SIA Close Protection Refresher Course for licence renewal

SIA Close Protection Refresher Course (Top-Up Training for Renewal)

This 3-day SIA Close Protection Top-up Refresher Course is designed for Close Protection Officers who need to renew their SIA licence and meet the qualification requirements introduced on 1st April 2026.

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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.

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What you will learn

  • Incident analysis
  • Risk reduction
  • Threat awareness
  • Use of force alternatives
  • Protection layer management
  • Physical intervention skills
  • Inner cordon protection
  • Principal protection

Course content

  • Know how to conduct effective search procedures
  • Understand how to keep vulnerable people safe
  • Understand terror threats and the role of the security operative in the event of a threat
  • Know how to safeguard the public from incidents of spiking
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Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to renew a close protection licence, the SIA says you must take the close protection refresher training and renew through that route, unless you are switching to a different licence type.

Refresher training for close protection was introduced on 1 October 2025 and became mandatory from 1 April 2026 for operatives wishing to renew a close protection licence.

This course is for existing close protection licence holders who are following the renewal route. It is not the standard route for first-time applicants. To renew, the SIA says you must hold the refresher qualification as well as your original licence-linked qualification.

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 need a new, current qualification before applying for a new licence.

The SIA says close protection operatives must hold a Level 3 first aid qualification, such as FAW or equivalent, before taking the refresher training. If you do not already have one, you can book one of our packages that includes First Aid at Work (FAW) training alongside the course.

The SIA Close Protection Refresher Course cannot be completed fully online because it includes practical components that must be completed in person. As part of the course, learners are assessed on physical intervention and other practical elements, so classroom attendance is required.

The refresher route includes multiple-choice exams for the knowledge-based units and practical elements linked to the physical intervention content. Your training provider will guide you through the assessment format during the course.

The SIA allows you to renew your licence up to 4 months before it expires. That can help you avoid a gap if you complete your refresher training and renewal in good time.

If your application is approved, your SIA Close Protection badge should arrive within 14 days of the licence being granted. The overall application decision time can vary, but once granted, the photocard is usually with you within that timeframe.

If you hold a close protection licence, the SIA says you can either take the close protection refresher training and renew your close protection licence, or take the door supervisor refresher training and switch to a door supervisor licence.

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Study Options for the SIA Close Protection Refresher Course (Top-Up Training for Renewal)

Classroom Training Sessions

Book your SIA Close Protection Refresher Course (Top-Up Training for Renewal) in London-Isle of Dogs

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Venue: London-Isle of Dogs

Address: 16 Tiller Rd, London, UK
Postcode: E14 8PX

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: 3Sixty Protect

Book your SIA Close Protection Refresher Course (Top-Up Training for Renewal) in Luton-George St.

Venue: Luton-George St.

Address: 85-87 George St., Luton, UK
Postcode: LU1 2AT

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Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Security Training Solutions Ltd

Venue: Luton-George St.

Address: 85-87 George St., Luton, UK
Postcode: LU1 2AT

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Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Security Training Solutions Ltd

Venue: Luton-George St.

Address: 85-87 George St., Luton, UK
Postcode: LU1 2AT

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Security Training Solutions Ltd

Book your SIA Close Protection Refresher Course (Top-Up Training for Renewal) in Watford

Venue: Watford

Address: 23-33 The Parade, Watford, United Kingdom
Postcode: WD17 1LQ

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Assured SIA Training Solutions

Venue: Watford

Address: 23-33 The Parade, Watford, United Kingdom
Postcode: WD17 1LQ

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Assured SIA Training Solutions

Venue: Watford

Address: 23-33 The Parade, Watford, United Kingdom
Postcode: WD17 1LQ

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Assured SIA Training Solutions

Venue: Watford

Address: 23-33 The Parade, Watford, United Kingdom
Postcode: WD17 1LQ

Date: to

Time: to

Price: From £349.99 (All inclusive)

Provided by: Assured SIA Training Solutions