Strengthening protective security and preparedness
The Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) team is introducing two new ways to strengthen your counter terrorism protective security and preparedness.
We’re pleased to introduce two new initiatives designed to help venues, businesses, and organisations of all sizes and sectors better understand and manage their risks from terrorism.
These offers aim to raise standards across the protective security and preparedness community, making it easier for you to access trusted training, guidance and qualified expertise.
Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness
We are launching the Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness, a nationally recognised qualification.
This new Ofqual-regulated qualification is open to anyone who wants to build their knowledge and capability in counter terrorism protective security and preparedness.
This course is built on authoritative guidance from NaCTSO and our partners. It provides a solid foundation in understanding threats, identifying vulnerabilities, and putting effective mitigation measures in place.
If you’d like to learn more or register your interest, please visit the website of our educational partner SFJ Awards.
A verified register of counter terrorism protective security specialists
We are also introducing a register of Counter Terrorism Security Specialists, a trusted resource for businesses and consumers seeking verified counter terrorism protective security and preparedness consultants.
The register provides access to skilled professionals who can offer advice and technical implementation across a wide range of counter terrorism and wider protective security disciplines.
It will sit as a newly recognised capability within the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists, sponsored by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and endorsed by NaCTSO. This allows organisations to identify specialists who meet recognised professional standards.
To find out more about joining the Register or using its services, please visit the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists website.
Why these new offers matter
Both the qualification and the register have been shaped through extensive research and engagement with stakeholders across multiple sectors.
This work helped us understand what businesses and venues need most, and we have refined our approach to ensure the final products are clear, accessible, and aligned with best practice.
Neither the qualification nor the register is mandatory. They are designed simply to support any venue, site or organisation looking to strengthen its protective security and preparedness.
Please note that NaCTSO cannot comment on commercial arrangements relating to either the qualification or the register.