Finance for Close Protection Courses

The real cost of becoming a close protection professional

Starting a career in close protection is a significant commitment in time, effort, and money. In the UK, most courses aligned to the SIA Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives run for 18 to 21 days, combining classroom theory with practical live exercises. This is intensive, and rightly so, because the job demands sound judgement, situational awareness, and a calm head in high-pressure environments. Course fees typically range from around £1,000 to £3,000 depending on the provider, depth of modules, and whether extras like First Aid at Work are included. Some premium programmes sit higher, especially those with enhanced medical content or extended scenario training.

On top of tuition, the Security Industry Authority licence fee of roughly £184 to £190 applies and renews every three years. You will also need a valid First Aid certificate to secure and renew your licence under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Budget too for travel, accommodation if you are training away from home, and equipment such as boots, notebooks, and suitable clothing. UK legal restrictions mean firearms practice is not part of domestic syllabuses, so the focus is on unarmed protection, risk assessment, legal frameworks, and threat awareness, including current terror risk content and UK security legislation.

Why invest? Typical day rates in the UK range from £200 to £500 for standard roles, rising to £700 to £1,500 on international or high-profile assignments for experienced operatives. That potential makes the outlay manageable when you plan it well. Funding can include employer sponsorship, grants, and instalment plans from training centres, or personal finance solutions that spread the cost sensibly. The key is to map the full picture early, compare providers, and choose finance that fits your cash flow without overexposure.

Who benefits from this guide

This guide is designed for UK residents considering or preparing to book an SIA-aligned close protection course, including military leavers, experienced door supervisors progressing to CP, and career-changers from policing, events, or corporate security. It also suits those who need clarity on total costs, licence fees, and renewal obligations, and who want practical ways to fund training without draining savings. If you are comparing providers, weighing return on investment against day-rate prospects, or exploring structured finance to smooth payments, you will find a clear, UK-specific roadmap here.

Your funding pathways

1. Self-fund the full course fee upfront with savings.

2. Use a training provider’s instalment plan with a deposit.

3. Apply for personal finance to spread costs over fixed terms.

4. Seek employer sponsorship or training agreements.

5. Explore UK grants or sector-relevant funding schemes.

6. Blend options - deposit plus finance for the balance.

Understanding APR is not just about a percentage - it is about what you will pay in pounds and pence over time.

Aim for affordability first, speed second.

What it costs, what you gain, and the risks

Who qualifies and what providers look for

Most UK close protection courses require candidates to be 18+, have good spoken and written English, and be fit enough to manage long practical days. Training centres typically conduct identity and right-to-work checks aligned with SIA requirements. To secure the licence after training, you will need the Level 3 qualification, to pass identity and criminality checks, and hold a current First Aid certificate that meets UK regulations. Renewals every three years require your First Aid to remain in date, with some centres verifying this as part of their process. If you intend to finance the course, lenders will assess affordability through credit checks, income stability, and existing commitments. This is where Kandoo, a UK-based retail finance broker, can help by matching your application with a panel of lenders to find a suitable option. The aim is to spread costs responsibly while keeping monthly payments within a sensible budget.

Step-by-step funding with confidence

1. Map your total training budget including extras and licence.

2. Compare three providers on content, duration, and outcomes.

3. Check payment plans and confirm deposit requirements.

4. Explore Kandoo to check eligibility without upfront commitment.

5. Review APR, total repayable, and monthly affordability.

6. Apply, confirm acceptance, and book your course date.

7. Keep First Aid current and track licence renewal timings.

8. Build experience to reach higher day rates faster.

Quick take - advantages and trade-offs

Before you commit

Budget for the full journey, not just enrolment. Add course fees, SIA licence, First Aid certification, travel, accommodation, and any time off work. Confirm that your chosen centre delivers the SIA Level 3 qualification and includes current content on UK security legislation and terror threats. Understand that UK training excludes firearms, so focus your expectations on unarmed protection, planning, and threat assessment. If using finance, model scenarios - a longer term can lower monthly payments but increases total interest, while a shorter term costs less overall but requires more each month. Clarify refund and resit policies in case illness or assessment delays disrupt your schedule.

Alternatives if CP is not your immediate route

1. Door Supervisor or Security Guarding qualifications to build sector experience.

2. Specialist First Aid and medical certifications to strengthen your profile.

3. Surveillance or risk assessment courses to deepen analytical skills.

4. Event security and crowd management roles as a stepping stone.

5. Save for six months, then self-fund to cut borrowing costs.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long does close protection training take in the UK? A: Most programmes run 18 to 21 days and blend classroom learning with practical scenarios that mirror real operational environments.

Q: What is the total cost I should plan for? A: Budget £1,000 to £3,000 for training, plus the SIA licence of around £184 to £190 every three years, First Aid certification, travel, and accommodation where needed.

Q: Is firearms training included? A: No. UK law restricts civilian firearms, so domestic courses focus on unarmed tactics, legal frameworks, planning, and threat awareness.

Q: What qualification do I need to work legally? A: The SIA-recognised Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives, typically assessed through exams, practical exercises, and scenario-based evaluations.

Q: Can I spread the cost of training? A: Yes. Many centres offer instalment plans and UK candidates can explore personal finance options. Kandoo can help you compare lenders and terms to find a suitable fit.

Q: What might I earn after qualifying? A: UK day rates often start around £200 to £500. With experience or international contracts, rates can rise to £700 to £1,500 per day.

Q: Do I need First Aid for licence renewal? A: Yes. A valid First Aid certificate compliant with UK regulations is mandatory for renewal and is usually checked by training centres.

Ready to plan and fund your training

If close protection is your next step, arrange both the right course and the right finance. Use Kandoo to check your eligibility and compare options without pressure. Decide what you can comfortably afford each month, then book with confidence and focus on mastering the skills employers value.

Important information

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker, not a lender. Finance is subject to status, affordability, and credit checks. Rates, terms, and availability vary by lender. Always consider the total amount payable and whether repayments fit your budget.