How to Become a Close Protection Officer in the UK
Close protection officers (CPOs), often called bodyguards, protect people at risk: business leaders, high-net-worth families, celebrities and public figures. The work is mostly planning, advance checks, driving and staying alert for long hours, rather than confrontation.
To work in close protection in the UK you need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) close protection licence, which means passing an approved Level 3 close protection qualification and holding a valid first aid at work qualification.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £35,000 - £55,000
- Mid-career salary
- £60,000 - £100,000
- Senior salary
- £120,000 - £250,000+
- Work environment
- With client - UK and overseas
- Time to entry
- 1 - 3 years (SIA CP licence + experience)
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Self-Employed and Business Owner
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, No-degree careers, Career change.
What a Close Protection Officer does
Provide personal security for high-profile or at-risk clients - on the move and at residences.
How to become a close protection officer in the UK
First complete a recognised first aid at work qualification, then a Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry with an approved training provider. With both, apply to the SIA for a front line close protection licence, which includes identity and criminality checks. Most new CPOs then start on residential security teams (RST) to build experience before moving onto a principal's personal detail.
- Check you meet SIA requirements: aged 18 or over, the right to work in the UK, and a criminal record that will pass the SIA's checks.
- Complete a first aid at work qualification that meets the SIA requirement for close protection.
- Take the Level 3 close protection course with an approved provider, typically around two to three weeks full-time.
- Apply for and receive your SIA close protection licence.
- Start on residential security teams or event security work to build a track record and references.
- Add advanced driving, medical and overseas (HEAT) training to move onto personal protection details and higher day rates.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 3 close protection course and SIA licence | About 1 month including first aid | Roughly £2,000-£4,000 plus the licence fee | Most new entrants |
| Military or police background | Course plus licence | Often funded by resettlement grants | Service leavers and ex-police |
| Door supervisor or security officer first | 1-2 years | Low | Building security experience before CP |
How long it takes
About a month to complete first aid and the Level 3 course and get your SIA licence. Getting regular, well-paid work usually takes one to three years of building experience and contacts.
Close Protection Officer salary in the UK
Most UK close protection work is paid by the day. Residential security team operators earn around £120-£180 a day, working CPOs on team rotas £180-£220, and experienced CPOs £220-£350, with team leaders and international contracts paying more. Employed CPOs with families and corporate principals earn salaries of £55,000-£120,000. For a full breakdown of day rates and what drives them, see our close protection officer salary guide.
Key skills
- SIA CP licence
- Threat assessment
- Driving
- First aid
- Discretion
Close Protection Officer FAQs
What licence do I need to be a bodyguard in the UK?
An SIA front line close protection licence. To apply you need an approved Level 3 close protection qualification and a valid first aid at work qualification, and you must pass identity and criminality checks.
How long is close protection training?
The Level 3 close protection course usually takes around two to three weeks full-time, plus a few days for the first aid qualification.
Do you need a military background for close protection?
No, though many CPOs are ex-military or ex-police. Civilians with security, event or hospitality experience do get work, usually starting on residential security teams.
How much do close protection officers earn in the UK?
Day rates run from about £120-£180 for residential security work to £220-£350 for experienced CPOs, more for team leaders and overseas contracts. Employed CPOs earn £55,000-£120,000.
Is Close Protection Officer right for you?
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