Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)
Renew your SIA Close Protection licence with the mandatory Level 2 Close Protection refresher qualification
Bringing operational insight into every aspect of your Highfield Level 2 Close Protection Refresher course
Looking to renew your CP licence?
The Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) is the nationally recognised qualification required to renew your SIA close protection operative licence from 1 April 2026.
If your current CP licence is due for renewal, make sure you complete the new refresher qualification before applying to renew your licence.
Stay up-to-date in Close Protection
At TTC Training, you'll learn through practical training, realistic scenarios and industry-led instruction. Throughout the course, you'll develop the legal knowledge, practical skills and operational judgement needed to work confidently as a professional Door Supervisor.
Our Train - Retain - Deploy model
Your training is just the beginning.
That’s where our Train, Retain, Deploy approach comes in. It’s designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and professional standards needed to progress into the industry.
Highfield Level 2
Close Protection course
More than a qualification: Keep your licence current. Keep your skills operationally sharp.
Through blended learning, combining pre-course self-study with classroom sessions and physical intervention training, you’ll update your knowledge of search procedures, vulnerability awareness and counter-terrorism.
Alongside this, you’ll revisit the physical skills required to operate safely and effectively in the close protection environment.
What you'll learn on this course
Working safely within a close protection team
Relearn the core responsibilities of a Close Protection Operative, including team roles, communication, operational planning and working professionally to protect your principal in dynamic environments.
Physical intervention and use of force
Renew your knowledge of physical intervention and use of force. As part of this, you’ll learn when intervention may be appropriate and how to respond safely and proportionately.
Conflict management and communication
Refresh your ability to recognise potential conflict, communicate effectively and use appropriate de-escalation techniques. You’ll develop a calm, professional approach to managing challenging situations.
Terror threat awareness
Strengthen your awareness of current terror-related threats and the role of a close protection operative in recognising potential risks, responding appropriately and ultimately helping to protect clients and others.
Qualification structure for your Highfield Level 2 Close Protection Refresher course
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Highfield Qualifications. To meet the SIA licensing requirements for CP licence renewal, you’ll complete three mandatory units combining updated knowledge, physical intervention skills and CP-specific practical assessment.
Mandatory unit | What you’ll cover |
Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) | Current search procedures and rights to search, vulnerability awareness, safeguarding against spiking, terror threat levels and response actions, suspicious behaviour identification and reporting |
Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) | Legal and professional implications of using force, risk identification and reduction, positional asphyxia and acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) awareness, dynamic risk assessment, non-pain compliant physical techniques — standing, holding and escorting |
Application of Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) | Principal protection and inner cordon management, CP-specific physical intervention techniques, preventing penetration of the inner cordon, protecting the principal from assault |
Course structure — day by day
Day | Focus |
Pre-course | ACT Awareness e-learning + self-study workbook (approx. 10 hours — completed at home before Day 1) |
Day 1 | Unit 1 — Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor (Refresher); knowledge session, practical search assessment and MCQ examination |
Day 2 | Unit 2 — Application of Physical Intervention Skills (General); classroom theory and physical intervention practical |
Day 3 | Unit 3 — Application of Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives; CP-specific physical skills and practical assessment |
Learn with confidence
Benefit from a supportive learning environment with individual coaching and practical instruction.
Genuine pathways to employment
For learners who demonstrate the right skills, attitude and professionalism, due consideration will be given to suitable upcoming employment opportunities through our network.
Is this course right for You?
Entry requirements for Highfield Level 2 Close Protection (Refresher)
Before starting the course, you’ll need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | You must be at least 18 years old |
| Current licence | You must hold a current or in-date SIA Close Protection Operative licence |
| First aid | A valid Level 3 (3-day) first aid qualification — e.g. the Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) or the Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency Care for First Responders (RQF). Please note an EFAW alone is not sufficient. |
| English | A minimum English language level of CEFR B2 |
| Pre-course learning | ACT Awareness e-learning and self-study workbook must be completed before Day 1 |
| Fitness | A reasonable level of physical fitness to participate in physical intervention exercises |
Entry requirements for Highfield Level 2 Close Protection (Refresher)
Before starting the course, you’ll need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | You must be at least 18 years old |
| Current licence | You must hold a current or in-date SIA Close Protection Operative licence |
| First aid | A valid Level 3 (3-day) first aid qualification — e.g. the Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) or the Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency Care for First Responders (RQF). Please note an EFAW alone is not sufficient. |
| English | A minimum English language level of CEFR B2 |
| Pre-course learning | ACT Awareness e-learning and self-study workbook must be completed before Day 1 |
| Fitness | A reasonable level of physical fitness to participate in physical intervention exercises |
Is this course right for You?
