This course requires you to hold a valid First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification with at least 12 months’ validity remaining. Proof of this qualification must be provided prior to attending.

If you do not already hold a valid certificate, you can add the FAW course to your package during the booking process.

Please note that failure to book first aid training or provide valid certification in advance may result in losing your place on the course without a refund.

The Top-Up Course was introduced in 2022 to help existing Close Protection Operatives update their qualification to meet the new SIA standards that came into effect that year.

The Refresher Course, introduced in October 2025, is the new mandatory programme for licence renewal. It focuses on refreshing and updating key operational and safety-critical skills, not requalifying from scratch. From April 2026, this refresher becomes the approved route for renewing an SIA Close Protection Licence.

The Refresher Course has replaced the Top-Up Course for all licence renewals from October 2025 onward.

If your licence expires before April 2026, the Top-Up may still be accepted - but after that date, the Refresher will be required by the SIA.

Before April 2026 → Top-Up Course OR Refresher course required for licence renewals

After April 2026 → Refresher Course ONLY required to renew for licence

You can renew your licence up to 4 months before the expiry date. Any unused time left on your current licence will automatically be added to your new one. We recommend completing your Refresher training and submitting your renewal application as early as possible to avoid any gaps in your ability to work.

Yes. You can complete the CP Refresher course up to 3 years after your licence expiry date. If it has been more than 3 years, you will need to take the full Close Protection course again.

• Pre-course eLearning (complete at home before the course)
• Online multiple-choice exams (completed in the classroom)
• Practical demonstrations
• Scenario-based exercises

The course combines pre-course eLearning with classroom training. You’ll complete some study online in advance, which shortens your classroom time and allows face-to-face sessions to focus on practical skills and assessments.

The classroom part of the course lasts 3 days. If you need to also complete the First Aid at Work qualification to meet the entry requirements of this course, this will add an additional 2 days at the start of the course.

• 2 days - Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW)
• 3 days - Close Protection Top-Up training

You’ll cover updated SIA modules for Close Protection, including terror threat awareness, surveillance and planning, professional standards, and practical protection scenarios.

We provide free resits and full tutor support. In most cases, you can usually retake your exam on the same day.

You must bring:

• A valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Two proofs of address (e.g, utility bill, bank statement, dated within the last 3 months)
• Full joining instructions and a document checklist will be sent to you upon booking.

No. The Close Protection Refresher Course is mandatory for all CPO licence renewals introduced in October 2025. You cannot legally work as a CPO without completing it.

We recommend comfortable, smart-casual clothing suitable for practical activities and classroom learning.

With our online system, results are normally available immediately. You’ll leave the course knowing your outcome, with guidance on next steps for renewing your licence.