Executive Protection Training

An executive protection officer is a person who is performing bodyguard services or close protection for a person or group of people. They are considered the internal ring of security for an asset who may have a level of risk that requires protection to mitigate any potential threats. An executive protection officer should have additional training and experience proving this level of security. Executive protection officers must understand risk and threat management, have the ability to conduct security surveys, and must be able to write well-written reports for pre-planning missions. Driving and understanding motorcade operations are also essential since many movements will be conducted by vehicle. An executive protection officer must be well trained in using weapons and understanding the use of force laws of the state or country they are working security services.  

An executive protection agent is typically a seasoned security professional that has extensive experience and training in personal protection. A significant number of executive protection agents come from law enforcement and military backgrounds. Additionally, agents need to know all the types of risks that could affect their mission and plan countermeasures to mitigate potential threats. Executive protection agents are required for the inner ring of security to ensure defense in depth. 

A person who is seeking to become an executive protection professional should have specific attributes to enhance their ability to perform close protection. Some traits may include law enforcement and or Military training and experience. Many who serve in the military become great candidates for executive protection since they can adapt well on the go and have years of experience providing security while serving in the armed forces. Outstanding communication and writing skills are also attributes of an executive protection professional. Additionally, having excellent customer service skills is necessary for providing executive protection since you may have to deal with many people in public. Other attributes may include firearms training, self-defense skills, and sound judgment and decision-making skills. 

If you are seeking a career in executive protection that the first step is to research and understand the industry. Executive protection requires a lot of training and experience to become a professional in the industry. It is recommended that those seeking this security profession should attend multiple training courses to add more skills and knowledge to their resume. A person should explore training schools that will not only enhance their abilities but also help the individual with networking job opportunities. Many Executive protection training schools help agents with short term and long term employment opportunities. If seeking to work locally, the person should also obtain any state licenses that may be required to perform security duties. For example, in Florida, to perform security functions, you must have a Class D security license. Those with a private investigator license can also perform executive protection services. To provide these services armed, the agent must obtain the statewide firearms license.    

Executive protection salaries may differ based on the type of assignment and the level of risk of the person requiring security. Short term Contracts typically pay more since they are not permanent positions and may only be a few days in duration. If working for a client full time, then the executive protection salaries are typically lower compared to short term assignments but offer more job security. Pay rates can vary from $25 an hour to $500 a day for the short term, and long term can be anywhere from 50-100k annually. 

Executive protection agents typically rate higher pay for services provided. These agents are safeguarding a person or people from viable threats, hence why they were hired as a countermeasure to reduce risk. Executive protection agents make anywhere from $25-$45 an hour or will be paid flat rates based on 8-12 hour assignments. These daily rates executive protection agents make can be around $250-$500 a day based on the job and typically earn more when working abroad outside of the United States. The risk of personal protection is always higher since the agents are safeguarding the life of a person. Many clients who require personal protection are usually high wealth individuals who may be famous and our of high status as an executive or public figure. 

Executive protection jobs are available for those with security experience in the industry and those who have completed training for executive protection. There are various types of executive protection jobs for short term and full-time assignments, depending on the needs of the client. When VIPs travel, they may hire additional security to augment their security teams. Also, very influential people may hire executive protection to protect them in case they have a threat that may require personal protection. Executive protection jobs typically pay better than traditional security guard services. 

If you’re seeking a career in personal protection, then you should complete a course in executive protection training. This type of training includes more in-depth training compared to basic security guard training. Executive protection training starts with risk management and understanding the types of threats, vulnerabilities. The kind of impact should an attack occur on a person that is being safeguarded by personal security. Many who leave law enforcement and the military are great candidates for executive protection training since they already have a background in security. This type of training teaches students how to conduct security surveys, Route analysis, threat management, motorcade operations, and the basic principles of personal protection. 

Clients who are seeking executive protection services should ensure they hire a company that is licensed and carries general liability insurance. Executive protection services may include protecting a VIP for a concert tour or an executive who may have been threatened by another person. Many companies hire executive protection services for their organization in the situation; a threat of violence occurs in the workplace. During elections, candidates may hire executive protection services to ensure they are safeguarded during campaigning events. 

There are many types of schools that offer training in this field to include the executive protection institute and ASIS International. It is always recommended that security professionals attend as many training schools in this field as possible to add more skills to their experience. Executive protection institute offers classes for personal security and has set a standard in the industry for training people for corporate security. Bodyguard training prepares security agents with the skills necessary to perform close protection. It is highly recommended that those who are newly entering into this field attend courses like those offered by the executive protection institute and or schools that will prepare security agents for executive protection services. 

Depending on what level of security is required and the type of Contract, executive protection companies may vary based on licensing requirements, and the risk of location security may be required. For example, if a client is traveling abroad, they may require executive protection companies that specialize in specific counties or services that meet the client’s security needs. Some executive protection companies may specialize in providing security at events for music artists, and some may specialize in providing security for politicians or for a corporation that may have a threat of workplace violence. Since there are many executive protection companies throughout the industry, finding one that meets the client’s security that will create a plan that mitigates the risk of personal requiring protection.