UK Close Protection Licensing & Compliance (Reference Guide)

Updated January 2026

This page provides a reference to licensing, training, and regulatory frameworks relevant to Close Protection operatives working in the UK.

It is intended for working professionals, those entering the sector, and organisations seeking a clear overview of the current compliance position. It is maintained as a reference document and updated as formal frameworks change.

This page does not provide tactical guidance, operational instruction, or client-specific requirements.

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SIA Licensing

Close Protection is a licensable activity in the United Kingdom under the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Any individual carrying out Close Protection duties, as defined by the SIA, must hold a valid SIA Close Protection licence. This applies whether operating as a freelancer, contractor, or employee.

The Close Protection licence is issued for a fixed term and must be renewed in line with SIA renewal processes.

Training Requirements for Close Protection Licensing

To apply for an SIA Close Protection licence, applicants must complete an SIA-recognised Close Protection qualification delivered by an approved training provider.

These qualifications are externally regulated and mapped to the SIA’s licensing framework. The qualification confirms that the applicant has met the minimum training standard required for licensing purposes.

This training requirement relates solely to licensing eligibility. It should not be confused with employer-specific training, operational standards, or client-imposed requirements.

Licence Renewal & Refresher Training

SIA licences are time-limited and must be renewed to remain valid.

For certain licence holders, refresher training is required as part of the renewal process. The exact refresher requirements are defined by the SIA framework in force at the point of renewal and may change over time.

Licence holders are responsible for ensuring they meet renewal conditions applicable to their licence at the time they apply.

Update: The SIA has officially announced new mandatory refresher training for Close Protection Operatives. Available from October 2025, this training will be mandatory for all license renewals from April 2026.

Ofqual-Regulated Protective Security Qualifications

A number of Ofqual-regulated protective security qualifications have been introduced across the wider security sector.

These qualifications:

  • Are not SIA licences
  • Are not mandatory for Close Protection licensing
  • Do not replace SIA-recognised licence-linked training

They are typically used for professional development, framework alignment, or specialist roles, particularly where organisations or clients adopt structured protective security standards.

For Close Protection operatives, these qualifications may be relevant depending on role, client environment, or career pathway, but they do not alter the licensing position.

National Protective Security Register (NPSR)

The National Protective Security Register (NPSR) is a separate framework used by some organisations to identify individuals and companies operating within defined protective security standards.

The NPSR:

  • Is not an SIA licensing scheme
  • does not replace SIA licensing
  • Is not legally required for Close Protection work

Inclusion is typically driven by client, contract, or organisational frameworks rather than statutory licensing requirements.

This page reflects the current, position regarding UK Close Protection licensing and compliance frameworks.

Where formal changes occur, updates are flagged through our newsletter rather than speculative commentary or informal guidance.

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