Highfield Level 3 for
Close Protection Operatives
Gain the qualification to apply for your SIA close protection licence
Highfields Level 3 for Close Protection Operatives
Gain the qualification to apply for your SIA close protection licence
Bringing operational insight into every aspect of your Highfield Level 3 Close Protection course
The Highfield Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (RQF) is the nationally recognised qualification required to apply for an SIA close protection licence.
Work in Close Protection
Delivered over a minimum of 18 days, this practical programme develops the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to work as a professional close protection operative.
On successful completion of the course, you’ll be eligible to apply for your SIA Close Protection licence.
Our Train - Retain - Deploy model
Your training is just the beginning.
Our Train, Retain, Deploy approach is designed to help you build the skills, knowledge and professional standards needed to progress into the industry.
Highfield Level 3 in Close Protection
More than a qualification — the foundation for your Close Protection career.
Through practical training, realistic scenarios and industry-led instruction, you’ll develop the skills, judgement and professional standards required to operate effectively as a close protection operative in the security industry.
What you'll learn on this course
Professional knowledge
- The roles and responsibilities of a close protection operative
- Current legislation and SIA licensing requirements
- Threat and risk assessment
- Operational planning
- Surveillance awareness
- Route planning and reconnaissance
- Venue and vehicle security
- Professional standards and ethical practice
Practical close protection skills
Develop your ability to:
- Conduct dynamic risk assessments
- Perform close protection foot drills
- Carry out venue, vehicle and personal searches
- Plan and deliver protective operations
- Manage incidents and emergencies
- Work effectively as part of a close protection team
- Protect a principal in a range of operational scenarios
Counter terrorism awareness
Gain an understanding of:
- The current UK threat levels
- Common terrorist attack methodologies
- Hostile reconnaissance
- Suspicious item procedures
- Emergency response principles
- National reporting procedures
Conflict management and physical intervention
Build confidence in:
- Preventing and managing conflict
- Effective communication and de-escalation
- Safe physical intervention
- Personal safety techniques
- Protecting others during high-risk situations
- Working within the law when using reasonable force
Course overview
Qualification | Highfield Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (RQF) |
Qualification number | 610/0751/1 |
Awarding body | Highfield Qualifications |
Duration | Minimum 18 days |
Assessment | Multiple-choice examinations, practical assessments and portfolio evidence |
Grading | Pass or fail |
Qualification structure
This qualification is regulated by Ofqual and awarded by Highfield Qualifications. To meet the SIA licensing requirements, you’ll complete seven mandatory units that combine knowledge, practical skills and operational assessment.
Mandatory unit | What you’ll cover |
Principles of working as a close protection operative | Legal responsibilities, professional standards, threat and risk assessment, operational planning and route reconnaissance. |
Working as a close protection operative | Practical close protection skills including foot formations, venue security, searches, transport procedures and incident management. |
Application of conflict management | Communication, de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques used in operational environments. |
Principles of terror threat awareness | Current UK threat levels, hostile reconnaissance, suspicious item procedures and emergency response principles. |
Principles of working as a door supervisor | The mandatory licence integration unit covering safeguarding, licensing law and venue responsibilities. |
Application of physical intervention skills for close protection operatives | Protective physical intervention techniques specific to close protection operations and emergency situations. |
Application of physical intervention skills in the private security industry | Practical training in the safe, lawful and professional application of physical intervention skills within the private security industry. |
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 3 Close Protection course
Before starting the course, you’ll need:
Requirement | Details |
Age | You must be at least 18 years old |
First aid | A valid Level 3 first aid qualification, such as FAW or FREC 3, with at least 12 months remaining |
English | A minimum English language level of CEFR B2 |
Eligibility | You must be eligible to apply for an SIA licence |
Fitness | A reasonable level of physical fitness to take part in practical exercises |
Is this course right for You?
Entry requirements for Highfield Level 3 Close Protection course
Before starting the course, you’ll need:
Requirement | Details |
Age | You must be at least 18 years old |
First aid | A valid Level 3 first aid qualification, such as FAW or FREC 3, with at least 12 months remaining |
English | A minimum English language level of CEFR B2 |
Eligibility | You must be eligible to apply for an SIA licence |
Fitness | A reasonable level of physical fitness to take part in practical exercises |
Our Highfield Level 3 Close Protection Operatives course is approved by ELCAS
Serving or Recently Left HM Armed Forces?
As an ELCAS-approved training provider, Total Task Training is proud to support serving personnel and service leavers as they transition into civilian careers.
If you are a serving or recently discharged member of HM Armed Forces with at least six years of eligible service, you may be able to use your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) to part-fund or fully fund this qualification.
Related courses
Complete your training pathway with these complementary qualifications.
Course | Why you might need it |
Level 3 First Aid at Work | Meets the first aid entry requirement for this qualification. |
Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operative Refresher | Required to renew your SIA close protection licence. |
FAQs
Still have questions? We’ve put together answers to some of the questions we’re most frequently asked about the course, from entry requirements and assessment to licensing and what happens after you qualify.
Do I need a first aid qualification before starting the course?
Yes. You must hold a valid Level 3 first aid qualification, such as FREC 3, First Aid at Work (FAW), or an equivalent qualification, with at least 12 months remaining at the start of your Close Protection training. If you need a suitable first aid qualification, TTC Training can provide a combined training package.
How much does the course cost?
The Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives is priced at £2500. This includes all training delivery, assessment fees, and course materials. Where a combined first aid package is required, this is priced separately. Please contact our team for a full cost breakdown or to discuss group and corporate pricing.
Do I need to have any previous security experience?
No. Previous security experience is not normally required to complete the qualification. The course is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to work as a Close Protection Operative
What qualification will I receive?
Successful candidates will achieve the Highfield Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (RQF), which meets the qualification requirements for applying for an SIA Close Protection licence.
How long after completing the course before I can start working?
Once you have successfully completed the qualification, you will need to apply to the SIA for a Close Protection licence before working in a licensable capacity. SIA processing times vary, but you should allow four to eight weeks from application submission. We recommend beginning your application promptly upon receiving your results.
Do TTC provide support with the SIA licence application after the course?
Yes. Upon successful completion of the qualification, TTC will provide you with the documentation required to support your SIA licence application and will advise on the steps involved. The application itself is submitted directly by the candidate via the SIA website. Our team remains available to assist with any queries during this process.
I am approaching resettlement. Can I attend the course before I leave the Armed Forces?
Yes. Candidates in their resettlement period are welcome to attend. Furthermore, eligible service leavers may be able to use their Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) towards the cost of the course. We recommend contacting us early in your resettlement planning, as this allows us to support you with the booking and funding process and ensure everything is in place in good time.
Do I need to be able to read, write and communicate confidently in English?
The course is delivered and assessed entirely in English. You must be able to read, write, and communicate to a standard that allows you to complete written assessments and engage with instructional content. If English is not your first language and you have any concerns, please contact our team prior to booking.
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 3 Close Protection course
Operationally-led training
Learn from instructors with real-world experience across security, military, policing and emergency response.
Quality-assured training
TTC Training operates under an independently audited ISO 9001 quality management system, providing a professional learning experience.
Military transition support
We help eligible service leavers understand ELCAS funding and identify the right training pathway.
Small group learning
Small class sizes, realistic practical exercises and high standards create an engaging learning experience.
Genuine work opportunities
TTC actively operate within the security industry, supporting genuine career opportunities wherever possible.
Highfield accredited courses
TTC is an approved Highfield Qualifications centre, delivering the nationally recognised qualification required for SIA licensing.
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.