SFJ Awards Level 3 Qualifications | Professional Investigation | Counter-Terrorism Protective Security & Preparedness

Counter-Terrorism Protective Security & Preparedness

Practical, tutor-led training to help you assess terrorism risks, strengthen protective security and improve preparedness within your venue, site or organisation.

£1,495

April 2027 Pilot

Professional Training for People Responsible for Protecting Others

We believe professional training should provide practical knowledge you can put to use.

Our SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness combines specialist teaching, discussion and applied learning to help you make informed decisions about protecting people and places.

Developed by SFJ Awards in collaboration with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), this qualification develops your understanding of terrorist attack methods, proportionate protective measures and effective preparedness planning.

The proposed programme combines live online learning with classroom training, supported by experienced tutors and structured assessment.

Who Is This Course For?

This qualification is designed for professionals responsible for the safety and security of people, premises, events and organisations.

It is particularly relevant to:

  • Security managers, supervisors and team leaders.

  • Venue, event, facilities and estates managers.

  • Health and safety, risk and operations professionals.

  • Business continuity and resilience staff.

  • Individuals developing responsibilities in protective security and preparedness.

No previous counter-terrorism qualification is required. The qualification is recommended for learners aged 18 and over.

More Than Just a Certificate

Our £1,495 course fee includes comprehensive training, assessment and support to help you achieve your qualification.

You’ll receive:

  • Two days of live, tutor-led online training.

  • Three days of classroom teaching, discussion and practical exercises.

  • Additional scheduled guided learning sessions.

  • All required course materials, including the learner manual.

  • SFJ Awards learner registration, standard assessments and certification following successful completion.

  • Scheduled post-course group support and individual assessor guidance.

  • Lunch, refreshments and Wi-Fi during classroom training.

  • Complimentary delegate parking at the training venue.

Travel, overnight accommodation, evening meals and meals on online training days are not included.

What You’ll Achieve

On successful completion, you’ll receive the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness, an Ofqual-regulated qualification (610/7028/2).

You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to:

  • Identify potential terrorist threats and vulnerabilities.

  • Assess terrorism-related risks.

  • Understand and consider proportionate protective security measures.

  • Contribute to effective preparedness and response planning.

  • Develop counter-terrorism risk assessments and written recommendations.

  • Recognise when specialist advice or additional expertise is required.

The qualification comprises six mandatory units and requires successful completion of all assessments.

The Course Structure

Our proposed pilot course combines two days of live online teaching with three days of classroom training at the DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon.

Proposed dates: 5 to 9 April 2027

  • 5 to 6 April: Live online teaching via Microsoft Teams.

  • 7 to 9 April: Classroom training, discussion and applied exercises in Swindon.

  • Before and after the teaching days: Online induction, additional guided learning, assessment activities and tutor support.

The qualification involves 41 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 90 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT), including independent study and assessment.

You should therefore allow time for additional learning and assessment activities beyond the five teaching days.

Please note: Pilot dates and delivery arrangements remain subject to final confirmation.

Supporting Preparedness for Martyn’s Law

The qualification has been designed with alignment to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law.

It provides relevant knowledge to help those responsible for venues, sites and organisations better understand protective security, terrorism risks and preparedness planning.

Completing this qualification does not, by itself, establish compliance with Martyn’s Law. Compliance requires wider organisational action and appropriate measures for the circumstances.

Delivered by Experienced Professionals

The programme will be led by tutors with relevant expertise in counter-terrorism protective security, preparedness and risk assessment.

Teaching is supported by assessment and quality assurance arrangements that meet SFJ Awards requirements.

Tutor profiles will be available before enrolment opens.

Course Details

The qualification covers six mandatory units:

  1. Introduction to Counter-Terrorism: Understanding terrorist threats, attack types and relevant legislation.

  2. Positive Organisational Security Culture: Exploring leadership, staff involvement and effective security management.

  3. Counter-Terrorism Protective Security: Identifying vulnerabilities and considering proportionate protective measures.

  4. Counter-Terrorism Preparedness: Understanding preparedness planning and appropriate responses to incidents.

  5. Counter-Terrorism Risk Assessment and Preparedness Plan: Developing practical approaches to risk assessment and planning.

  6. Counter-Terrorism Written Recommendation: Preparing structured recommendations to support protective security decisions.

Assessment is set by SFJ Awards and consists of three stages, completed in the following order:

  1. A multiple-choice examination.
  2. A written assignment.
  3. A professional discussion.

The qualification is graded pass or fail.

Attendance alone does not result in certification. You’ll need to successfully complete all required assessments to achieve the award.

Classroom training will take place at:

DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon
Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way
Swindon, SN5 8UZ

The hotel is conveniently located close to Junction 16 of the M4 and offers dedicated meeting facilities, Wi-Fi, parking and on-site accommodation.

Lunch, tea, coffee and refreshments are included on all three classroom training days.

Overnight accommodation is not included and should be arranged independently once the course has been confirmed.

Please advise us of any dietary or accessibility requirements when enquiring.

The proposed pilot course fee is £1,495 per learner, with no VAT added.

When enrolment opens:

  • A 50% deposit (£747.50) will secure your place.
  • The remaining £747.50 will be payable before the first scheduled learning session, in accordance with the booking terms.
  • Invoices and receipts will be available for individual and employer-funded bookings.

The pilot is planned for a small group of up to 12 learners.

Bookings are not yet open. Register your interest to receive further information when dates and arrangements are confirmed.

All bookings will be subject to the published course terms and confirmation that the pilot will run.

Is the course entirely classroom-based?

No. The proposed programme combines two live online teaching days with three classroom days and additional guided learning sessions. You’ll need a suitable device, reliable internet connection and access to Microsoft Teams.

Do I need previous counter-terrorism qualifications?

No previous counter-terrorism qualification is required. Before enrolment, we’ll discuss course suitability and any learning or accessibility needs.

Is there an examination?

Yes. Assessment includes a multiple-choice examination, a written assignment and a professional discussion.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and refreshments are included on all three classroom days. Accommodation, travel and meals on online training days are additional.

Can I use Enhanced Learning Credits?

Please contact us before applying. Funding eligibility for this specific qualification must be confirmed separately.

Need More Details About the Course?

Whether you’re looking to develop your own professional skills or arrange training for colleagues, we’re happy to discuss the qualification, course content and suitability.

Register your interest today and we’ll keep you informed as arrangements for the proposed April 2027 pilot are confirmed.

Register Your Interest

Interested in joining our proposed April 2027 course? Complete the form below and we’ll contact you when enrolment opens.

Registering your interest doesn’t commit you to booking or making a payment. We’ll contact you when enrolment opens.