11/08/2025
Close Protection Refresher — Overview
Timeline
• CP Top-Up ends: 1 November 2025
• CP Refresher available from: 1 October 2025
Approach
The SIA and the awarding-organisation working group have designed the qualification as a targeted skills refresh. It prioritises a core set of practical, safety-critical skills over the full competency suite, aiming for deeper practice, purposeful repetition, and—where appropriate—higher-intensity scenarios to build confidence and competence.
Summary
• Focused scope: Fewer techniques, concentrating on CP safety-critical skills.
• Mastery emphasis: As a second exposure, learners are expected to refine and elevate skills they already possess.
• Flexible assessment: “Demonstrate” outcomes may be evidenced technique-by-technique or through scenario assessments, depending on AO support and moderation. QN will require scenario-based assessment; note that some trainers under other AOs may continue with technique-by-technique assessment.
• Realistic, safe delivery: Use scenarios with genuine pressure and consequences. Techniques should succeed only when correctly applied—rather than via a compliant partner (“uke”). This avoids a perfunctory three-year cycle and helps learners finish energised, engaged, and confident in their progress.
Rationale
Within the knowledge–skills–behaviours framework, we expect that many learners will already hold the knowledge and skills from previous CP PI training. The refresher targets behaviours: can they execute those skills in live, dynamic conditions with semi-autonomous performance?
The PBA model blends realism with professional development, strengthening both your capabilities and organisational reputation. It also aligns with the SIA’s recognition that there is room to move beyond the basics for those ready to progress.
Reach out to Gavin Richardson via WhatsApp +44 7968 750094.
