Students seeking close protection courses to prepare themselves for bodyguard work may want to consider the types of certification offered, the reputation of the training facility, and where they want to work after graduation. In some nations, people who work as bodyguards need specific licenses and certifications. It is critical to ensure that close protection courses will qualify students for licensure after graduation if they intend to work in these nations.
One issue to consider is the level of coursework involved. Many training academies provide different levels of training with their own end certifications. Students may need to complete prior levels or show evidence of experience to get into advanced close protection courses. The training facility should be able to provide a syllabus that discusses course materials, what will be covered, and what students should be able to do after they graduate.
In a region where a license is required for bodyguard work, it can help to look up the requirements for a license before researching close protection courses. Applicants may need to complete a set number of hours of training, or could need to hold certificates in topics like first aid. These requirements should be checked against syllabi to determine if the facility will provide adequate preparation to receive a license. Some firms may have endorsements from law enforcement agencies and private companies, and these should always be double checked against the alleged source to confirm their validity.
While researching close protection courses, it is also advisable to get information about the reputation of the facility. Reviews in professional publications can be a good start, as can knowledge from people working in the industry. The facility should provide instructor biographies to give students an idea of the type and level of experience among the trainers. Another factor to consider is the student-to-teacher ratio, which should be low to ensure the best training, including more hands-on work and one-on-one attention.
Employees of a protection firm who want to increase their training or apply for more senior positions may want to discuss close protection courses with a supervisor. The supervisor could have advice on the best training facility. In some cases, the employer may also provide assistance with training, such as funding courses or allowing an employee to take some time off with half pay to attend courses. Such opportunities are more likely to be available to employees with a history of excellence, dedication to the work, and focus while on the job, as the company may consider these staff members worthy of additional investment.