About Close Protection Jobs
Close protection (CP) is the professional discipline of protecting individuals from physical harm, harassment, kidnapping, and other threats. Close protection officers (CPOs) work for private security firms, government agencies, and directly for high-net-worth individuals.
The close protection industry employs thousands of operators worldwide, with the UK, Middle East, and United States being the largest markets. CPO Leads is the largest dedicated job board for close protection professionals, aggregating listings from 30+ sources daily.
Close Protection Job Categories
Residential Close Protection
Long-term assignments protecting principals at home. RST (Residential Security Team) roles often include EP driving and advance work. Stable income with predictable schedules.
Mobile Close Protection
Travelling with principals domestically and internationally. Requires passport readiness, advance planning skills, and cultural awareness. Premium rates for international travel.
Team Leader / Operations Manager
Leading CP teams of 2-12 operators. Requires significant experience, leadership skills, and operational planning ability. $400-$800/day.
Surveillance Detection (SD)
Covert counter-surveillance supporting CP operations. Specialist skill set with premium pay. Often combined with advance work.
Close Protection Qualifications
- UK: SIA Close Protection licence (mandatory), FREC 3 first aid, DBS check, EVOC driving certificate
- USA: State-specific guard card, CCW permit (armed roles), EVOC/POST driving, CPO academy certification
- International: Military or LE background preferred, weapons handling certification, hostile environment training (HEAT)
- Universal: Clean criminal record, valid passport, physical fitness, professional demeanour
Close Protection Day Rates by Region
- UK (London): 150-400 GBP/day
- Middle East: $350-$800/day
- USA: $400-$1,200/day
- Africa (hostile): $400-$1,000/day
- Iraq/Syria: $300-$600/day (rotation)
- Maritime: $500-$2,000/day
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between close protection and a bodyguard?
- They are essentially the same role. "Close protection" is the professional industry term used in the UK and internationally, while "bodyguard" is the more common public term. Close protection implies a systematic, professional approach including threat assessment, advance work, and team coordination — not just physical presence.
- How do I get my SIA close protection licence?
- Complete an SIA-approved close protection training course (typically 14 days), pass the required assessments, obtain a first aid qualification, and apply through the SIA website. The licence costs around 220 GBP and is valid for 3 years.
- Can I do close protection work without military experience?
- Yes. While many CPOs come from military or police backgrounds, civilians with proper training and certification can build successful CP careers. Start with corporate security or event work to build experience, then progress to higher-risk assignments.
- How many close protection jobs are on CPO Leads?
- We currently have 385+ active listings from 30+ sources, updated daily. New jobs are scraped from LinkedIn, Indeed, specialist security job boards, and insider networks. Subscribe for full access to job details and employer contacts.
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