your client around you need to be able to keep up without showing any signs of exertion – and still remain ready to protect clients at a moment’s notice.

A criminal record can affect your chances of being approved for an SIA close protection training and license. This is judged on a case-by-case basis per application

How Much Does Close Protection Pay?

The average starting rate for close protection operatives new to the industry is $100-$200 per day. Eventually, this goes up to $200-$400 per day once you have the expected experience to earn this. Close protection team leaders can then earn up to $500-$600 daily.

Can I apply to this course if I have no prior police or military experience?

Yes, you can apply. Police and military experience is not a pre-requisite. All levels are welcome.

Do you offer jobs?

Yes, we have job opportunities for our best candidates within the UCP Group. Nevertheless, we do not guarantee a job because you apply for one of our course.