Level 3 SFJ Award
Counter Terrorism
Protective Security & Preparedness (CTPSaP®)
A regulated SFJ qualification for individuals responsible for Counter Terrorism Protective Security, ensuring the safety of people, places, and operations.
About the course
An Ofqual regulated
qualification, created
with NaCTSO.
The SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness is an Ofqual regulated qualification aimed at enhancing practical capabilities in counter terrorism protective security and organisational preparedness.
Created by SFJ Awards in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), this nationally recognised qualification equips learners with essential knowledge and skills to understand terrorism threats, assess risks, and implement effective protective security measures within their organisations. It plays a crucial role in helping organisations bolster their security, enhance preparedness, and foster a safer, more resilient operating environment.
Aligned with current UK counter terrorism guidance, this qualification is designed to support organisations in meeting the requirements of the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025. It provides the necessary knowledge and understanding to improve readiness and minimise vulnerability across various venues, sites, and organisations.
In partnership with
Curriculum
What you'll learn.
A structured introduction to counter terrorism protective security and preparedness. Learners will develop a clear understanding of terrorism threats, attacker methodologies and the steps organisations can take to reduce risk and improve response.
01Module 1
Introduction to Counter Terrorism
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Module 1
Introduction to Counter Terrorism
- Understanding terrorism motivations and common attack types
- UK threat levels and the legislative context
- Organisational responsibilities for protecting people and public spaces
- Vigilance, reporting and the scope of counter terrorism legislation
- How different sites and organisations fall within protective security guidance
02Module 2
Positive Organisational Security Culture
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Module 2
Positive Organisational Security Culture
- The role of culture in protective security
- Embedding vigilance and awareness across teams
- Encouraging positive reporting behaviours
- Leadership and communication in security culture
- Sustaining engagement over time
03Module 3
Counter Terrorism Protective Security
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Module 3
Counter Terrorism Protective Security
- Core protective security principles
- Physical and personnel security measures
- Access control and site hardening
- Threat and vulnerability assessment
- Integrating protective security with business operations
04Module 4
Counter Terrorism Preparedness
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Module 4
Counter Terrorism Preparedness
- Preparedness planning fundamentals
- Response coordination and decision making
- Communication during a security incident
- Evacuation, lockdown and invacuation considerations
- Recovery and post-incident review
05Module 5
Completing a Counter Terrorism Risk Assessment and Preparedness Plan
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Module 5
Completing a Counter Terrorism Risk Assessment and Preparedness Plan
- Risk assessment methodology
- Identifying threats, vulnerabilities and impacts
- Developing a counter terrorism risk assessment
- Linking risk assessment to a preparedness plan
- Review, assurance and continuous improvement
06Module 6
Completing a Counter Terrorism Written Recommendation
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Module 6
Completing a Counter Terrorism Written Recommendation
- Structuring clear, actionable recommendations
- Aligning recommendations with risk assessment findings
- Justifying protective security and preparedness measures
- Communicating to senior stakeholders
- Professional writing standards for security practitioners
Delivery & assessment
Immersive delivery,
regulated assessment.
How it's delivered
5-day in-person immersive course.
The in-person course on Counter Terrorism Protective Security is delivered over 5 consecutive days, providing a focused and immersive learning experience that includes essential security training, culminating in the SFJ Level 3 Award.
How it's assessed
Exam, written assignment and professional discussion.
Assessment methods for the SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security are established by SFJ Awards and include an exam, a written assignment and professional discussion. These assessments validate both knowledge and practical application of learning within the realm of security training.
Where we deliver
CTPSaP® training
across the UK.
Our primary training centre is in Norwich, Norfolk. We also run the five-day Level 3 CTPSaP® programme in Cambridge, Sheffield, Bristol and Newcastle, and deliver on-site at client premises anywhere in the UK so the course can be tailored to your risks and operating environment.
Norwich
Our Norfolk base and primary training centre
Cambridge
Serving Cambridgeshire and the East of England
Sheffield
Serving Yorkshire and the East Midlands
Bristol
Serving the South West and South Wales
Newcastle
Serving the North East and Scottish borders
Recognition & certification
Trusted, regulated &
accessible.
Delivered across the UK
Open courses run from our Norwich base and regional venues in Cambridge, Sheffield, Bristol and Newcastle, with in-house delivery available at client premises nationwide.
Dual Certification
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness — a nationally recognised, regulated qualification.
Nationally Recognised & Regulated
Officially regulated by Ofqual, the UK's Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, ensuring credibility and value across the UK security community.
ELCAS Approved Course
Eligible for ELCAS funding — a nationally recognised pathway for serving and former UK Armed Forces personnel into security risk management roles across corporate, public sector and critical national infrastructure.
Next step
Secure your qualification in
Counter Terrorism Protective Security.
Speak to our team about upcoming dates, in-house delivery and ELCAS funding.