Accepting Applications

Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Certificate III in Close Protection Operations

CPP31418

Your extensive background in high-level security and VIP protection deserves formal recognition within the Australian security industry. We help you convert your field experience into a nationally recognised qualification through a streamlined assessment process. Start your journey toward professional certification today with a free skills review.

Free Skills Review
★★★★★5.0 · Based on 61 reviews across all qualifications

About This Qualification

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.

Qualification Code

CPP31418

Training Package

CPP — Property Services Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate III

Total Units

14 (8 core + 6 elective)

Entry Requirements

No

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Close Protection OperativeProviding dedicated physical security and safety management for VIPs, celebrities, or high-net-worth individuals.
Executive Protection SpecialistPlanning and implementing comprehensive security strategies for corporate leaders in diverse and unpredictable environments.
VIP Security Team LeaderCoordinating a team of operatives to ensure seamless protection during travel, public appearances, and private events.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

This qualification provides a pathway toward an occupational licence for close protection operatives; however, the qualification alone does not grant a licence. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, and additional probity checks and application fees are typically required by state regulators.

NSWSecurity Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED)
VICLicensing & Regulation Division (LRD)
QLDOffice of Fair Trading (OFT)
WALicensing Services (WA Police Force)
SAConsumer and Business Services (CBS)
TASConsumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
NTLicensing NT
ACTAccess Canberra

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds CPP31418 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review✅
Evidence gathering guidance✅
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Ready to get recognised?

Start with a free skills review to see if your experience aligns with this qualification.

Free Skills Review
✓

Receive a free preliminary review of your experience

✓

Dedicated consultant guides you through every step

✓

Nationally recognised qualification issued by our partner RTO

★★★★★

5.0 across all qualifications

Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

💼

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
❓

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

Talk to us

This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

How do I get started with RPL for this qualification?▾
The process begins with a free skills review where we assess your security experience against the qualification requirements. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will compile a portfolio of evidence for RTO assessment, leading to your nationally recognised certification.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?▾
Yes, a qualification obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning is identical to one earned through traditional study. It is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and meets the same rigorous standards.
How long does the process typically take?▾
Most candidates complete the RPL process within 4 to 6 weeks after their evidence portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for final assessment.
Will this qualification help me obtain a security licence?▾
Yes, this qualification provides an occupational licence outcome for close protection operatives. You can use your RPL certificate to apply for the relevant security licensing through your state or territory regulator.
What kind of evidence do I need to provide for close protection RPL?▾
Evidence may include detailed work logs, risk assessment reports, operational plans for principal protection, employer references, and documentation of previous security training or specialized courses.
Can I use overseas close protection experience for RPL?▾
Absolutely. Experience gained internationally in military, police, or private security sectors is highly valuable and can be mapped against the Australian standards for this qualification.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?▾
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?▾
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?▾
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?▾
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?▾
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?▾
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

Related Qualifications

Other qualifications in the Property Services Training Package.

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Building Design

CPP60421

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Surveying

CPP60121

Certificate II

Certificate II in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing

CPP20521

Certificate II

Certificate II in Security Operations

CPP20218

Certificate II

Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services

CPP20126

Start Your Free Skills Review

Tell us about your background and we'll provide a free preliminary review of your experience against the Certificate III in Close Protection Operations.

✓

Free Skills Review

Receive a professional review of your experience against CPP31418.

✓

Preliminary Review

Receive free guidance on whether RPL could suit your career background.

✓

No Commitments

The skills review is obligation-free and takes less than 2 minutes.

→

Start your free skills review

This qualification is available now. Continue to the free skills review and we'll pre-select CPP31418 so you can move straight into the application.

Start My Free Skills Review

No commitment. We'll provide an honest review of your experience.

Ready to Get Recognised?

Start your free skills review for CPP31418 today.

Free Skills Review