What the qualification covers

The five-day, tutor-led programme introduces the core principles of counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness, including:

  • Understanding terrorist threats and attack methodologies
  • Interpreting counter-terrorism threat assessments
  • Identifying and applying mitigation strategies
  • Contributing to risk assessments and preparedness planning
  • Developing written recommendations to strengthen security

Learners are assessed through a multiple-choice examination, written assignment and professional discussion.

Further course details can be found on our website.

Learn from experienced professionals

Delivery is led by expert trainers with decades of frontline experience across counter-terrorism policing, protective security, crisis response and professional development – bringing real-world insight into every session and ensuring learning is grounded in operational reality.

Book your place

Protecting people, places and publicly accessible environments is now a shared organisational responsibility. As expectations continue to evolve, organisations must be equipped not only with awareness, but with the capability to assess risk, implement proportionate measures and respond effectively.

Classroom-based delivery is now available, with limited places on upcoming cohorts.

For group bookings, please contact [email protected] to arrange on-site or location-specific delivery.

Frequently asked questions about the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness

What is the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP)?

The SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP) is a qualification designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of terrorist attack methodologies, how to assess the likelihood of such threats, and the mitigation strategies available to reduce risk.

Following the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law), protective security has become an increasingly important professional standard, while organisational preparedness has become a key responsibility. Developed by SFJ Awards in partnership with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), this is the only policing qualification endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing.

What does CTPSaP stand for?

CTPSaP is the acronym for the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness.

What is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.

It introduced new legal duties for certain premises and events across the UK to improve security and preparedness against terrorism.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which requires certain public venues and events in the UK to take proportionate steps to improve security and preparedness for potential terrorist attacks.

Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law) applies to publicly accessible premises and events in the UK where 200 or more people may be present. It places legal duties on those responsible for these locations – individuals, organisations and companies – with requirements that increase according to venue size and level of risk.

There are two tiers:

Standard Tier (200-799 people) – Publicly accessible premises such as retail, restaurants, entertainment venues, museums, galleries, and places of worship etc.

Enhanced Tier (800+ people) – Larger venues and events in high-capacity crowds.

Does achievement of the CTPSaP qualification make my business, venue or event compliant with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law)?

No qualification or training on its own will make a venue, site or organisation compliant.

Compliance is about more than this. However, this qualification provides an excellent foundation of knowledge from which organisations can develop a counter-terrorism risk assessment and preparedness plan as outlined in the requirements of Martyn’s Law.

Where and how can learners complete this qualification?

As a registered training provider approved to deliver the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP), Skills for Justice Training offers this qualification through scheduled learner cohorts.

You can book onto one of our upcoming cohorts now.

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What should organisations do if the terror threat level in the UK is SEVERE?

As of 30 April 2026, the UK National Threat Level was raised to SEVERE. This means a terrorist attack is highly likely.

When the threat level is SEVERE, organisations should move to a heightened state of security, review contingency plans and ensure staff vigilance.

Find out more about how to review your security plans in response to the increased national threat level.

Does my organisation need counter-terrorism training?

Yes, it is highly recommended and, in many cases, mandatory that organisations in the UK undertake counter-terrorism training, especially with the introduction of new legislation like the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law).

For more advice and guidance on counter-terrorism training, please visit Protect UK.

What is the Section 27 statutory guidance?

The Section 27 guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law) was published in April 2026. It provides mandatory, actionable advice to help duty holders understand and comply with their legal obligations relating to security and public safety at qualifying premises and events.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to churches?

For most places of worship, the government has stated that the requirements are not intended to be onerous or require significant physical investment.

A key consideration is whether it is reasonable to expect that 200 or more individuals may be present at the same time, even if only occasionally. Where this threshold is met, the premises is likely to fall within the scope of the Standard Tier under Martyn’s Law.