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SFJ Level 4
Certificate for Protective Security Advisers
Develop the knowledge and confidence to support protective security risk management across physical, personnel, technical and cyber security.
Duration: 12 Months (Tutor Guided Distance Learning)
Price: From £2200 per learner (plus VAT)
Course Overview
The SFJ Awards Level 4 Certificate for Protective Security Advisers is a nationally recognised qualification designed to develop baseline competence for those working in, or moving into, protective security adviser roles.
This programme supports professionals to understand how protective security disciplines connect, helping organisations take a more joined up approach to security risk, asset protection and organisational resilience.
This Level 4 qualification has been developed by SFJ Awards in collaboration with the Protective Security Centre, Home Office, and is endorsed by the UK’s National Technical Authorities, NPSA, UK NACE and NCSC.
The course provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to understand protective security in a converged environment, where physical security, personnel security, technical security and cyber security work together to protect people, assets, information and operations.
What You'll Learn
The course covers a broad and integrated protective security curriculum, including:
- Crime and security science
- Security legislation and governance
- Asset, threat and vulnerability analysis
- Security risk management principles
- Physical security measures and standards
- Personnel security
- Cyber and technical security fundamentals
- Incident response and management
- Investigations
- Security as a business enabler
- Communication and reflective professional practice
Delivery and Assessment
Delivery Model
This course is delivered over 12 months, providing a structured and manageable route to achieving a Level 4 qualification.
Learners attend a 3 hour live session each month via Microsoft Teams, delivered by an experienced Oakwood tutor.
These sessions focus on:
- Core subject delivery
- Application of concepts to real world scenarios
- Group discussion and practical insight
- Guidance on assignments and assessments
Between sessions, learners will:
- Complete guided study and reading
- Apply learning to practical exercises
- Progress assessment work
- Engage with tutor support where required
This model ensures learning is progressive, applied and supported, rather than condensed into a short intensive course.
Assessment and workload commitment
Assessment is completed throughout the programme and includes a series of written assignments and structured workbooks designed to test both knowledge and application.
It is important to understand that this is a demanding Level 4 qualification, requiring a significant amount of independent study and written work alongside the monthly sessions.
Learners should expect to:
- Commit regular time each month to study and assessment
- Complete multiple written assignments to a professional standard
- Work through detailed workbooks and applied tasks
- Demonstrate understanding across a broad range of protective security topics
This course is not a passive learning experience, it is designed to build genuine capability, and requires consistent effort, discipline and engagement throughout the 12 month period.
Full tutor support is provided, but successful completion depends on your ability to manage your time and maintain progress across the programme.
Additional Information
Who is this course for?
This programme is ideal for:
- Security managers and aspiring protective security advisers
- Risk, resilience and facilities professionals
- Those responsible for organisational security measures
- Individuals transitioning from policing, military or emergency services
- Professionals seeking a recognised Level 4 qualification in security
No formal prerequisites are required, although a basic understanding of security or risk is beneficial.
Qualification awarded
On successful completion, learners achieve the:
- SFJ Awards Level 4 Certificate for Protective Security Advisers
This is an Ofqual regulated qualification, recognised across the UK security and risk sector.
Why choose Oakwood Risk Training?
Oakwood Risk Training delivers practitioner led training grounded in real world experience.
Our instructors bring backgrounds in policing, military, corporate security and crisis management, ensuring the learning is:
- Practical and relevant
- Scenario driven
- Focused on decision making and application
- Aligned to real organisational challenges
We focus on building capability, not just knowledge, ensuring learners can confidently apply protective security principles in their roles.
Where We Deliver Our Training
Oakwood Risk Training delivers professional training across the UK, supporting organisations and individuals in a wide range of sectors.
Our primary training location is our headquarters at the Hethel Engineering Centre, close to Norwich in Norfolk, where we host a range of in person courses in a dedicated, high quality learning environment.
In addition to our Norfolk base, we regularly deliver training across the UK, including in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Cardiff.
We also offer on site delivery at client premises, allowing us to tailor training to your organisation’s specific risks, operating environment, and objectives.
