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Certificate III in Close Protection Operations

This qualification reflects the role of a close protection operative who is responsible for providing security services to protect the safety and security of principals who may be celebrities, political figures, very important persons (VIPs) or other persons requiring close protection services. This qualification provides an occupational licence outcome of a close protection operative. Occupational titles could include: close protection operative. This qualification is suitable for people within or entering the security industry who wish to specialise in the provision of close protection services. It provides a pathway to further learning and work in various security roles and settings, including security risk management. Close protection operatives work in a team environment under limited supervision and use discretion and judgement in known and unpredictable work contexts. They take responsibility for their own outputs in work and learning, and limited responsibility for the output of others in the work team. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements Occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply at the time of publication. Please refer to the CPP Companion Volume Implementation Guide for information.

Important:RPL it Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation. RPL it does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Qualification overview
CPP31418
LevelAQF 3Certificate III
Units148 core, 6 elective
PackageCPPProperty Services Training Package
Timeframe
Typically 4 to 6 weeksAfter evidence is submitted to the RTO. Individual timelines vary.
Fees
Personalised quote before you commitIncludes the total fee and payment terms. Any gap training cost is confirmed in writing before you agree to it. 50% of the fee is the RPL it service fee and is non-refundable.Refund and withdrawal policy
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Recognition of Prior Learning

What is an RPL qualification?

Recognition of Prior Learning assesses skills you already have against a nationally recognised qualification. Demonstrate competency, and you receive the same nationally recognised qualification, issued by a registered training organisation (RTO), as someone who completed the full course.

Who is eligible for RPL?

  • You have years of experience in your field
  • You learned the work on the job, through mentoring or on your own
  • You need the qualification for licensing, promotion or migration
  • You hold overseas qualifications you want recognised in Australia
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How RPL works in four steps

  1. Free Skills Review

    Tell us about your work experience. We’ll match it to valid qualifications.

  2. Build your portfolio

    Your account manager helps you gather your required evidence for your RTO.

  3. RTO assessment

    Your evidence portfolio is submitted to our partner RTO. A qualified assessor evaluates your competency.

  4. Get your qualification

    Once assessed as competent, the RTO issues your nationally recognised qualification.

Career Outcomes

Explore Roles Associated with this Qualification

If your current or past work looks like one of these roles, this qualification may suit you.

  • 01

    Close Protection Operative

    Providing dedicated physical security and safety management for VIPs, celebrities, or high-net-worth individuals.

  • 02

    Executive Protection Specialist

    Planning and implementing comprehensive security strategies for corporate leaders in diverse and unpredictable environments.

  • 03

    VIP Security Team Leader

    Coordinating a team of operatives to ensure seamless protection during travel, public appearances, and private events.

Evidence Checklist

What Suitable Evidence Can Support Your Evidence Portfolio?

Your consultant can help you identify relevant workplace records. The delivering RTO decides whether the evidence is sufficient and current.

Work History & Roles
  • Detailed CV and employment contracts
  • Position descriptions for close protection or VIP security roles
  • Letters of reference from security firms or principals

Operational Planning
  • Security risk assessment reports
  • Route plans and venue reconnaissance documents
  • Principal profiles and emergency response protocols

Incident Management
  • Conflict resolution logs and incident reports
  • Evidence of negotiation in security situations
  • Use of force reports or empty-hand technique records

Client Coordination
  • Client briefs and service level agreements
  • Communication logs with principal management teams
  • Provision of quality security service records

Safety & Compliance
  • Current Advanced First Aid certification
  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) site assessments
  • Risk mitigation and safety management plans

Qualfication comparison

RPL and Traditional Study

Two routes to the same qualification, assessed against the same RTO competency standards.

RPL PathwaySupported by RPL it, assessed by the RTO
Traditional StudyDelivered and assessed by the RTO
Starting point
Your existing, current workplace skills and evidence
A planned course of learning and assessment
How competency is shown
Workplace evidence mapped to the qualification requirements
Learning activities, assignments, practical work, and assessment
Assessment decision
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
Made by a qualified assessor from the delivering RTO
If gaps are identified
Additional evidence or targeted gap training may be required
Learning and assessment continue through the course structure
Qualification outcome
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met
Issued only when the RTO determines all requirements are met

RPL it Australia reviews

What our clients say

Selected Google reviews. Individual experiences vary. Every applicant is assessed against the same requirements, and some require gap training or additional evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Recognition of Prior Learning, your experience, and your next step.

Got more questions?
How long does the RPL process take?

Most candidates who submit a complete evidence portfolio receive their qualification within 4 to 6 weeks from RTO assessment. The total timeline depends on evidence readiness. Strong documentation can help the process move quickly, while evidence gaps or gap training may take longer.

Is an RPL qualification the same as one from TAFE?

Yes. An RPL qualification is issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework, the same framework that governs qualifications from TAFE colleges and all other Registered Training Organisations. It carries the same national recognition. Licensing requirements vary, so check with the relevant authority.

How much does RPL cost?

RPL costs vary by qualification level, complexity, and number of units. Because RPL assesses what you already know rather than teaching new content, it is typically less expensive than full enrolment. Contact our team for a tailored quote. Payment plans are interest-free with no establishment fee, and the instalment schedule and any extension fee that could apply are set out in your quote.

What evidence do I need for RPL?

Evidence can include your resume, reference letters from employers, photos or videos of your work, previous qualifications and certificates, job descriptions, and any other documentation that demonstrates your skills and knowledge. The RTO tells you exactly what evidence it needs for your specific qualification, and your RPL it consultant helps you put it together.

Can I get credit for units I have already completed?

Yes, if you hold a qualification or Statement of Attainment that includes units equivalent to units in this qualification. This is called credit transfer. The delivering RTO checks your AQF certification documents or authenticated VET transcript. Where a unit is equivalent and your certification is authenticated, the RTO must grant credit for it. It can refuse only on limited grounds, for example where a licensing or regulatory requirement calls for reassessment.

Delivering RTO · 2 partner RTOs

Assessed and issued by a partner RTO

Your delivering RTO is confirmed before enrolment. Check any RTO’s registration on training.gov.au.