by

SIA Close Protection Refresher Course (2026)

As mentioned in previous posts, the SIA has officially announced new mandatory refresher training for Close Protection Operatives (CPOs).
This training became available from 1st October 2025 and will be mandatory for all licence renewals from 1st April 2026

The SIA refresher course provides an opportunity to review core CP knowledge and stay up to date with operational standards.

Why the Refresher Course Matters

  • Ensures compliance with SIA licensing expectations.

  • Reinforces legal, operational, and professional standards.

  • Helps operatives stay confident in practical skills and decision-making.

  • Supports career longevity by keeping knowledge current.

👉 Read: New SIA Refresher Training Requirements for CPOs

Who Should Take It

  • Licensed Close Protection operatives approaching licence renewal.

  • Operators who have had a gap in active work.

  • Teams or individuals looking to refresh and standardise procedures.

Why the Refresher Course Matters

  • Ensures compliance with SIA licensing expectations.

  • Reinforces legal, operational, and professional standards.

  • Helps operatives stay confident in practical skills and decision-making.

  • Supports career longevity by keeping knowledge current.

Course Content Overview

While providers may vary, standard content typically covers:

  • SIA licensing rules and compliance updates.

  • Risk assessment refreshers and threat awareness.

  • Advance planning and operational briefings.

  • Protective techniques and situational awareness.

  • Emergency procedures and client liaison best practices.

  • Physical intervention skills

Note: This is a refresher. It does not provide a full new qualification; it updates and reinforces existing skills.

Prerequisites

To attend an SIA-recognised Close Protection refresher course, operatives should:

  • Hold a current SIA Close Protection licence — the refresher is intended to update and reinforce existing knowledge, not provide a new licence.

  • Meet any provider-specific requirements — some providers may request proof of prior certification.

  • Maintain a valid level 3 first aid qualification — your certificate must have at least 12 months remaining at the time of training and be RQF-regulated. Acceptable qualifications include:

  • Complete ACT Awareness & ACT Security e-learning — some providers require you to present your Blue and Red certificates to confirm completion before attending the refresher course.

How to Find a Refresher Course

Several accredited training providers currently offer SIA-recognised refresher courses, and more are expected to add the course to their calendars in the coming months as it moves toward mandatory status

Close Protection operatives should book refresher training with an SIA-approved provider and are encouraged to:

    • Check the SIA register for approved training organisations.

    • Confirm the course covers licensing compliance, operational awareness, and risk management updates.

    • Verify the provider and course details before enrolling.

👉 Read: Close Protection Training Providers Guide

Next Steps

  1. Confirm your licence expiry date.

  2. Book a refresher with an SIA-approved provider.

  3. Apply for license renewal


See Our Latest CP Guides & Resources


Visit our Close Protection Hub