There are no QCA/ACCAC/QAA approved qualifications that can be considered as exemptions for the core competence training and assessment. Arrangements for exemptions and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) are as follows:

1. Close Protection operatives who have previously received formal close protection training and are currently employed in an operational close protection role should present themselves to an approved Training Centre with evidence of the training they have received. Depending on the date and content of the training they have taken and to what extent the training covered the learning objectives of the new Close Protection course for licensing, they will be directed to take either the full 150 hours full Close Protection Course or the 24 hour Guided Learning Hours Refresher Course.
   
   
2. Candidates who have completed formal close protection training from the organisations listed below and have remained in an operational close protection role, will be exempt from further training but will be required to take the knowledge test and a practical skills assessment.
   • Special Air Service regiment Body Guard Course
   • Royal Military Police Close Protection Course
   • Metropolitan Police Royalty Protection/Special Branch Close Protection Course
   • Police National Close Protection Courses including Northern Ireland
   • Nemesis Group Close Protection Course
   • Phoenix Close Protection Course

Please note: It is important to ensure that training remains current. Therefore, qualifications allowing exemption from the SIA approved training must be no more than three years old, except where otherwise stated.

It is strongly recommended that candidates who present themselves for assessment only should consider attending a 24 hour Refresher Course. Those who have trained in either a police or military environment may find the terminology and procedures to be different in a civilian context and this would give them the best opportunity of passing the assessment.

All candidates must take the knowledge test and practical skills assessment.

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