Is this course right for You?
Entry requirements for Highfield Level 2 Close Protection (Refresher) course
Before starting the course, you’ll need:
Requirement | Details |
Age | You must be at least 18 years old |
Current licence | You must hold a current or in-date SIA Close Protection Operative licence |
First aid | A valid Level 3 (3-day) first aid qualification — e.g. the Highfield Level |
English | A minimum English language level of CEFR B2 |
Pre-course learning | ACT Awareness e-learning and self-study workbook must be |
Fitness | A reasonable level of physical fitness to participate in physical intervention exercises |
Where this qualification takes you
This qualification renews your existing SIA CP licence, maintaining your eligibility to work across all close protection environments.
Role | Environment |
Close Protection Operative | VIP and principal protection — domestic and international |
Advance and Reconnaissance | Pre-visit threat assessment, route planning and hostile environment surveys |
Residential CP | Estate and residential protection for HNWIs and VIPs |
Event CP | Festivals, red carpet, sporting occasions and film productions |
Hostile Environment | High-risk and remote environment principal protection |
Partnered with Payl8r for your Highfield Level 2 CP Refresher course
Flexible finance for eligible learners
Not everyone is eligible for ELCAS funding, or able to pay upfront, and many learners simply want a more flexible way to pay for their training.
Do I need to attend the 18-day course again?
No. This refresher is specifically designed for existing SIA CP licence holders. It updates your skills and knowledge in line with the latest SIA qualification requirements without repeating the full CP programme.
When do I need to complete the refresher?
From 1 April 2026, you must hold a valid refresher qualification before you can renew your SIA CP licence. Do not leave this until your licence is close to expiry — plan ahead.
What Level 3 first aid qualification do I need?
A valid Level 3 qualification such as the Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF) or the Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency Care for First Responders (RQF). An EFAW certificate is not sufficient for CP licence renewal.
Is pre-course learning mandatory?
Yes. The ACT Awareness e-learning and self-study workbook must be completed before Day 1. Login details are issued upon booking.
Related courses
Complete your training pathway with these complementary qualifications.
|
Course |
Why you might need it |
|
Level 3 Award in Emergency Care for First Responders |
Meets the Level 3 first aid entry requirement and is the medical qualification of choice for CP operatives |
|
Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work |
Alternative Level 3 first aid qualification meeting the CP licence prerequisite |
|
Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) |
If you also hold an SIA DS licence, a separate DS refresher is required for that licence renewal |
|
Level 2 Award in Behavioural Detection Awareness |
Enhances situational awareness and pre-incident threat identification for CP professionals |
How long does it take to receive my SIA licence after qualifying?
The SIA typically processes applications within 25 working days, provided all documents are submitted correctly. Processing times can vary.
Can my employer fund my CP Refresher?
Yes. Many security organisations fund licence renewals for operational staff. Contact us to discuss invoicing arrangements.
I hold both a CP and DS licence — do I need two refreshers?
Yes. The CP refresher covers the DS unit as part of its structure, but if you hold a separate DS licence you will also need to complete the DS refresher for that licence renewal. Contact us for guidance before booking.
What happens if I fail a unit?
You may resit individual failed assessments without repeating units already passed. Your trainer will advise on resit arrangements.
FAQs about the Highfield Level 2 Close Protection Course
Still have questions? We’ve put together answers to some of the questions we’re most frequently asked about this course, from entry requirements and assessment to licensing and what happens after you qualify.
meet the TTC training team
Train with instructors who continue to work in the security industry, delivering practical skills shaped by current operational experience.
Why we're the right training provider for your Highfield Level 2 Close Protection course
Operationally-led training
Our instructors bring first-hand experience from security, military, policing and emergency response, giving you insight that goes beyond the classroom.
Small group learning
With small class sizes, realistic practical exercises and high standards, you’ll benefit from an engaging and focused learning environment.
Military transition support
We help eligible service leavers navigate ELCAS funding and understand their training options, making it easier to choose a pathway.
Highfield accredited courses
TTC is an approved Highfield Qualifications centre, delivering the nationally recognised qualifications required for SIA licensing.
Genuine career opportunities
With active involvement across the security industry, TTC helps learners take meaningful steps towards genuine career opportunities.
Quality-assured training
TTC Training operates under an independently audited ISO 9001 quality management system, providing a professional learning experience.
Testimonials
Hear directly from our training course graduates
Hear from the people who trained with us, kindly sharing their experiences of our security, first aid and specialist training courses at our newly-built training centre in Bagshot, Surrey.