The Security Institute is proud to recognise the official launch of the Level 4 Protective Security Adviser (PSA) Qualification/Apprenticeship, which formally goes live today. This new qualification and counterpart apprenticeship is a major development in strengthening and professionalising the UK’s approach to protective security across a wide range of sectors; indeed it is the first fully converged course of its type.
The qualification was developed through extensive collaboration by a trailblazer group of subject matter experts and security professionals from across industry, academia, and government – including The Security Institute, National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), UK National Authority for Counter-Eavesdropping (UK NACE) and Skills 4 Justice Awards. This collaborative effort has resulted in a high-quality programme designed to provide protective security advisers with the robust, nationally recognised skills and knowledge they need to effectively identify, assess and mitigate threats to people, assets, and infrastructure.
The qualification aligns with the National Occupational Standards and supports the implementation of government guidance and wider national resilience initiatives. With the ever-evolving nature of security threats, this qualification responds to an urgent and ongoing need for specialist roles that are formally trained, competent, and trusted to deliver protective security advice in critical environments.
Structured as a Level 4 award, the qualification is designed build on knowledge through scenario-based learning and assessment. Participants will engage with core topics including threat and risk assessment, protective security planning, stakeholder communication, and the principles of integrated security management with a converged approach.
The programme is assessed through a combination of written coursework and scenario-based tasks, ensuring that learners are not only absorbing theoretical principles but also applying them in practical, real-world contexts. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive a recognised qualification that demonstrates both competence and credibility in a rapidly growing field.
Professor Simon Hepburn, CEO of The Security Institute, commented on the launch:
“The Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Qualification and Apprenticeship is a timely and vital contribution to the UK’s national security landscape. As a member of the core trailblazer group, The Security Institute is proud to have supported its development, which represents a significant step forward in formalising the skills, standards, and professional expectations of those working in protective security roles. In complex threat environment, a converged approach to security training has been a pressing need for quite some time: with this award, we have set a new benchmark that will help build national capability and trust.”
The launch comes at a time of heightened focus on protective security across the UK, with a growing emphasis on the need for qualified professionals to support resilience, continuity, and public safety. The Security Institute continues to champion professional development, ethics, and standards across all areas of security practice and looks forward to seeing the positive impact of this qualification across the sector.
To read more about the Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Apprenticeship and Qualification, please click here.