What Is the SIA Close Protection Refresher Course?
The SIA Close Protection Refresher Course is a 3-day training course for existing licence holders who need to renew their SIA licence. It covers the updated knowledge and practical skills required to meet the latest renewal rules and continue working legally in the private security industry.
For licence renewals from 1 April 2026, the SIA requires a close protection refresher qualification. This is the current renewal route and should not be confused with the earlier close protection top-up requirement introduced from 1 October 2022.
This course is not for first-time applicants. It is designed for operatives who already hold a Close Protection licence and need to complete refresher training as part of the renewal process.
Entry Requirements for the Close Protection Top-Up Training
To enrol on this course, you must already have previously taken the full Close Protection course and be following the SIA renewal route rather than applying for the first time.
Your Close Protection licence can be due to expire or already expired, provided it has not been inactive for more than 3 years. If your previous licence has been inactive for longer than 3 years, you will usually need to complete a full Close Protection qualification instead.
First Aid Requirement for Close Protection Refresher Training
Before attending the course, you must also hold a valid Level 3 first aid qualification. Accepted examples may include qualifications such as First Aid at Work (FAW), First Person on Scene (FPOS) and First Response Emergency Care (FREC).
If you do not already have a valid first aid certificate, you can add First Aid at Work training to your booking and complete it alongside your course. If you already hold a first aid certificate, make sure it will still be valid for at least 12 months from the course start date.
What You'll Learn on the Course
The SIA Close Protection Refresher Course focuses on the updated knowledge and practical intervention skills required for renewal. It is designed to help experienced operatives stay aligned with current standards while reinforcing safe, lawful and effective responses in high-pressure situations.
As part of the course, you will cover:
- incident analysis and risk reduction
- alternatives to the use of force
- threat management around the principal
- narrowing concentric layers of protection where necessary
- ethical and professional use of physical intervention
- non-pain compliant self-protection techniques
- inner cordon protection methods
- protecting the principal from assault
How Many Exams Will I Sit During the Close Protection Refresher Course?
Throughout the 3-day course, you’ll complete practical assessments with your trainer and sit multiple-choice exams for the knowledge-based units. The main written assessments are straightforward, provided you attend the course and follow the training carefully.
The table below outlines the number of questions, pass marks and duration for each multiple-choice exam.
| Unit |
Pass Mark |
Duration |
| Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) |
25/35 (71%) |
75 minutes |
| Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) |
24/30 (80%) |
45 minutes |
| Application of Physical Intervention Skills for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) |
16/20 (80%) |
30 minutes |
Worried about passing the exams? Don’t be. They’re manageable, and our team will support you with clear guidance throughout the course so you know what to expect.
Enjoy peace of mind when you book with us, thanks to our 96% first-time pass rate and free resits included in our packages.
Renewing Your SIA Close Protection Licence
To renew your SIA Close Protection licence, you will usually need to make sure your first aid qualification is valid, complete this Close Protection Refresher Course, and then apply online through the SIA. This applies whether your licence is due to expire soon or has already expired, provided it has not been inactive for more than 3 years.
The renewal process usually involves:
- checking your current licence status
- confirming you are still within the renewal route
- making sure your Level 3 first aid certificate is valid
- completing this SIA Close Protection Refresher Course
- applying online through the SIA
- paying the current £204 renewal fee at the Post Office
If your application is successful, your SIA photocard should usually arrive within 14 days of the licence being granted.
Other SIA Top-Up Training Courses
If you are renewing a different SIA licence, you may need a different refresher course instead of this Close Protection Refresher Course. Explore our other SIA top-up training options below.
Common Questions About Close Protection Top-Up Training
How long is the Close Protection Refresher Course?
The SIA Close Protection Refresher Course is a 3-day training course.
How much is the SIA Close Protection Refresher Course?
The price of this Close Protection Refresher Course starts at £349.99. This course fee is separate from the SIA licence renewal fee, which is currently £204.
Can I do the SIA Top-up Training for Close Protection online?
This course is delivered in person rather than fully online because it includes physical intervention content and practical assessment components as part of the refresher training structure.
What is the difference between Close Protection Top-up Training and Refresher Training?
Close protection top-up training relates to the earlier qualification changes introduced in 2022. Close protection refresher training is the newer renewal requirement that became mandatory from 1 April 2026 for licence holders renewing a Close Protection licence. In short, top-up was linked to the older qualification changes, while refresher is now the current route for renewal.
Do I need first aid before taking this Close Protection Refresher Course?
Yes. You must hold the appropriate first aid qualification before taking this Close Protection Refresher Course. The SIA says that close protection licence holders must hold the appropriate first aid qualification before they can take the refresher training.
Can I take this course if my Close Protection licence has already expired?
In many cases, yes. If you have held a Close Protection licence before, the SIA may accept an older qualification if it has been less than 3 years since your old licence became inactive. If it has been longer than 3 years, you will usually need a new, current qualification instead of the refresher route.
Do I need this course to renew my SIA Close Protection licence?
Yes. If you are renewing a Close Protection licence, the SIA says you must take the close protection refresher training and renew your Close Protection licence through that route, unless you are switching to a different licence type such as door supervision.
