The Highfield Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) is a mandatory, SIA supported qualification designed for licensed Close Protection Operatives who need to renew or update their competence in line with the latest licence linked training requirements.

Delivered by Black Onyx Academy, this refresher course ensures operatives remain compliant, operationally effective, and legally up to date when working in high risk and protective security environments.

The qualification supports continued professional practice and is required to maintain eligibility for SIA licence renewal as a Close Protection Operative.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

  • Licensed Close Protection Operatives

  • Individuals renewing their SIA Close Protection licence

  • Experienced operatives returning to operational duties

  • Security professionals requiring an SIA approved refresher qualification

Learners must be 18 years or over and must already hold a valid SIA Close Protection licence.

Entry Requirements

Before starting the course, learners must:

  • Hold a valid Level 3 First Aid qualification (minimum 3 day First Aid at Work or equivalent)

  • Ensure their first aid certificate remains valid for at least 12 months from the course start date

  • Meet the SIA English language requirements, equivalent to Level 1 Functional Skills or CEFR B2

What the Course Covers

The refresher qualification consists of three mandatory units, covering:

  • Principles of working as a security operative in the private security industry

  • Conducting effective search procedures

  • Safeguarding vulnerable people

  • Terror threat awareness and the role of the close protection operative

  • Safeguarding the public from incidents such as spiking

  • Application of physical intervention skills in the private security industry

  • Non pain compliant techniques to protect self, others, and the principal

  • Risk mitigation and decision making during close protection operations

Training focuses on professional judgement, lawful intervention, and operational safety, ensuring skills remain current and compliant.

Delivery and Assessment

  • Total Qualification Time: 39 hours

  • Guided Learning Hours: 34 hours

  • Minimum Contact Time: 19 hours 15 minutes where self study is evidenced

  • Assessment Methods:

    • Multiple choice examinations

    • Practical assessments and observed demonstrations

All practical assessments are conducted individually and assessed against Highfield and SIA standards.

Professional Close Protection Refresher Training

This course is delivered in line with SIA and Highfield guidance, combining theory, practical application, and assessment in a realistic and controlled training environment.

Training is delivered by approved instructors with extensive operational experience and sector specific competence in close protection and physical intervention.

Accreditation and Regulation

This qualification is:

  • Awarded by Highfield Qualifications

  • Regulated by Ofqual and Qualifications Wales

  • Supported by the Security Industry Authority (SIA)

Black Onyx Academy is an Approved Highfield Training Centre, ensuring all delivery, assessment, and quality assurance meets regulatory standards.

Progression Opportunities

Successful completion supports progression into advanced security and training roles, including:

  • Level 3 Delivery of Conflict Management Training

  • Level 3 Physical Intervention Trainer qualifications

  • Continued professional development within the private security industry

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