Qualifications guide
Which security risk management qualification should you take in the UK?
Three of the best-known UK security risk management qualifications are Oakwood's CSRM®, Frontier Risks' SRMC® and ISMI's CSMP®. All three are respected. They differ most in time away from work, total cost and focus. The CSRM® is the quickest route to a Level 5 qualification, at five days. The SRMC® is a 12-day residential course with a large alumni network. The CSMP® is a 12-month Level 6 diploma weighted towards physical security.
Last checked: 23 October 2026. Facts are taken from each provider's own website, linked below.
Side-by-side comparison
| CSRM® (Oakwood Risk & Resilience) | SRMC® (Frontier Risks) | CSMP® (ISMI) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualification | SFJ Awards Level 5, Ofqual regulated | City & Guilds Level 5 or ATHE Level 6 award | SFJ Awards Level 6 Organisation Diploma |
| Format | 5 days in person, or distance learning | 12-day residential near York, or distance learning | Distance learning only, 12 units over 12 months |
| Focus | Corporate security and resilience | Travel risk management and hostile environments | Physical security |
| Listed price | £1,995 inc VAT, or £1,800 distance | £2,540, plus £1,440 for 12 nights' accommodation and food | £1,794 inc VAT (distance learning only) |
| Assessment | Four 5,000-word assignments | Written assignments after the course | Continuous assessment, 1 assessment per unit, 12 in total |
| ELCAS | Yes | Yes (Levels 5 and 6) | Not listed |
| Strongest for | Professionals who want a holistic and practical approach to security and resilience | People who want to work within hostile environments and a residential course | People who want a longer Level 6 diploma focused on physical security |
Sources: Oakwood CSRM, Frontier Risks SRMC, ISMI CSMP.
What each qualification covers
CSRM® 11 modules: foundations of security risk management, organisational considerations, the security risk management framework (ISO 31000, threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment), insider and personnel risk, operational resilience and business continuity, incident and crisis management, cyber security, terrorism awareness and Martyn's Law, travel risk, investigations, and presentation skills.
SRMC® A broad syllabus including risk assessment, country threat assessment, crisis and disaster management, kidnap and ransom, and report writing.
CSMP® 12 units: security risk analysis, crime prevention, managing the security function, leadership, security design and surveying, perimeter protection, protecting buildings, access management, CCTV, facility counter terrorism, protection of information, and protection of at-risk personnel.
How to choose
- If time away from work is your main constraint, the CSRM® gives a Level 5 qualification in as little as five days, or by distance learning.
- If you need Level 6 specifically, the CSMP® and the SRMC® Level 6 route are the options here.
- If your role covers resilience, crisis and cyber as well as security, the CSRM® syllabus covers all of these.
- If you're leaving the Armed Forces, CSRM® and SRMC® are both ELCAS approved.
- If awarding body is a driver, CSRM® and CSMP® are both awarded by SFJ, one of the most widely respected awarding bodies in the security and criminal justice space. ATHE specialise in bespoke qualifications which are generally ringfenced to certain providers.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is the best security management qualification in the UK?
It depends on your role and time. For a Level 5 in the shortest time, the CSRM® takes five days. For Level 6, the CSMP® and SRMC® Level 6 are the main options. All three are well regarded by UK employers.
Is Level 5 or Level 6 better for a security manager?
Level 6 sits at degree level and Level 5 at foundation degree or HND level. Many security managers start with a Level 5 and progress. What matters most to employers is the content and whether the qualification is regulated.
Which security qualifications are Ofqual regulated?
The CSRM® leads to an Ofqual-regulated SFJ Awards Level 5 qualification. Check the Ofqual Register for any course you're considering.
Can I use ELCAS for a security risk management course?
Yes, for ELCAS-approved providers. Oakwood's CSRM® is ELCAS approved.