by

Executive Protection vs Close Protection

If you’ve worked in UK security for any length of time, you’ll know the term Close Protection (CP) inside out. It’s the official SIA-regulated role, it’s what appears on your licence, and it’s the standard title used across the British security industry.

But when you start looking at opportunities overseas, especially in the United States, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, you quickly see a different term everywhere: Executive Protection (EP).

This often leads to confusion: Are CP and EP the same thing? Is one more advanced? Do you need extra training to work in EP roles abroad?

This guide breaks it all down in a simple, UK-focused way that makes sense whether you’re a new operative or building an international career.

🛡️ The Short Answer: CP and EP Mean the Same Thing

Both refer to professionals who protect a principal (client), but:

  • Close Protection (CP) = UK term, regulated, licensed

  • Executive Protection (EP) = US/international term, corporate branding, unlicensed in many countries

The core job is identical – protecting clients, assessing risk, managing advance planning, and ensuring safe movement.

🇬🇧 Close Protection – The UK Model

In the UK, Close Protection is a strictly regulated profession under the SIA.

Key Characteristics:
  • Requires SIA Close Protection Licence
  • Mandatory Level 3 CPO qualification
  • Requires medical training like FREC 3, FROS, FPOS, etc.
  • Recognised qualification structure
  • Emphasis on legal frameworks, UK law, situational awareness

👉 Check out our Close Protection Operative Guide (2026) to learn more.

Where CP Operatives Usually Work:
  • High-net-worth individuals
  • Corporate executives in the UK
  • Celebrities & media personalities
  • High-risk travel assignments
  • Secure transport & residential security

🇺🇸 Executive Protection – The US/International Model

Outside the UK, especially in the USA, “Executive Protection” is the standard industry term.

Key Characteristics:
  • NO nationwide licence system
  • Training standards vary widely
  • Heavy emphasis on corporate work
  • Strong focus on soft skills, planning, intelligence, and travel security

  • Firearms training included in many countries (not applicable in the UK)

Where EP Specialists Usually Work:
  • Corporate executives (Fortune 500, tech companies)
  • UHNW families
  • International travel & corporate roadshows
  • Business continuity & intelligence roles

🧠 Why Does the US Prefer “Executive Protection”?

Three reasons:

1️⃣ Branding

“Executive Protection” sounds more corporate and boardroom-friendly, ideal for big tech companies and corporate security departments.

2️⃣ Wider Scope

EP roles often combine:

  • intelligence analysis
  • travel security
  • corporate risk management
  • crisis planning

While UK CP roles include these skills, EP packages and terminology lean into the corporate world more heavily.

3️⃣ No Licence Structure

Because the US lacks an SIA-style authority, companies simply use a title that suits their business environment.

🔍 Key Differences: CP vs EP

Regulation
  • CP (UK): Strict, formal, government-regulated

  • EP (US): Industry-led, company-driven, inconsistent across states

Training Requirements
  • CP: Mandatory Level 3 CPO qualification

  • EP: Private training schools, no universal standard

Medical Expectations
  • CP: FREC/FROS/FPOS expected

  • EP: Depends on employer; many prefer EMT/TCCC

Firearms Context
  • CP: Not applicable in UK domestic roles

  • EP: Often part of the job in certain countries (USA, Middle East)

Culture & Language
  • CP: Tactical, operational, and security-industry focused

  • EP: Corporate, risk management, strategic

🌎 Why UK CPOs Perform Well in EP Roles Abroad

Many US and international employers favour UK-trained operatives because:

  • UK CP training is regulated and consistent
  • Medical training standards are high
  • UK operatives are often exposed to real-world public-facing environments
  • Good reputation internationally

  • Strong soft skills compared to purely tactical US training programs

This creates a natural pathway for UK CPOs who want to work overseas.

✈️ Can a UK CPO Move into Executive Protection?

Absolutely, and they often have an advantage due to regulated UK training.

Typical pathway:

1. SIA CPO Licence

2. Medical training (FREC 3 → FREC 4)

3. Additional skills:

  • Defensive driving
  • Travel security
  • Surveillance

4. Optional EP-specific courses

5. International networking

6. Insurance (international cover)

👉 Insurance for Security Professionals

📘 What Should UK Operatives Call Themselves?

Inside the UK:

✔️ Close Protection Operative (CPO)

✔️ Close Protection Officer

✔️ CP Operative

Internationally:

✔️ Executive Protection Specialist

✔️ EP Agent

✔️ Protection Officer

Same job, different wording depending on the market.

🧭 Which Term Should You Use on Your CV/Website?

A hybrid approach works best:

“Close Protection Operative (Executive Protection)”
or
“Executive Protection / Close Protection Specialist”

This covers both UK and international search terms and makes you visible to a wider market.

 

📝 Conclusion

In the UK, Close Protection is the recognised, regulated professional standard defined by the SIA. Overseas, especially in the USA, Executive Protection is simply the preferred terminology, focused more on corporate environments and unregulated training.

While the titles differ, the role is fundamentally the same.

UK CPOs are well-positioned to work internationally, and understanding the difference in terminology helps you market yourself correctly and open more opportunities.

Whether you want to stay UK-based or expand into global assignments, mastering both terms is essential for your 2026 career toolkit.


See Our Latest CP Guides & Resources


Visit our Close Protection Hub