SIA Close Protection Licence Renewal: Complete Guide for 2026

If you hold an SIA Close Protection licence, you'll need to renew it every three years to continue working legally in the UK. But significant changes are coming in April 2026 that every CP operative needs to know about. This guide breaks down exactly what's required to renew your licence, the new mandatory refresher training, and how to plan your renewal timeline.

SIA Licence Basics: What You Need to Know

Your SIA Close Protection licence is valid for three years from the date of issue. Unlike some other licences, it does not renew automatically—you must actively apply for renewal before your current licence expires.

• Licence validity: 3 years
• Renewal application fee: £184 (non-refundable)
• You can apply up to 4 months (120 days) before expiry
• Working without a valid licence is a criminal offence
• CP licence also covers door supervision and security guarding work

The Big Change: Mandatory Refresher Training from April 2026

The Security Industry Authority announced in October 2025 that from 1 April 2026, all close protection operatives must complete an approved refresher qualification before renewing their licence. This brings CP licence renewal in line with requirements already in place for door supervisors and security guards.

What is the CP Refresher Qualification?

The required qualification is the "Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)". This is commonly called the CP Top-Up or CP Refresher course.

The qualification updates the safety-critical skills that close protection operatives use to keep the public safe. Because your CP licence also covers door supervision and security guarding work, the refresher includes critical elements from those sectors to ensure you have up-to-date skills across all areas your licence permits.

Timeline: When Does This Apply?

• 1 October 2025: Refresher training became available from approved providers
• 1 April 2026: Refresher training becomes MANDATORY for all CP licence renewals
• The 6-month gap allows you to plan, book, and complete training before the deadline

What the CP Refresher Course Covers

The refresher qualification includes four mandatory units that update your skills in key areas:

Unit 1: Terror Threat Awareness

This module covers understanding the role of security operatives in responding to terror threats. You'll typically complete the ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) e-learning package as pre-course work, then build on this during the practical training.

Unit 2: Door Supervision Principles for CP Operatives

Because your CP licence covers door supervision work, this unit ensures you have current skills in access control, venue security, and the specific responsibilities of door supervision roles.

Unit 3: Physical Intervention Skills (General)

Updated training on physical interventions, including understanding the legal implications, assessing risks, and using appropriate techniques to protect yourself and others while minimising harm.

Unit 4: Physical Intervention Skills (CP Specific)

Close protection-specific physical skills, including protecting your principal during immediate physical threats, transitioning from standard to emergency operational procedures, and managing concentric layers of protection.

• Providing clear instructions to principals and team members in emergencies
• Responding to changes from standard to emergency operational procedures
• Close protection team responsibilities during immediate physical threats
• Managing concentric layers of protection under threat
• Legal implications of using force in CP environments
• Alternatives to physical intervention in close protection

Additional Topics Covered

Beyond the four core units, most refresher courses also update your knowledge in:

• Conflict management and de-escalation
• Search procedures (body, vehicle, and room searches)
• Site survey techniques
• Operational planning updates
• Route planning
• Foot formations and drills
• Embus/debus procedures
• Spiking awareness
• Public safeguarding

First Aid Requirements: Get This Right First

Before you can take the CP refresher course, you MUST hold a valid Level 3 first aid qualification. This is different from the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) required for door supervisors—close protection has a higher standard.

Accepted First Aid Qualifications

• First Aid at Work (FAW) - 3 day course, Level 3
• FREC 3 (First Response Emergency Care Level 3)
• Equivalent Level 3 or higher qualifications from approved providers
• Must be from an organisation recognised by SIA-approved awarding bodies (Highfield, City & Guilds, NOCN, etc.)

If your first aid qualification has expired or will expire soon, you'll need to renew it BEFORE booking your CP refresher course. Training providers will ask to see your certificate when you register.

