Close protection is the most advanced SIA qualification available, opening doors to high-earning roles protecting VIPs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals. With salaries ranging from £31,000 to £42,000+ for experienced operators, it’s a career that rewards skill and professionalism.
But here’s the reality: how to get free close protection training depends almost entirely on your military background. Unlike entry-level SIA courses like security guard or door supervisor, close protection training isn’t covered by standard government funding schemes.
This article explains the two verified funding routes for ex-military personnel and the reality for civilians considering this elite qualification. For a comprehensive overview of all SIA funding options, see our guide on how to get free SIA training.
What Close Protection Training Involves
Before we discuss funding, let’s clarify what you’re signing up for. The SIA close protection licence requires an intensive 16-19-day course covering threat assessment, defensive driving, first aid, conflict management, and operational planning.
The total investment typically includes:
- Close Protection course: Around £2,000
- SIA licence fee: £184
- Mandatory Level 3 First Aid: £50-£150
- Total: Approximately £2,234-£2,334
With over 446,000 SIA licence holders working nationwide, Close Protection operators represent a select few—those with the training, discipline, and professionalism to work in high-stakes environments.
Funding Route 1: Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) for Ex-Military
If you’re ex-military, Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) is your primary funding route for close protection training.
What ELCAS Covers
ELCAS provides financial support for higher-level learning (Level 3 or above) with approved Learning Providers. You can claim funding in up to three separate financial years.
Funding tiers:
- Lower tier: 80% of course cost up to £1,000 (4-6 years service)
- Higher tier: 80% of course cost up to £2,000 (8+ years service)
For a £2,000 close protection course, the higher tier could cover the entire course cost, leaving you to pay only the £184 SIA licence fee and first aid qualification. Read more about transitioning from a military career to security work in our blog.
How to Apply
- Check your eligibility through your Single Service Representative (SSR)
- Search for approved ELCAS providers offering close protection training
- Submit your claim online via the ELCAS Member Area
- Your Education Officer (if serving) or SSR (if you’ve left) will authorise your claim
You can make a maximum of three ELC claims total, but only one per financial year (1 April – 31 March). Retrospective claims are not permitted, so you must apply before your course starts.
Important: ELCAS may not apply to close protection training courses specifically. Do your due diligence and go through the official website before committing to any training programme.
Recommended Reading: How to Get Free Door Supervisor Training
Funding Route 2: Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the official resettlement service for the Armed Forces. Whilst CTP doesn’t directly fund close protection training, it provides comprehensive support for ex-military personnel transitioning to civilian careers.
What CTP Offers
CTP has supported more than 310,000 personnel over the past 25 years. Services include:
- Career advice and planning: One-to-one support from consultants who help you develop a Personal Resettlement Plan
- Training courses: Access to vocational qualifications and employability skills workshops
- Employment fairs: Free attendance at nine annual CTP Employment Fairs featuring forces-friendly employers
- Jobs portal: Access to quality, relevant vacancies through Reed in Partnership’s extensive employer network
- Financial and housing briefs: Practical support for civilian life
CTP is available to all regular and full-time Service leavers, regardless of time served. The level of support depends on your length of service, with the Core Resettlement Programme (CRP) available to those who’ve served for more than six years.
How CTP Complements ELCAS
Use CTP to identify close protection as your career path, then apply for ELCAS funding to cover the training cost. CTP’s career advisors can help you navigate the transition and connect you with forces-friendly employers actively recruiting close protection officers.
Important: Like with ELCAS, make sure to do your due diligence and go through the official government website detailing CTP guidelines before committing to any training programme.
Recommended Reading: How to Get Free CCTV Training
The Reality for Civilians
Here’s the honest truth: the standard government funding schemes—Jobcentre Plus, SWAP, and standard apprenticeships—do not typically cover close protection training. Close protection is a specialist, elite qualification. Government funding usually prioritises entry-level SIA courses like security guard and door supervisor, which have broader applicability and lower training costs.
This doesn’t mean the qualification is out of reach for civilians; it means you’ll need to self-fund.
Why the Investment Makes Sense
Close protection officers earn significantly more than entry-level security roles:
- Security guard: £21,700-£30,000 annually (approximately £18/hr)
- Door supervisor: £22,000-£30,000 annually (approximately £23/hr)
- Close protection officer: £31,000-£42,000+ annually (approximately £50/hr)
At £31,000 per year, you could recover your £2,234 training investment within your first month or two of employment. For experienced operators earning £42,000+, the return on investment is even faster.
Many civilians start with entry-level SIA roles like security guard to gain industry experience, then progress to Close Protection once they’ve built a financial cushion and proven their commitment to the sector.
Get a Head Start Whilst You Decide
Regardless of which pathway you pursue—ELCAS funding or self-funding—preparation gives you an edge. Get Licensed offers resources to help you get exam-ready:
- GuardPass App gives you thousands of mock questions in the same timed format as your actual exam.
- Free Unit 1 Course on “Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry” gives you a solid understanding of what the close protection course covers before you commit.
You can also explore CPD-certified e-learning courses (£25-£35) in areas like Conflict Resolution and Stress Management—skills that make you a more effective close protection officer. Use code GET10OFF to save £10 on your training (view all discounts here).
Ready to Start?
Getting your SIA Close Protection licence is an achievable goal, whether you pursue funded or free SIA courses through relevant providers or choose to self-fund. If you’re ex-military, check your ELCAS eligibility today and search for approved providers. Use CTP’s career support services to plan your transition and connect with employers. If you’re a civilian, consider starting with an entry-level SIA role to gain experience and build financial stability, then progress to close protection when you’re ready to invest.
The UK security industry is thriving, with demand for skilled close protection officers at an all-time high. Whether you access funded or free SIA training or invest in yourself directly, this elite qualification opens doors to a rewarding, high-earning career.
Book your SIA close protection course today and take the first step towards protecting VIPs, executives, and high-net-worth individuals in the UK’s growing security industry.
