SIA CP Practice Test

SIA CP Exam at a Glance

What changed for SIA CP in 2026

• Jun 1, 2026: The 50% discount (£102) on additional licences now applies only when the extra licences are on the same application.^[2]
• Apr 1, 2026: The Level 2 close protection refresher qualification became mandatory for renewing a close protection licence.^[5]

SIA CP Study Tips

• Create a structured study schedule at least 4-6 weeks before your SIA CP exam date.
• Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorising answers for the SIA Close Protection Officer Licence.
• Use our free practice tests to identify weak areas and track your progress over time.
• Review the official SIA CP exam syllabus to ensure complete topic coverage.
• Take timed practice sessions to build your exam pace and reduce test-day anxiety.

According to Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK, “Externally set and marked MCQ exam made up of 30 questions”^[1]

SIA CP content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official SIA CP content outline published by Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through SIA CP questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What does 'radio discipline' mean in a CP context?

1. Using the radio only when necessary, keeping transmissions brief and clear, and not blocking the channel with unnecessary traffic
2. Always speaking slowly and loudly
3. Using radio only after police approval
4. Restricting radio use to the team leader only

Answer: A. Using the radio only when necessary, keeping transmissions brief and clear, and not blocking the channel with unnecessary traffic

Explanation:

The correct answer is that radio discipline means using the radio only when needed, keeping messages brief and clear, and not blocking the channel. This keeps the net free for urgent traffic and protects operational security.

Speaking slowly and loudly is wrong because discipline is about content and brevity, and loud speech can be overheard. Needing police approval is wrong because the team manages its own communications. Restricting radio to the team leader is wrong because every operative may need to report something urgent.

Rule to remember: short, clear, necessary transmissions, and the channel stays open for emergencies.

Example 2

Question: How does the Human Rights Act 1998 Article 8 affect a CPO conducting close surveillance of a potential threat?

1. Article 8 protects privacy; surveillance must be proportionate and justified, not indiscriminate
2. Article 8 does not apply to private security operations
3. Article 8 allows unrestricted surveillance for safety purposes
4. Article 8 only applies to police surveillance

Answer: A. Article 8 protects privacy; surveillance must be proportionate and justified, not indiscriminate

Explanation:

The correct answer is that Article 8 protects privacy, so surveillance must be proportionate and justified rather than indiscriminate. The Human Rights Act 1998 shapes how far a private operative can go in watching someone, and the focus must be a genuine threat.

Saying Article 8 does not apply to private security is wrong because the privacy principle still constrains what you do. Saying it allows unrestricted surveillance is wrong because safety purposes do not remove the need for proportionality. Saying it applies only to police is wrong for the same reason.

Rule to remember: any watching of a person needs a clear reason and must be no more than the threat requires.

Example 3

Question: What is 'tactical field care' in a CP medical context?

1. Medical treatment provided after the immediate threat has been addressed but before definitive medical care is available
2. Emergency medicine delivered in a hospital
3. Treatment provided only by paramedics
4. Care delivered during an active gunfight

Answer: A. Medical treatment provided after the immediate threat has been addressed but before definitive medical care is available

Explanation:

The correct answer describes tactical field care as treatment given once the immediate threat has been dealt with, or while in a protected position, but before definitive medical care is available. More thorough assessment and treatment can happen in this phase.

Hospital emergency medicine is wrong because that is definitive care itself. Treatment only by paramedics is wrong because the phase is defined by when and where care happens, not only by who gives it. Care during an active gunfight is wrong because that is the earlier phase, when the priority is dealing with the threat.

Rule to remember: match the care to the phase, starting from threat control, then field care, then evacuation.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official material from your training centre and the SIA pages on GOV.UK, so you know which units you are sitting and the pass mark for each. Then take the free SIA CP practice test cold to see where you stand.

Use the blueprint table to turn weak areas into short sessions. Take one topic set at a time, such as threat assessment, route planning or legal powers. After each set, read the explanation for every question you got wrong, and for the ones you guessed, then write down the rule behind the answer in your own words.

Go back to your course notes for any rule you cannot explain. Repeat the sets after a gap and watch whether the same topics keep catching you out. Add the first aid sets because Level 3 first aid is part of eligibility.

Keep practical skills such as foot drills for your training sessions, since question sets cannot replace them. In the final days, mix topics and review only your written rules. Our questions are original practice, not real exam questions, so use them to test understanding rather than to memorise answers.

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Sources & last verified

1. Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK — number of questions, time limit, passing score (official source). “Externally set and marked MCQ exam made up of 30 questions” Verified Oct 15, 2026.
2. Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK — exam fee, validity, other, eligibility (official source). “It costs £204 to apply for 1 licence.” Verified Oct 19, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
3. Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK — retake fee, renewal, registration opens (official source). “The application fee for a renewal is the same as for a new licence: £204.” Verified Oct 19, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
4. Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK — delivery (official source). “Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives Working in the Private Security Industry, awarded by: Highfield Qualifications National Open College Network (NOCN) Pearson Qualifications Network…” Verified Oct 19, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
5. Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK — other (official source). “On 1 April 2026 we made it a requirement that you must have a ‘refresher’ qualification before you can renew your close protection licence.” Verified Oct 19, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
6. Security Industry Authority (SIA), UK — other (official source). “foot drills” Verified Oct 30, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.