5 Steps to Becoming a Close Protection Officer

Do you want to become a close protection officer and ensure the safety of personalities, businessmen or sensitive events? This demanding job requires rigorous training, specific skills and strict compliance with regulations. Discover the 5 key steps to get you started in this career.

Step 1: Understand the Business and its Missions

One close protection officer, also called bodyguard, has the main mission of ensuring the physical security of its customers. It must be able to:

• Anticipate and assess risks
• Plan safe routes
• Respond effectively in the event of a threat
• Ensuring discreet but effective surveillance

Its interventions can be carried out in various environments: travel, professional events, VIP protection, etc. This job requires a strong ability to adapt and a great deal of stress.

Step 2: Take Accredited Training

Before exercising, it is mandatory to follow a specific training course recognized by the State. In France, this means:

• Get a Professional Qualification Certificate (CQP) Close Protection Officer
• Be registered at National Directory of Professional Certifications (RNCP)
• Owning a Professional card issued by CNAPS (National Council for Private Security Activities)

These courses include essential modules:

• Protection and intervention techniques
• Management of crisis situations
• First Aid (SST)
• Fire safety (SSIAP)

It is also possible to specialize with additional training such as dog safety Or the management of excavations and palpation.

Step 3: Develop Key Skills

In addition to training, some qualities and abilities are essential to excel in this job:

• Excellent Physical condition and stamina
• Absolute discretion and stress management
• Mastery of self-defense techniques and martial arts
• Knowledge in risk prevention And in internal security
• Skills in first aid to manage critical situations

These skills should be constantly maintained through regular training and frequent upgrades.

Step 4: Choosing Between Armed and Unarmed Agents

The choice between an agent position armed or unarmed depends on missions and regulations:

• Armed agent : requires a Authorization to carry a weapon and specific training. This type of protection is reserved for high-risk missions.
• Unarmed agent : favors de-escalation techniques and prevention, while ensuring the close customer safety.

In France, the possession and use of a weapon are strictly regulated by law and require authorization issued by the competent authorities.

Step 5: Find a Job and Grow in the Profession

Once trained and certified, you have several options to start your career:

• Work for a private security company
• Join a close protection team for VIP
• Exercise in independent for one-off missions
• Specialize in event security Or the Protection of high personalities

The salary of a beginner Is around €2,500 per month, while a experienced agent with a high-end customer base can reach €7,000 monthly or more.With experience, an agent can evolve into positions of team leader, safety trainer or close protection consultant.

Conclusion

Becoming a close protection officer is a demanding course, but exciting. By following these 5 steps, you will be in a position to acquire the necessary skills and to integrate a dynamic sector offering numerous opportunities.