All SIA Licences
What it allows
Eligibility
How to apply
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SIA Close Protection Licence
A Close Protection licence qualifies you to act as a bodyguard or personal protection officer for high-profile individuals — celebrities, executives, diplomats, high-net-worth clients.
SIA application fee
£190
Valid for
3 years
Training time
14 days
You can work as a...
- Personal protection of high-profile clients
- Executive and corporate protection
- Residential security team work
- Tour and travel security
- Diplomatic and government protection contracts
What you'll need
- Be 18 or over
- Right to work in the UK
- Complete the 14-day SIA-approved CP course
- Hold a current Emergency First Aid at Work certificate
- Pass a DBS basic disclosure
- Apply via the SIA online portal
From training to working — 4 steps
1
Get your First Aid certificate
EFAW is a prerequisite. Many candidates do this first.
2
Complete the 14-day CP course
Intensive — covers threat assessment, route planning, defensive tactics, communications.
3
Apply to the SIA
Submit CP training certificate, EFAW certificate, basic DBS, and £190.
4
Find your first contract
Most start with corporate or RST work. Day rates of £200-£500 are typical.
Ready to start?
View course dates
Book the training course
SIA Close Protection Training — 14 days, runs across UK-wide venues
Other SIA licences