Understanding PSA and SIA Licensing: What Clients in Ireland Should Know

When arranging Close Protection in Ireland, it’s easy to assume that a licence is a licence — that anyone calling themselves a bodyguard must have been through the same rigorous 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 the job?

PSA vs SIA – Two Different Systems

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 that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re trained or qualified to provide Close Protection.

Why the Difference Matters

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 by completing 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 safety. An operative may be legally licensed to work, yet lack the depth of training needed when your safety or that of your principal depends on it.

Related Articles: Private Security vs Security Guards

 Armed Security in Ireland: What’s Legal and What’s Best Practice

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 instruction.

This can cause serious misunderstanding — 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 simply doesn’t extend to the advanced personal protection standards required at this level.

Due Diligence: What to Check Before You Hire

When arranging protection for a client or principal, here’s what proper due diligence looks like:

1. Check for licensing: Ensure the operative holds a valid PSA licence to work legally in Ireland.

2. 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.

3. Confirm experience – Look for former military or police backgrounds and proven private client experience.

4. Verify insurance and references – Professional CPOs will provide both without hesitation.

5. 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

VIS Protection was founded by former British military professionals, and our whole team comprises operatives with a former police or military background. That background defines our approach: disciplined, discreet and accountable.

Many clients come to us after discovering their previous provider wasn’t correctly licensed or trained for Close Protection work. Every operative deployed under VIS holds a PSA licence and has completed a recognised Close Protection course — whether through the SIA or another reputable provider.

Before deployment, we verify that the course content, duration and assessment standards meet our own criteria. Combined with their military or police background, this ensures our operatives deliver true professional protection, not just legal compliance.

For UHNWIs, executives and family offices who value privacy and professionalism, that combination provides reassurance: no shortcuts, no weak links.

Final Thought

Licensing isn’t a formality. It’s a benchmark of professionalism — proof that those entrusted with your safety have earned that responsibility.

As our founder Paul often says, “When lives and reputations are involved, you don’t want the minimum requirement. You want people who meet the highest standard — and prove it.”

Contact VIS Protection

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

1. What’s the difference between PSA and SIA licensing?

The PSA regulates all security services in Ireland, including guarding and event security, but it does not issue a dedicated Close Protection licence. The SIA, which operates in the UK, does — setting one of the most widely recognised standards for Close Protection training, covering threat assessment, surveillance awareness, and protective driving. In Ireland, other Close Protection courses exist, but because the industry isn’t formally regulated, their quality can vary. That’s why VIS Protection carefully verifies the background and training of every operative before deployment.

2. Do you need an SIA licence to work in Ireland?

Legally, security operatives in Ireland must hold a PSA licence. However, Close Protection itself isn’t regulated under the PSA, so training standards can vary. At VIS Protection, every operative providing Close Protection in Ireland holds a PSA licence and has completed a recognised Close Protection course — either SIA-approved or an equivalent that we’ve personally verified as reputable and thorough. This ensures our team meets the same high professional standard expected in the UK.

3. What qualifications should a bodyguard or Close Protection Officer have?

A professional Close Protection Officer should hold a valid PSA licence if operating in Ireland, alongside recognised Close Protection training — either SIA-approved or another reputable, verified course of similar standard. At VIS Protection, we personally review and validate any non-SIA qualifications to ensure they meet the same level of rigour. All our operatives also come from military or police backgrounds, bringing real-world experience and discipline to their role.

4. How can I verify a security operative’s licence?

You can check an operative’s PSA licence via the Private Security Authority’s online register in Ireland, and verify SIA licences through the official SIA Register in the UK. A professional provider like VIS Protection will always share these details openly and confirm that any Close Protection training undertaken meets the required professional standard.

5. Why does VIS Protection require both PSA and SIA licences?

Because legal compliance alone isn’t enough. Every VIS operative working in Ireland holds a PSA licence and has completed recognised Close Protection training — whether SIA-approved or another verified, reputable course. Where an operative also holds an SIA licence, it reinforces our commitment to maintaining UK-level training standards across all operations. It’s how we ensure the highest level of trust, skill, and professionalism in every assignment.