SIA Close Protection Courses
in London
A selective 21-day Level 3 Close Protection programme in central London, taught by special-forces veterans who are still operational. Six places per cohort. First Aid at Work included. Application and interview required.
The Ops Con Close Protection Programme
A selective 21-day programme including SIA-recognised Level 3 Close Protection and First Aid at Work. Final deployment exercise in a real London environment. Entry is by application and interview — we take six students per cohort.
Duration
21 Days
Location
Battersea
Cohort
Max 6
Level
SIA Level 3
Next cohort starts 1 June 2026· 6 places left
Full programme details & applyWho This Course Is For
We select students whose background, mindset, and professional intent fit operator-grade training. Every cohort is mixed — that's deliberate.
Ex-Military & Veterans
Translating field-honed skills into a regulated civilian career in close protection.
Career-Changers
Entering close protection from a professional background — tech, law, finance, sport.
Security Professionals
Existing door supervisors and CCTV operators stepping up to CP-licensed work.
International Operators
Experienced operators seeking UK SIA accreditation to work legally on British soil.
What You Will Learn
The full SIA Level 3 Close Protection syllabus plus real-world application — rehearsed in central London, not in a classroom.
Roles & Responsibilities of the CPO
Legal, ethical and operational scope of close protection in the UK.
Threat & Risk Assessment
Identifying, categorising and mitigating threats before deployment.
Operational Planning
Route planning, reconnaissance, contingency drills, communications.
Reconnaissance
Residential, venue, route, and transport reconnaissance procedures.
Foot Drills & Formations
Solo, two-person and team formations in urban environments.
Venue-Based Close Protection
Restaurants, hotels, events, retail and corporate venues.
Search Techniques
Venue, vehicle and personal search under real constraints.
Conflict Management
De-escalation, verbal stabilisation, and lawful use of force.
Vehicle-Based Operations
Embus/debus, convoy discipline, anti-surveillance driving fundamentals.
Communication & Reporting
Team comms, incident reporting, client briefing and debriefing.
Law & Legislation
SIA licensing, PACE, Use of Force, GDPR, and relevant case law.
Terrorism & Incident Awareness
Current threat picture, indicators, and response protocols.
Surveillance Awareness
Detecting hostile surveillance and counter-surveillance fundamentals.
Incident & Emergency Response
Medical, fire, and security emergencies in a live environment.
First Aid at Work (Level 3)
Qualification included — essential for your SIA licence application.
Final Deployment Exercise
Live scenario in a real central London environment, assessed end-to-end.
Entry Requirements
Aged 18 or over at the start of the course
Right to work in the United Kingdom
English language competence (reading, writing, spoken)
Reasonable physical fitness — this is practical training, not classroom-only
Two forms of photographic ID for enrolment
Application form and interview — entry is selective
No unspent criminal convictions that would disqualify an SIA licence
Commitment to attend all 21 training days in full
Your Pathway to the SIA CP Licence
Three stages from enrolment to licensed work. We handle the training and preparation — you handle the SIA application when you're ready.
Complete the 21-Day Programme
Level 3 Close Protection qualification and First Aid at Work certification delivered together at our Battersea HQ.
Pass Final Assessments
Written assessments completed during the course, plus a live deployment exercise in central London on the final days.
Apply for Your SIA Licence
With qualifications in hand, apply directly to the SIA (£212 application fee, not included in course price) and receive your Close Protection Licence.
Why Train With The Ops Con
Operator Instruction — Not Retired Background
Our lead instructor, Lee Brett, is a former Tier 1 American Special Forces operator and Medical Sergeant who continues to deploy on live close-protection assignments globally. You learn what the work is actually like from someone still doing it.
Every cohort is co-delivered by a UK Army Veteran with 15+ years of specialist CP experience.
Battersea Power Station HQ
Our training headquarters is inside Battersea Power Station — central London, on the Northern line, surrounded by live operating environments (restaurants, retail, transport, residential, event venues). You train where CP work happens.
The Engine Room, 18 The Power Station, Battersea, London SW11 8BZ.
Six-Student Cohorts
Most London providers run cohorts of 12–24. We cap at six. You will be observed individually, corrected individually, and walk away with a realistic picture of your own standard. No hiding in the back of the room.
Partner Network From Day One
Graduates plug straight into The Ops Con's partner network — Ronin SA, 242 Group Advanced Driving, Belgraves of London chauffeuring, S2K surveillance, and others. Real introductions to real work.
10% of every course fee is donated to the Afghanistan Veterans Community.
Upcoming Cohorts
Applications open — interviews held on a rolling basis until cohorts fill.
1 June 2026
— 21 June 2026
Battersea Power Station
6 places remaining
16 November 2026
— 6 December 2026
Battersea Power Station
6 places remaining
Not Sure Yet?
Spend a day with our instructors on a practical CP Skills and Familiarisation Day in central London. £199 (members £149). Same venue, same instructors, small group. The best way to find out if the 21-day programme is for you.
Upcoming Familiarisation Days
Prefer an International Programme?
If you want a residential, international close-protection programme with a heavier tactical and medical emphasis, our partner Ronin SA runs 5-week intakes in South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the SIA Close Protection course take?
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How much does close protection training cost in London?
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What qualifications do I need to become a Close Protection Officer in the UK?
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What's the difference between a Level 3 Close Protection course and a refresher?
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How much do Close Protection Officers earn in London?
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Do I need a military background to take this course?
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What makes your course different from other London providers?
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What happens on the final assessment?
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Can I try a close protection course before committing to 21 days?
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What happens after I complete the course?
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Ready to Start Your CP Career?
Six places per cohort. Interviews held rolling until full. Get in, get your Level 3, step into the industry.
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