IISA ECPO FAQs
Q: Why is the course so cheap? Is everything included?
IISA streamlines the course so that it includes the training and qualifications you need to apply for your: SIA (UK), QUEENSLAND (Australia), CNAPS (France), PSIRA (south Africa), COA (New Zealand), Individual State (U.S.A) ASIS International badge. You may see that other companies charge €2000-5000 for the course. These courses may include either a higher level of qualification (FPOS/ FREC) or unnecessary internally certified modules or qualifications that you do not need to apply for your badge and are often unnecessary when working as a Executive Close Protection Operative in the UK, EU, EEA, Australia, New Zealand, China or as a Traveling Executive Close Protection Officer. For example, if you are training or working within the UK, EU, EEA, Australia, New Zealand, China or Travelling as an Executive Close Protection Officer from Country to Country you must work within the boundaries of the law which means that you cannot use firearms and you must drive safely on the road. Therefore, in short, companies that charge you more for a course that includes these modules are selling you training that you do not need when starting work within this industry. We suggest that you enrol on to the necessary training and you then consider your career/ professional development after you have finished the Executive Close Protection SIA Level 3 course.
Q: How old do you have to be?
Anyone aged 18 or above can enroll on to this course.
Q: How do I apply for my badge, do you do it for me and how much is it?
There is an application process that you must follow in order to apply for your badge. Please follow the instructions on the SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) website. IISA does not apply for your SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) badge for you or on your behalf. You must do this once you have received confirmation that you have passed the course. If you require assistance with your SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) badge application, please speak with your instructor. There may be circumstances in which an administrator can assist you for an additional cost.
Q: Are my SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) badge's application guaranteed?
The SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) are the organization's responsible for the regulation of the private security industry. They are an independent organization and therefore any license application decisions are made independently by them. IISA does not have any influence on your license application decision. IISA recommends that you check with the SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) that you are eligible for a license prior to enrollment.
Q: Why is each course (Basic, Advanced, Team, Commander) only 5 days long?
IISA have streamlined this course to 5 days by not including any unnecessary modules that are not required by the SIA (QUEENSLAND, CNAPS, PSIRA, COA, ASIS) to apply for your Executive Close Protection badge and our Awarding Body. All classroom studies will be done online prior to the physical hands on Course's that we offer, Basic, Advanced, Team and Commander in order to save you expenses. In parallel to this, you are expected to work long days to ensure the guided learning hours are met (140 hours for ECPO Plus 18 for FPOS First Aid). These long days are a realistic reflection of the expectation of operatives within the industry and therefore you should consider your capabilities before you enroll on to this course. All four Modules (Basic, Advanced, Team, Commander) account to 20 days in all. We have 4 Modules for the Executive Close Protection Officer Course: 1.Basic(5 days) Bronze Shield 2.Advanced (5 days) Silver Shield 3.Team(5 days) Gold Shield 4.Commander (5 days) Platinum Shield
Q: Do I need a driving license to attend this course?
A driving license is not required to attend the Basic course.
Q: I have a criminal conviction; can I still do the course?
Sorry but you cannot enroll to this course.
Q: Do I need a level of fitness and is there a fitness test?
There is not a fitness test required, however many practical exercises will require a certain level of fitness. Also, a reasonable standard of fitness and good health is required to enable the long working hours to be achieved.
Q: Are you registered with the SIA?
Yes, we are listed by the SIA Highfield on their website as a recognized training provider. IISA is an Approved Training Provider only, having a compulsory scheme is mainly dedicated to Operational companies that provide Training Operatives.
Q: Are Highfield Qualifications an official, recognized provider of qualifications?
Highfield Qualifications are recognized by the Government's Ofqual, CCEA, SQA Accreditation and the Qualification Wales in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and International Security Qualifications throughout the Middle East and Asia.
Q: Are my instructors experienced?
Our instructors are highly experienced and in our opinion some of the best within the industry. Our team includes ex I.G.S.S Israeli General Security Service, I.D.F Special Forces, Israeli Police Special Units, Israeli Police Close Protection Unit, and experienced SIA operatives. Please click here to see our instructor profiles.
Q: Who is the qualification awarding body?
Our awarding body for this course is Highfield Qualifications.
Q: How many people will be on my course?
IISA is dedicated to ensuring that your training is of a high quality. This means that we maintain a suitable student to instructor ratio. There will never be to many students on your course. There will never be less than 7 additional people on your course. This is to ensure that you are able to work effectively in a sufficiently sized team environment, as required for some modules within this course.
Q: Am I guaranteed to pass?
IISA will ensure that you receive the correct knowledge in order to pass this course. If you apply yourself and work hard there is no reason why you should not pass. It is important to state that individuals that do not attend the required hours and do not follow company rules will automatically fail. IISA will provide additional support where needed for students that are struggling with understanding content. There are several practical and written (multiple choice) assessments that need to be completed successfully to ensure that you are competent with your training and capable of working within this industry.
Q: How am I assessed?
There are 2 parts of the assessment that must be conducted: Portfolio - you will create a portfolio throughout the course covering each module. This will be done in manageable sections and you will work individually and as part of a team. Your instructor will guide you through this part of the assessment which will include written and video recordings of your work. The portfolio is signed off internally by IISA instructors. Multiple Choice Examinations - there are 3 multiple choice examinations consisting of between 25-45 questions and last between 40-60 minutes each. You will be required to pass each of these examinations. These are marked externally by Highfield Qualifications. Should you not meet the minimum requirement of correct questions in any of the exams, you are able to retake these exams at a later date and will be provided with further training if needed. IISA allow 1 further retake of any examination or the practical scenario at no extra cost.
Q: I have learning/physical difficulties/impairments, can I still do the course?
IISA will assist in any way that we can to ensure that we accommodate your needs as well as meeting the learning objectives. All of our students are looked at as individuals with individual needs and therefore we encourage you to discuss your requirements with IISA before you enroll on the course.
Q: How long until I get my results?
The examinations are marked externally by Highfield Qualifications. Results are usually received within 7-10 working days after the final day of your course. Once you have received your result from IISA. you can apply for your badge online 24 hours later. Your certificate will be posted to your home address within 14 days.
Q: Do you give me a job at the end of the course?
IISA is a training provider and therefore we do not directly provide job opportunities for our students. We do have a number of international operational companies that we work very closely with. IISA will endeavor to work with all successful students in finding suitable future employment and will remain available for assistance and guidance after the completion of your course. We will conclude this point by stating that we as a company adopt an honest and transparent approach and will never promise future employment as we see many other training providers do to sell their courses. There is without doubt employment opportunities within the industry for successful candidates and we will offer advice and guidance for free.