SIA Close Protection Refresher Training is a mandatory requirement introduced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for licensed close protection operatives renewing their licence. From April 2026, refresher training becomes a formal part of the licence renewal process, ensuring operatives remain legally compliant and operationally competent in an evolving threat landscape.
Close protection roles operate at the highest end of the private security industry. Operatives are expected to manage complex risks, protect vulnerable individuals, and respond effectively to hostile or unpredictable situations. As threats, legislation, and best practices continue to develop, the SIA refresher requirement ensures that professional standards remain consistently high.
Rather than repeating initial training, refresher courses are designed to update existing knowledge and practical skills. They confirm that operatives remain skilled and knowledgeable in key areas such as physical intervention, threat awareness, conducting searches, and professional responsibilities.
This article focuses on SIA Close Protection Refresher Training and reflects the structure and requirements of the Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives (Refresher) (RQF) delivered by HZL Specialised Solutions Limited. It explains who must complete the training, what it covers, how to prepare, and why compliance is critical.
Who Needs SIA Close Protection Refresher Training?
SIA Close Protection Refresher Training applies only to individuals who hold an SIA Close Protection (CP) licence and intend to renew it.
Close Protection Operatives
From 1 April 2026, anyone renewing a Close Protection licence must have successfully completed an SIA-approved Close Protection Refresher qualification before submitting their licence renewal application.
This requirement applies regardless of experience level, operational background, or length of service. Even highly experienced operatives must complete refresher training to demonstrate that their skills, decision-making, and professional conduct align with current SIA standards.
Close protection work involves high-risk environments, close-quarter decision-making, and direct responsibility for vulnerable clients. The refresher requirement ensures that these critical competencies remain current, consistent, and legally compliant.
When to Complete Close Protection Refresher Training
Timing is critical when planning SIA Close Protection Refresher Training. Close protection licences can be renewed up to four months before expiry, and refresher training must be completed before the renewal application is submitted.
From 1 April 2026, refresher training becomes mandatory for close protection licence renewal, and any application submitted on or after this date must include evidence of successful completion of the refresher qualification.
Close protection operatives must also ensure that their first aid qualification remains valid at the point of renewal. First aid should always be completed or renewed before attending the refresher course.
Leaving refresher or first aid training too late risks licence delays, loss of deployment opportunities, and potential loss of income. Early planning ensures continuity and compliance.
What the Close Protection Refresher Training Covers
The Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives (Refresher) (RQF) is designed to update both knowledge and practical skills in line with current SIA standards, threat environments, and operational expectations.
Core Close Protection Refresher Content
The refresher course focuses on the realities of modern close protection work and typically includes:
- Principles relevant to close protection operations, including professional responsibilities and lawful conduct
- Application of physical intervention skills, refreshed to current standards and best practice
- Conducting searches in close proximity and higher-risk environments
- Terror threat awareness, including hostile reconnaissance indicators and appropriate response planning
- Conflict management and situational awareness, supporting dynamic risk assessment and decision-making
- Protecting vulnerable clients, including duty of care and safeguarding considerations
The course reinforces proportionate, professional responses while reflecting the pressures faced in real operational settings.
Pre-Course Requirements
Before attending the Close Protection Refresher course, operatives must meet all mandatory pre-course requirements.
First Aid Qualification
Operatives must hold a valid Level 3 First Aid qualification, such as:
- Level 3 Award First Aid at Work (RQF)
- Level 3 First Response in Emergency Care (RQF)
- Level 3 First Response Emergency Care Refresher (RQF)
The certificate must have at least 12 months' validity remaining at the time of training, and a copy sent to HZL when making the booking to ensure compliance with SIA requirements.
ACT E-Learning Requirements
Delegates must also complete the following ACT e-learning courses before attending the refresher:
- ACT Awareness
- ACT Security
Certificates must show completion within the last 12 months and must be submitted to HZL before attending the course. These modules are completed online via the Protect Duty (ProtectUK) platform.
How Long It Takes & What to Expect on the Day
HZL’s Close Protection Refresher course is delivered over 2.5 days at their Derby training centre.
Course Structure
- Completion and submission of ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning before attendance
- 2.5 days in-centre training, combining classroom-based learning with practical skills refreshers
- Completion of First Aid qualification if required, and submission of certificate before attendance in line with SIA requirements.
- Completion of pre-course reading and 3 x e-workbooks before attendance.
- Written and verbal Level 1 English Functional Skills test completed on the first day of the course.
- Formal assessments, including:
- Three multiple-choice question papers (MCQs)
- Two practical assessments, evaluating applied skills in realistic scenarios
The training is intensive and professional, designed to confirm competence rather than introduce new entrants to the role. Operatives should arrive prepared, physically capable, and ready to engage fully with assessment criteria.
Why Compliance Matters (and Risks of Not Doing It)
From April 2026, failure to complete refresher training will prevent successful licence renewal. Applications submitted without the required qualification and supporting evidence may be rejected or delayed.
Working without a valid SIA licence is illegal and can result in enforcement action, loss of employment, and reputational damage. For close protection operatives, licence lapses can disrupt deployments and long-term client relationships.
Maintaining compliance protects not only individual careers but also client safety, organisational credibility, and professional standing within the industry.
How to Choose an SIA-Approved Training Provider
Close protection refresher training must be delivered by an SIA-approved provider offering the correct regulated qualification.
Before booking, operatives and organisations should confirm:
- Delivery of the Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives (Refresher) (RQF)
- Clear guidance on first aid and ACT e-learning prerequisites
- Experienced instructors with operational close protection backgrounds
- Assessment standards aligned with SIA requirements
Choosing a specialist provider ensures the refresher process is efficient, compliant, and professionally relevant.
How HZL Can Help
HZL delivers the Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives (Refresher) (RQF) in line with current SIA requirements.
Training is delivered by instructors with real-world operational experience in close protection and physical security. This ensures content is practical, relevant, and aligned with professional expectations rather than generic classroom theory.
HZL supports operatives through precourse preparation, refresher training delivery, and assessment. For organisations and government departments, additional consultancy support is available, including training needs analysis, compliance planning, and structured refresher pathways. This specialist approach ensures close protection operatives remain compliant, capable, and deployment-ready.
Conclusion
SIA Close Protection Refresher Training becomes a mandatory requirement for licence renewal from 1 April 2026. Completing the refresher ensures operatives maintain core competencies, meet regulatory expectations, and protect their ability to work legally within the industry.
Planning ahead, meeting all precourse requirements, and selecting a specialist provider are essential steps in maintaining licence continuity. HZL’s focused Close Protection Refresher Training supports both individual operatives and organisations in meeting these obligations with confidence.
