FAQs for Level 3 BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations
We want to seek approval to offer the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations what should we do first?
Please register your intention on the expression of interest form on our website http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/59431/EOI_Form_M.rtf And e-mail it to: security@edexcel.org.ukHow much will it cost for our organisation to seek approval to offer the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations?
There is no charge to set up as an Edexcel approved centre to offer the BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations, the qualification that meets SIA requirements for those intending to apply for a close protection licence.What is the registration fee?
The registration fee is £73.65 + VAT for each candidate and this covers the supply and marking of one test and external verification.What documentation is required?
Before you start the approval process you need to read the Guidance to Centres document available on our website http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/sc/security or available to order from our publications department. Publications Code: BA017280
You will need to ensure that you can comply with the requirements set out within this document. You then need to download forms and complete BTEC1 and BTEC2 approval forms. http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/80761/BTEC1.rtf
http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/80761/BTEC2.rtf
Please note: If you only have approval to offer the BTEC Awards in Security Operations or Door Supervision or Vehicle Immobilisation you will still need to complete BTEC2 for a higher level centre approval as this is a level 3 qualification.
You then need to email security@edexcel.org.uk and request the CP supplementary approval information form. You should also ask for a copy of the BTEC Security Qualifications Centre Administration Pack which provides all the information you require to operate the administration of the security qualifications.
Once all documentation is completed please send it together with the template CVs and copies of the relevant certificates showing the qualifications of your trainers and one set of sample assessment documents such as the student assessment brief and marking criteria.
to:
Jason Clark, Providing Solutions 6th Floor
Edexcel
One90
190 High Holborn
London WC1V 7BE
What happens during the approval process?
Upon receipt of your approval forms your documentation is sent to a briefer who will inform us whether to proceed with an approval visit. You will either be asked for further information or a centre approvals officer (CAO) will contact you to arrange a centre approval visit. The centre approval visit will be to your UK registered office address or in some cases it is better for the visit to take place at your training centre. During the visit the CAO will check that everything that you have stated on the approval forms is in place and working effectively.What first aid qualifications will Edexcel accept?
In line with SIA guidance we will not be able to process the registration of candidates who do not hold either the IHCD First Person on the Scene (Intermediate) or the First Aid at Work 4 day course (HSE approved). We advise training providers to check that there is at least 6 months validity left on the first aid certificate.As part of the approval process you need to tell us how you will be ensuring that candidates have the appropriate first aid qualification. (See the SIA specification on their website for the two acceptable qualifications)
Where can I access training for the IHCD First Person on Scene award?"
List of approved centres;Emergency Response Services Limited
Unit 1
Wye Valley Court
Netherwood Road
Rotherwas
Hereford
HR2 6FL
Tel: 01432 271584
Fax: 01432 277375
E Mail: admin@ers999.com
Web: http://www.ers999.com
Lifeskills Medical
Staffordshire Technology Park
Staffordshire
ST18 0LQ
Tel: 0870 225 0101
Fax: 0870 225 0102
Mobile: 07876560557
Contact: Susan Preece
susanpreece@lifeskillsmedical.com
Can we train overseas?
Once you have been awarded Edexcel centre and qualification approval, as long as your operations are managed within England and Wales you may undertake some training overseas but you are not allowed to run the tests anywhere except England and Wales. Edexcel approval does not include or cover firearms training.What qualifications will my trainers require?
You must also make sure that your trainers are properly qualified by January 1st 2006. See SIA website for the latest requirements. If they are not yet appropriately qualified please tell us how you intend to obtain the necessary qualifications and provide a staff development action plan.http://www.the-sia.org.uk/home/licensing/close_protection/training/training_providerinfo_cp.htm
Can our organisation seek approval just to offer the 24 hour refresher course?
No, we will not approve a centre that is only offering the experienced operator qualification (24 hour refresher), you must demonstrate that you are capable of training and assessing the whole qualification. You do not need to seek additional approval for the experienced operator qualification (24 hour refresher)What training will be required by experienced candidates who are already working as close protection operatives and have had formal training in the past?
You need to look at the guidance supplied by the SIA on:http://www.the-sia.org.uk/home/licensing/close_protection/training/cp_exemptions.htm
Will the 24 hour experienced practioner course still be available after the 20th March licence deadline?
Yes it will be available until further notice.How do approved centres apply accreditation of prior learning (APL) to candidates who have previous close protection training?
See attached documents relating to the Joint Awarding Boby Guidance for applying APL to Close Protection Qualifications.Guidance
Application Form