Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness qualification

We have worked in partnership with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) to design this UK-regulated qualification. This qualification supports learners in developing the knowledge and practical capability to strengthen an organisation’s counter-terrorism-specific protective security, risk assessment and preparedness. It is aimed at venues, sites and organisations of all sizes, across all sectors. It may be of particular interest to those who want a better understanding of counter-terrorism in preparation for the implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law).

This is the only qualification endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) and NaCTSO.

Centres can now apply for approval to deliver this qualification. We have more information available on the approval process, key timelines, and the resources provided to approved centres.

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Explore the qualification

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About the qualification

Find out who the qualification is designed for, explore the benefits it offers, and access the qualification specification.

About the qualification

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Find an approved training centre

Find an approved centre who can deliver this qualification to learners.

Find an approved training centre

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Information for centres

See information about the approval process, timelines, and resources available to centres.

Information for centres

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Information for employers

See how this qualification can strengthen your organisation’s security capabilities, help mitigate risk, and support your approach to complying with regulatory requirements.

Information for employers

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Information for learners

Gain an overview of the qualification content and how it supports career pathways in security and related sectors.

Information for learners

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Become a centre

To deliver this qualification, training providers need to be an SFJ Awards approved centre. Start the process today.

Become a centre

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Tools and resources

Useful resources for centres, businesses and learners about protective security and preparedness relating to this qualification.

Tools and resources

News and updates

The Competent Persons Scheme is coming – becoming an approved SFJ Awards centre

5 September 2025

SFJ Awards are the appointed awarding organisation by the UK National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) – a specialist unit within Counter-Terrorism Policing. NaCTSO provides authoritative Counter-Terrorism (CT) advice to all business sectors in the UK.

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