Understanding PSA and SIA Licensing: What Clients in Ireland Should Know
- paulfrederickjones
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
When arranging close protection in Ireland, it’s easy to assume that a licence is a licence - that anyone calling themselves a bodyguard has been through the same level of training.
Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
For PAs, family office managers and advisers tasked with sourcing security, this detail matters. Choosing the wrong operative can mean hiring someone legally permitted to guard a door, but not trained to protect a person.
So, what’s the difference between PSA and SIA licensing - and how can you be sure the people you hire are truly qualified for close protection work?
PSA vs SIA licensing – understanding the difference in Ireland
In the UK, Close Protection Officers (CPOs) often train through courses approved by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) .
The SIA sets one of the most recognised standards, covering threat assessment, surveillance awareness, first aid, and protective driving.
However, other Close Protection courses also exist - particularly in Ireland, where the sector isn’t formally regulated. These can vary significantly in quality and duration, which is why due diligence is critical.
In Ireland, security is regulated by the Private Security Authority (PSA). While the PSA oversees all security roles, it currently does not include a specific Close Protection licence.
Instead, most licences issued under the PSA are for static guarding, door supervision, or event security.
This means that an operative in Ireland can legally work under a PSA security guard licence - but may not be trained or qualified to provide close protection.
Why this matters when hiring close protection in Ireland
Close protection is about far more than physical presence.
A trained CPO anticipates risk, blends into the environment, and plans movements discreetly. They understand threat profiling, evacuation procedures, and how to protect without drawing attention.
Those skills are gained through recognised close protection training - typically SIA-approved or an equivalent reputable programme - not general security courses.
For clients, this distinction can be the difference between professional protection and a false sense of security.
Related Articles: Private Security vs Security Guards
Common misconception: ‘Licensed’ means qualified
In Ireland, it’s common to see companies advertise “licensed close protection” without clarifying which licence they mean.
If that licence is PSA-only, the operative may never have received any close protection training.
This creates confusion — particularly for assistants or family offices managing security on behalf of someone else.
It’s not about criticising the PSA, but recognising that its scope doesn’t extend to the advanced standards required for personal protection.
Due diligence: what to check before hiring a bodyguard in Ireland
When arranging protection for a client or principal, here’s what proper due diligence looks like:
Check for licensing: Ensure the operative holds a valid PSA licence to work legally in Ireland.
Confirm Close Protection training: Ask for proof of a completed Close Protection course - ideally SIA-approved or an equivalent programme of adequate length and standard.
VIS personally verifies the legitimacy of any non-SIA qualification before deployment.
Confirm operational experience: Look for former military or police backgrounds and proven private client experience.
Verify insurance and references: Professional CPOs will provide both without hesitation.
Review professionalism: The right team should demonstrate discretion, planning ability and calm under pressure - not visibility or bravado.
At VIS, we don’t just check boxes.
Every operative providing Close Protection in Ireland holds a PSA licence, has completed a recognised CP course (SIA or equivalent), and comes from a military or police background.
It’s how we guarantee that clients in Ireland receive the same calibre of protection as those we support in the UK.
Why VIS Protection sets a higher standard in Ireland
At VIS, we don’t just meet requirements - we go beyond them.
Every operative providing close protection in Ireland holds a valid PSA licence, has completed a recognised close protection course (SIA or equivalent), and comes from a military or police background.
It’s how we ensure clients in Ireland receive the same calibre of protection as those we support in the UK.
Final Thought
Licensing isn’t a formality. It’s a benchmark of professionalism - proof that those entrusted with your safety have earned that responsibility.
And when lives and reputations are involved, you don’t want the minimum requirement. You want people who meet the highest standard - and prove it.
If you’re arranging protection in Ireland and want to ensure your team is correctly licensed and trained, contact VIS Protection in confidence.
We’ll help you verify credentials and make the right call for your security.
FAQs - Professional security services bodyguard liscences
1.What is a PSA licence in Ireland?
A PSA licence is a legal requirement for anyone working in the private security sector in Ireland. It is issued by the Private Security Authority and covers roles such as security guarding, door supervision, and event security. It does not include a specific qualification for close protection.
2. What is the difference between PSA and SIA licensing in Ireland?
The main difference is that the PSA regulates general security roles in Ireland, while the SIA in the UK sets recognised standards for close protection training. SIA-approved training includes threat assessment, surveillance awareness, and protective driving, which are not covered under standard PSA licensing.
3. Is close protection regulated in Ireland?
No. Close protection is not currently regulated as a specific licence category in Ireland, which means training standards can vary between providers.
4. Can you legally work as a bodyguard in Ireland with just a PSA licence?
Yes, a PSA licence allows an operative to work legally in the security sector. However, it does not confirm close protection training, as most PSA licences relate to guarding roles rather than personal protection.
5. What qualifications should a close protection officer have in Ireland?
A professional close protection officer should hold a valid PSA licence and have completed a recognised close protection course — ideally SIA-approved or an equivalent programme. At VIS Protection, we also require military or police backgrounds to ensure real-world operational experience.
6. Why isn’t PSA licensing alone enough for close protection?
Because close protection is a specialist role. It involves risk assessment, advance planning, situational awareness, and discreet movement — skills not covered under standard guarding licences.
7. Do all close protection operatives in Ireland have SIA training?
No. Because the industry is not formally regulated at that level in Ireland, training standards vary. Some operatives complete recognised close protection courses, while others may not have specialist training at all.
8. Do I need close protection or just a security guard in Ireland?
It depends on your level of risk. Security guards are typically used for static roles such as protecting property or managing access. Close protection officers are trained to protect individuals, manage movement, assess threats, and operate discreetly. For high-profile individuals or families, close protection is usually the appropriate level of security.
9. How can I check if a bodyguard is properly licensed?
You can verify a PSA licence through the Private Security Authority register in Ireland and check SIA licences via the official UK SIA register. A professional provider should always be open about credentials and training.
10. What should I ask before hiring close protection in Ireland?
You should ask for proof of PSA licensing, evidence of recognised close protection training, details of operational experience, and confirmation of insurance. A reputable provider will also explain how their team plans and delivers protection based on your specific risks.
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