Information for learners

Build your skills in protective security and preparedness

The Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness can equip you with the knowledge and skills to assess venues, sites and operations, reduce vulnerability to attack, and develop preparedness plans to mitigate risks.

Developed in partnership with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), this is the only qualification endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing (CTP) and NaCTSO.

Leaners will also receive a free digital copy of BSI PAS 127:2014 Checkpoint security screening of people and their belongings – Guide – usually £116.

As an awarding organisation, we do not offer training directly to learners. Instead, we work in partnership with approved training centres who deliver the qualification, while we provide the regulatory framework, assessment and certification.

The information below provides an overview of the qualification, how it can benefit you, and guidance on how to find an approved training centre.

What you’ll learn

The nature of terrorism, common attack types and current UK threat levels
Key counter-terrorism legislation, including the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also referred to as Martyn’s Law)
How to build and promote a positive organisational security culture
Principles of crime prevention and protective security measures
How to develop counter-terrorism preparedness plans and risk assessments, including evacuation, invacuation and lockdown procedures; first aid planning; staff training; and management processes
How to produce structured, evidence-based counter-terrorism recommendations

There will be a number of assessments to measure your learning, including a multiple-choice examination, a written assignment (comprising of a counter-terrorism risk assessment and preparedness plan), and a professional discussion.

Career progression and learning pathways

Successful completion of this qualification can provide the skills you need to progress in roles that support the protection of people and places.

Typical next steps include:

Supervisory and management roles within operational security
Venue or facilities supervisor positions
Event safety steward or event supervisor roles
Protective Security Adviser (PSA) or similar advisory functions
Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in areas such as:
- protective security
- risk management
- security management
- business continuity
- emergency planning
- leadership and management

The qualification can support development into various workforces including:

policing and law enforcement
local authorities
community safety agencies
transport and retail security
event and spectator venues, sites or organisers
contractor and outsourced security services
specialised high-risk environment management.

How can this help with Martyn’s Law?

No single qualification can in itself ensure compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also referred to as Martyn’s Law). Compliance requires a structured organisational approach.

This qualification – developed and designed with experts from Counter-Terrorism Policing – can provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding that will inform your compliance efforts. Understanding attack methodologies, counter-terrorism risk assessments, preparedness plans, risk mitigations, and sources of support for protective security are key to understanding what you and your venue, site or organisation needs to do when designing compliance.