The SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness — commonly known as the CTPSaP — is the only counter-terrorism qualification in the United Kingdom that is endorsed by Counter Terrorism Policing. Developed by SFJ Awards in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), and funded by the Home Office, the CTPSaP sets the professional standard for anyone working in or moving into protective security.
With Martyn's Law (the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025) now on the statute books and enforcement expected by April 2027, the demand for professionals with recognised counter-terrorism qualifications has never been higher. This guide covers everything you need to know about the CTPSaP: what it involves, who should take it, and why it matters now more than ever.
Info
CTPSaP stands for Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness. It is a Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), placing it at the same level as an A-Level and demonstrating a significant depth of professional knowledge.
Who Developed the CTPSaP?
The CTPSaP was developed through a collaboration between several key organisations in the UK's counter-terrorism infrastructure:
- SFJ Awards — the awarding organisation responsible for the qualification, with expertise in justice, community safety, and legal services qualifications
- NaCTSO (National Counter Terrorism Security Office) — the police unit that provides protective security advice to businesses and organisations across the UK
- Counter Terrorism Policing — the national network of police officers and staff who work to prevent, deter, and investigate terrorist activity
- Home Office — the government department responsible for security, law and order, which funded the development of the qualification
This level of institutional backing means the CTPSaP is not a commercial certification created by a training provider — it is a nationally recognised qualification developed by the very organisations responsible for counter-terrorism security in the UK. That distinction is significant, particularly as Martyn's Law creates new compliance obligations that will require demonstrable competence.
What You Will Learn
The CTPSaP curriculum is designed to give learners a comprehensive understanding of the counter-terrorism landscape and the practical skills needed to assess and mitigate risk at premises and events. The qualification covers four core areas:
Threat Methodologies
Understanding how terrorists plan and execute attacks is fundamental to effective protective security. The CTPSaP provides detailed knowledge of current and emerging attack methodologies, including vehicle-as-weapon attacks, bladed weapon attacks, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms attacks, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. You will learn to think like an attacker in order to defend like a professional.
Vulnerability Assessment
Every premises has vulnerabilities — the question is whether you can identify them before a threat actor does. The CTPSaP teaches structured approaches to assessing physical, procedural, and personnel vulnerabilities. You will learn to evaluate access control, perimeter security, surveillance coverage, staff awareness, and procedural gaps using frameworks used by Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs).
Risk Mitigation
Once threats are understood and vulnerabilities identified, the next step is implementing proportionate mitigations. The CTPSaP covers both physical and procedural security measures, from hostile vehicle mitigation and access control to staff training programmes and communication protocols. Critically, the qualification emphasises proportionality — the measures you implement should be appropriate to the level of risk, the nature of the premises, and the resources available.
Preparedness Planning
Prevention is the first objective, but preparedness is equally important. The CTPSaP covers emergency response planning, business continuity, communication during incidents, evacuation and invacuation procedures, and post-incident recovery. You will learn to develop plans that are practical, tested, and understood by all relevant staff.
Who Should Take the CTPSaP?
The CTPSaP is designed for a broad range of professionals who have responsibility for, or an interest in, protective security. It is particularly relevant for:
- Security managers and directors responsible for venue or organisational security
- Facility managers and building operators overseeing premises that fall within scope of Martyn's Law
- Event organisers and festival managers responsible for public safety at large gatherings
- Hospitality and retail managers responsible for premises with capacity of 200 or more
- Education sector professionals responsible for campus security at universities and colleges
- Transport sector security professionals working at stations, hubs, and terminals
- Health and safety professionals expanding their remit to include counter-terrorism
- Security consultants and advisors seeking the endorsed qualification for their practice
- Career changers looking to enter the growing field of counter-terrorism protective security
Pro Tip
You do not need prior security qualifications or experience to take the CTPSaP. The course is designed to be accessible to anyone with a professional interest in protective security, regardless of their background.
Course Structure and Assessment
The CTPSaP is delivered as a 5-day intensive course. This immersive format allows for deep engagement with the material and practical application through scenario-based exercises. The course is assessed through three methods:
- 1Multiple choice examination — testing your knowledge of threat methodologies, legislation, and protective security principles
- 2Scenario-based assessment — applying your knowledge to realistic situations, demonstrating your ability to assess risk and recommend mitigations
- 3Professional discussion — a structured conversation with your assessor exploring your understanding in depth and your ability to articulate protective security concepts
This three-part assessment structure ensures that successful candidates don't just know the theory — they can apply it in practice and communicate it to stakeholders. Upon successful completion, you receive the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness.
Why CTPSaP Matters Now: The Martyn's Law Context
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — Martyn's Law — creates a legal duty for premises operators to take steps to protect the public from terrorism. For Enhanced tier premises (capacity of 800 or more), this includes conducting terrorism risk assessments, implementing security measures, and appointing a designated security coordinator.
While the Act does not mandate specific qualifications, there is a clear expectation that those responsible for compliance should be competent. The CTPSaP is the qualification that demonstrates that competence. It covers precisely the skills that Martyn's Law requires: threat understanding, vulnerability assessment, risk mitigation, and preparedness planning.
The ProtectUK Competent Persons Scheme
ProtectUK, the online platform managed by Counter Terrorism Policing, operates a Competent Persons Scheme that recognises individuals who have demonstrated counter-terrorism protective security knowledge. The CTPSaP is recognised within this scheme, providing holders with a credible, verifiable marker of their professional competence.
As Martyn's Law comes into force and organisations seek qualified professionals to support their compliance efforts, being listed on the Competent Persons Scheme will be a significant professional advantage. It provides employers and clients with confidence that you have been trained to a nationally endorsed standard.
Career Benefits and Progression
The CTPSaP opens doors across multiple career pathways in the growing field of counter-terrorism protective security:
- Counter-terrorism security advisor roles in the private sector
- Security consultancy, offering protective security assessments to venues and organisations
- Senior security management positions requiring demonstrated CT competence
- Compliance and governance roles focused on Martyn's Law obligations
- Event security management with a counter-terrorism specialism
- Training and education roles, delivering CT awareness to staff and organisations
With Martyn's Law creating thousands of new compliance obligations across the UK, the demand for CTPSaP-qualified professionals is set to grow significantly. Getting qualified now positions you ahead of that demand curve.
Why Train with The Ops Con
The Ops Con delivers the CTPSaP in a way that prioritises quality, depth of learning, and professional development:
- Small cohorts of no more than 6 learners — ensuring individual attention and meaningful engagement with the material
- Delivered at Battersea Power Station, London — a prestigious and relevant venue for counter-terrorism training
- Taught by operational instructors with real-world counter-terrorism experience, not just academic knowledge
- Practical, scenario-driven approach that goes beyond textbook learning
- Post-course support including access to The Ops Con professional community
Pro Tip
Our cohort size of no more than 6 is deliberate. Counter-terrorism protective security is not a subject that benefits from lecture-hall delivery. Small groups allow for meaningful discussion, individual feedback, and the kind of scenario-based learning that builds genuine competence.
Book Your Place
Whether you're preparing for Martyn's Law compliance, advancing your security career, or building your counter-terrorism consultancy practice, the CTPSaP is the qualification that carries the weight of Counter Terrorism Policing endorsement. Spaces are limited due to our small cohort approach.
CTPSaP: Counter Terrorism Protective Security & Preparedness
The only CT Policing-endorsed qualification. 5 days at Battersea Power Station with cohorts of no more than 6. Get the qualification that Martyn's Law demands.
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