Executive Protection Training Standards, One Step Above Inadequate

Reflecting on the trends from the past year, it is clear that this issue continues to persist. It is being driven by individuals and specific companies within the industry that have shown a reluctance to invest the necessary time and resources into adequate training and training requirements. The main issue may not only be money. Individuals often hesitate to spend time or invest in training, while companies prefer someone else to foot the bill or aim to pay the minimum necessary to meet legal requirements.

 

For example, we had planned to conduct executive protection training in North Carolina in March 2025 in collaboration with a private security company. After contacting us and asking to host a program, they later opted for a 4-day, 40-hour class, believing that meeting the state’s minimum training requirements would be sufficient.  It’s true, they can license their executive protection agents with just 40 hours of training, but one might question the quality and effectiveness of those agents on a detail. And what does it say about a company that settles for minimum standards when training its EP agents?

 Entering or expanding into the executive protection services market as a security company in North Carolina already presents a few challenges, particularly because several well-established companies already provide these services. For instance, we have formed a strategic partnership with Axios Security Group and occasionally recommend one or two other smaller companies.

 So, there is no shortage of service providers. And given the saturation of the market with executive protection providers, the limited geographic locations with the highest concentration of requests for these services, and the need to stand apart from other providers, you have to ask why they would decide to build their program on minimums.

 

 Of course their are exceptions, for individuals with extensive experience—such as those transitioning from 20 years in executive protection operations from law enforcement or the military to the private sector—a shorter program may initially seem adequate. Such experience can help bridge the gap where formal private-sector training may be lacking. Over time, these individuals are likely to become familiar with the differences between government and private sector operations.

 

We can understand the desire for shorter, less expensive programs, or to choose to attend programs that are not accredited and thus avoid those programs with hands-on and written exams and the chance to fail. However, if you are not prepared to invest in yourself financially or if you doubt your ability to complete or graduate from a training program with real requirements and standards, this may indicate that you are not ready to enter the security industry, where lives will be placed in your care.

 

 For those who would rather focus solely on the minimum standards for licensing, understand that decision can unfortunately limit career opportunities. Employers and clients alike seek candidates who exceed basic qualifications. For example, having a concealed carry permit versus the advanced handgun certification. Or an agent with just 40 hours of basic training versus graduation from a full training course. So given this reality if you’re entering the private sector executive protection field, consider pursuing more comprehensive training options.

 

 It’s also important to highlight that this trend is also seen among law enforcement agencies. Many departments, in an effort to cut costs or to meet minimum requirements, often send their officers to training programs that cover only the basics. Although logistical factors, such as overtime and travel expenses, influence these decisions, this approach can create challenges in ensuring that officers receive adequate training.

 

This practice does have one advantage: in the event of an incident, departments can use inadequate training as an excuse.

 

 For law enforcement, a training program should focus on the essential skills and procedures that officers need to effectively serve on a close protection detail. Additionally, it’s important to consider the liability associated with poorly trained officers who are responsible for protecting a public official in a public space.

 

 Last year we pointed out the Independent Security Advisors executive protection training program was divided into six distinct modules over 32 days. And that we do not offer minimum training options. All our courses are designed to exceed an established federal or state training standard.

 

 Our first module, a seven-day executive protection training course encompasses a minimum of 60 to 70 hours of training that not only meets, but it exceeds the requirements for both the North Carolina and Virginia executive protection licenses. The additional 20 to 30 hours of training allows us the time to cover other skills and topics and to meet or exceed the standards set by similar federal and state law enforcement executive protection training programs.

 

 So our graduates meet two state license requirements, earn continuing education units or credits required by state private security sector agencies and our law enforcement graduates may also receive in-service credits. Both category of graduates may earn college credit, and civilian education may be just as important to an employer as your training. Not to mention the growing number of job boards posting openings for executive protection agents that require certified or accredited training. These are requirements or standards a 40-hour program may not meet.

 

 We want to reiterate our message from a year ago. We encourage those interested in shorter training courses to think carefully about their future career prospects. If you choose to pursue minimal training, please understand that your opportunities for referrals or job placements may be limited.

 

 And if you identify as a “minimum” student, our program may not be the best fit for you. We prefer to work with individuals who are dedicated to comprehensive learning. For example, we support private sector security professionals who join the International Foundation of Protection Officers and complete the CPO program, as well as those who seek ASIS certifications or pursue a college degree.

 

 So please think well about your decisions before you commit. Companies need agents, but clients don’t need poorly trained agents or your services if you are going to skimp on training. 

https://www.eptraining.us/executive-protection…/blog/…