Course Duration and Format

The CP refresher qualification can be delivered in various formats depending on the provider:

• 2.5 days (with mandatory pre-course self-study)
• 3 days (standard delivery)
• 4-5 days (extended delivery with more practical time)
• Combination of online pre-learning and classroom/practical training

Assessment Methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Multiple choice exams for each of the 4 units (10-30 questions, 20-45 minutes each)
• Practical assessments demonstrating physical intervention skills
• Scenario-based assessments showing application of knowledge

Costs Involved

Budget for the following costs when planning your licence renewal:

CP Refresher Course

• Typical cost: £350-£500 depending on provider and location
• Some providers offer payment plans (Klarna, PayPal Pay in 3)
• London courses tend to be at the higher end of the range

First Aid (If Needed)

• First Aid at Work (FAW) renewal: £150-£250
• Full FAW course (if expired): £250-£350
• FREC 3 course: £400-£600

SIA Licence Fee

• Renewal application: £184 (non-refundable)
• This is paid directly to the SIA when you submit your renewal

Step-by-Step Renewal Timeline

Here's how to plan your renewal to avoid any gaps in your licence:

1. 16+ months before expiry: Check your first aid qualification expiry date
2. 25 months before expiry: Complete first aid renewal if needed (remember the 12-month validity requirement)
3. 34 months before expiry: Book and complete your CP refresher course
4. 43 months before expiry: Apply for SIA licence renewal online
5. 5Allow 4-6 weeks for SIA processing
6. 6Your new licence will be valid from when your old one expires

What If My Licence Has Already Expired?

If you've let your licence lapse, you'll need to apply as if it were a new licence application. This means:

• You cannot work in close protection while unlicensed
• You'll still need to complete the refresher qualification (not the full original course)
• Full DBS check will be required
• Application fee remains £184

The Option to Switch Licences

If you currently hold a CP licence but want to switch to a Door Supervisor licence at renewal time, you have that option. You would need to:

• Complete the Door Supervisor refresher training (instead of CP refresher)
• Hold valid First Aid at Work (or equivalent)
• Apply for a Door Supervisor licence

Note that a Door Supervisor licence does NOT cover close protection work—it only covers door supervision and security guarding. If you want to continue working in CP, you must renew your CP licence with the CP refresher.

Why This Matters for Your Career

Beyond the legal requirement, keeping your licence current and your skills refreshed benefits your career in several ways:

• Demonstrates professionalism to clients and employers
• Ensures your skills remain current with industry best practices
• Terror threat awareness training is increasingly valued by employers
• Updated physical intervention training reduces liability risks
• Shows commitment to continuous professional development

Your licence is your permission to work, but your training quality determines your reputation. Take the refresher seriously—it's an opportunity to sharpen skills that could save your life or your principal's.

Beyond the Minimum: Enhancing Your Credentials

While the refresher course meets the minimum legal requirement, the most successful CPOs continuously invest in their development. Consider using your renewal period as an opportunity to:

• Upgrade to FREC 3 instead of basic FAW—employers prefer it
• Add advanced driving qualifications
• Complete additional training in surveillance detection
• Develop specialist skills (maritime, residential, UHNW hospitality)
• Join professional associations and networking groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to retake the full CP course to renew?

No. If you already hold a CP licence, you only need to complete the refresher/top-up course (2.5-5 days), not the full Level 3 Close Protection course (18+ days).

What if I qualified before April 2022?

If you completed your original CP training before the 2022 curriculum changes, you'll need the refresher course to bring your qualification up to current standards. This applies to most current licence holders.

Can I renew before April 2026 without the refresher?

Yes. If your licence expires before 1 April 2026, you can renew under the current rules. However, you'll need the refresher for your next renewal in 3 years.

Is Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) acceptable?

No. Close Protection requires Level 3 first aid (e.g., full First Aid at Work or FREC 3). EFAW is only Level 2 and is not sufficient for CP licence renewal.

How long is the refresher certificate valid?

The refresher qualification remains valid for your next licence renewal (3 years). You'll need to complete refresher training again for subsequent renewals.

Next Steps

If your SIA Close Protection licence is due for renewal, take action now:

1. 1Check your licence expiry date on your SIA card
2. 2Verify your first aid qualification is current (and will remain valid for 12+ months)
3. 3Book your first aid renewal if needed
4. 4Book your CP refresher course well ahead of the deadline
5. 5Submit your SIA renewal application with plenty of time to spare
6. 6Consider additional training to enhance your career prospects

Don't leave it until the last minute. The security industry runs on trust and reliability—letting your licence lapse sends the wrong message to employers and clients.