SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP)
Protect People. Secure Venues. Meet Your Legal Obligations.
Martyn's Law Ready
Ofqual-Regulated Qualification
Expert-Led Instruction
Is Your Organisation Ready for the Threat?
The UK terrorism threat landscape is evolving rapidly. Following the Manchester Arena Inquiry and the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - known as Martyn's Law - organisations in public-facing environments are now legally required to ensure staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify, prepare for, and respond to terrorist incidents.
Who Needs This Qualification?
By April 2027, individuals working in public-facing environments will be required to hold this qualification. Whether you manage a hotel, venue, retail site, transport hub, or any organisation open to the public, this training is now essential - not optional.
This course is ideal for:
- Security managers and officers
- Venue, facilities and operations managers
- Hotel and hospitality management teams
- Event organisers and safety stewards
- Health, transport and retail sector staff with security responsibility
- Corporate security and risk management professionals
- Anyone seeking a nationally recognised counter-terrorism qualification
Entry Requirements
This qualification is open to a wide range of professionals. There are no formal pre-entry requirements beyond the ability to work at Level 3.
General Requirements
- Age: You must be 18 years of age or over to enrol.
- Language: A good working command of English is required, as all materials and assessments are delivered in English.
- Pre-Learning: Candidates must complete a minimum of 10 hours of pre-learning via the SFJ Awards LearnSpace platform before attending the first qualification session. Login details will be provided upon registration.
Recommended Background
- Experience in security, facilities management, event management, hospitality, health or transport sectors is beneficial but not essential.
- Any background in risk management, health and safety, or operational planning is advantageous.
- No prior counter-terrorism qualification is required.
Pre-entry requirements: None — open to all individuals capable of working at Level 3
Minimum age: 18 years
Pre-learning: Minimum 10 hours (completed via SFJ Awards LearnSpace before training begins)
Language: Good command of English required
Delivery and Assessment
- Format: 5-day, tutor-led classroom course at an external venue, including required pre-learning.
- Total Qualification Time: 90 hours (including 10 hours pre-learning and 41 guided learning hours).
- Assessment: Three components set and quality assured by SFJ Awards, delivered in the following order:
- 1. Multiple-Choice Examination
- 2. Written Assignment
- 3. Professional Discussion (1-to-1 with your trainer, conducted post-training)
Course Details
-
Cost: £1000 + VAT per person
-
Duration: 5 Days (plus 10 hours pre-learning)
-
Awarding Organisation: SFJ Awards (Skills for Justice)
-
Qualification: Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP)
-
Regulation: Ofqual-regulated (England and Wales)
-
Endorsement: The only qualification endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) and NaCTSO
The 5-day programme has been developed by the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) in partnership with SFJ Awards. It consists of six mandatory units:
- Unit 1 — Introduction to Counter-Terrorism: Terrorism definitions, UK threat levels, common attack types, key legislation, and organisational responsibilities under Martyn's Law.
- Unit 2 — Positive Organisational Security Culture: Building and sustaining effective security cultures, leadership behaviours, and staff engagement strategies.
- Unit 3 — Counter-Terrorism Protective Security: Principles of crime prevention, hostile reconnaissance, insider threats, categories of protective security measures, and JASPAR layered protection principles.
- Unit 4 — Counter-Terrorism Preparedness: Preparedness planning, evacuation, invacuation and lockdown procedures, communication strategies, responding to suspicious behaviour or items, and first aid planning.
- Unit 5 — Counter-Terrorism Risk Assessment and Preparedness Plan: CT risk terminology, the five-step CT risk assessment process, physical and active control measures, and risk treatment planning.
- Unit 6 — Completing a Counter-Terrorism Written Recommendation: Structuring evidence-based recommendations and securing leadership support for CT measures.
Available Dates
20 July 2026 - 24 July 2026 - Derby Book Your Place
27 July 2026 - 31 July 2026 - London Book Your Place
Covered on
the Course
Plan &
Execute Tests
Learn how to prepare and carry out safe, effective physical penetration tests.
Identifying Vulnerabilities
Spot weaknesses in access control, surveillance, and human behaviour during testing.
Legal & Ethical Standards
Understand the laws and ethics that guide safe, responsible testing.
Report & Recommend
Document findings clearly and suggest actionable security improvements.
Identify & Assess Threats
Understand how terrorist attacks are planned and carried out, and confidently assess risks to your organisation.
Build Preparedness Plans
Develop robust counter-terrorism preparedness plans including evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown procedures.
Know Your Legal Obligations
Understand how the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law) affects your venue, site, or organisation.
Influence a Security Culture
Lead and embed a positive organisational security culture across your workforce.
Your Path to Becoming Certified in
Counter-Terrorism Protective Security
Take the First Step
Complete the enquiry form or contact our team directly, and we will guide you through the process.
Secure Your Place
We will confirm your eligibility and provide all the key info. Once approved, your place is secured.
Begin Your Training
Get your course materials, schedule, and joining instructions, then dive straight into your training.
Why This Qualification Matters
This is the only qualification in the UK endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing and developed in partnership with NaCTSO. Regulated by Ofqual and backed by the Cabinet Office, it is rapidly becoming the national standard for counter-terrorism preparedness across public-facing sectors.
Hotel & Hospitality Management
Venue & Event Managers
Security Officers & Consultants
Facilities & Operations Managers
Health & Transport Sector Staff
Corporate Risk & Compliance Teams
Frequently Asked Questions
No qualification alone guarantees compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. However, this course is specifically designed to align with the Act and provides the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to support an organisational approach to compliance. It is an essential foundation.
There are no formal pre-entry requirements apart from being aged 18+, have a good command of the English language and the ability to work at Level 3. If you have any questions about your eligibility, contact our team and we will be happy to advise.
Yes. HZL offers in-house delivery for organisations with multiple delegates. Group discounts may be available. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements and we will tailor the delivery to your operational environment.
If you do not pass, you will have the opportunity to resit. Our team will provide guidance and support to help you succeed. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Yes. SFJ Awards were selected to deliver the Competent Person in the Workplace qualification. The official title is the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP).
HZL's instructors bring backgrounds in specialist protective security, military service, and counter-terrorism operations, complemented by extensive commercial training experience. All delivery is quality-assured in line with SFJ Awards standards.
Yes. HZL Specialist Solutions provides expert consultancy, security assessments, and ongoing training support to help organisations build and maintain effective counter-terrorism preparedness. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Ready to Enrol?
With Martyn's Law coming into force and terrorism threats continuing to evolve, counter-terrorism preparedness is no longer optional - it is a legal and professional obligation. Submit your enquiry today and take the first step towards certification.
