How to Become a Qualified Bodyguard

Bodyguard

Whilst being a bodyguard for a may seem like a glamorous occupation, it is a profession that is hard to get into and all successful applicants must be qualified before they protect their very first clients. But what bodyguard training is needed to be successful in this mysterious industry?

Close protection services cater to a wide range of clients who are looking for the highest levels of security to help them go about their daily lives. Usually reserved for ex-Army officers or those who already have a strong background in security, more and more people are finding that this rather risky path may just be the career for them…

In order to qualify for a career as a bodyguard to must secure a license granted by industry regulator Security Industry Authority (SIA), this is compulsory for all security personnel working across a variety of industries. To obtain a license from the SIA, you must firstly be over the age of 18, passed all police checks and completed a certain level of training.

The first step to completing the necessary training, holding a license and becoming a front-line member of staff like a bodyguard is enrolling on a series of close protection courses. All staff must complete at least 138 hours of close protection training to qualify for licensing Executive Protection. To pass the course, trainee bodyguards must complete two close protection courses and undertake an examination to test their skills.

This close protection training involves a number of specialist modules, including risk assessment, surveillance awareness, security, law, teamwork, briefing, incident management and route selection. The modules also delve deeper into the role and responsibilities you will undertake as a close protection operative. A number of courses offering the most comprehensive training in close protection take place across the country.

To qualify for a SIA license, applicants must also complete First Aid at Work training to ensure that they can deliver a complete service to their employer, whether that be a high profile public figure, member of the royal family, city banker, mega-rich client or wider social group. If you complete all the necessary training, you should be able to get your very own SIA license in 25 working days. Once you have your licence, operatives don’t need to take refresher training, instead the techniques and qualifications you gain will last your whole career.

Conclusion

A career in the close protection services may not be for everyone but with the right training, drive and enthusiasm you can ensure that your passion to become a bodyguard starts off on the right foot with the recognised qualifications you need to get ahead.

Brian Tough challenges you to train with the best to become the best in close protection, surveillance training, SIA and bodyguard training with Argus Europe.

Our courses are accredited by EDEXCEL and covers all of the core competencies as specified by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

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