CLOSE PROTECTION
Since 1989, the Certified Close Protection Agent (CCPA®) program of the International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA) has stood for the highest level of quality, professionalism, and global recognition in the field of personal protection.
The title Certified Close Protection Agent (CCPA®) is not a simple training certificate — it is a mark of excellence, awarded only to those who meet the demanding professional, physical, and ethical standards required by the IAPPA Certification Board.
Protection is not a presence — it is a profession.
Close Protection is at the very heart of the International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA). It represents the highest level of professionalism, responsibility, and expertise within the security sector and defines the standards by which modern protection services are measured worldwide.
What Close Protection Means
Close Protection — often referred to as personal protection — is the professional safeguarding of individuals against potential risks, threats, and unwanted interference. It goes far beyond physical presence. True protection is based on risk awareness, planning, prevention, and discretion.
A professional Close Protection Agent combines situational awareness, tactical competence, communication skills, and ethical responsibility to ensure safety without disrupting normal life or business operations. It is a discipline that requires precision, judgement, and absolute reliability.
Excellence Through Certification
IAPPA sets internationally recognized benchmarks for professional protection.
IAPPA-certified Certified Close Protection Agent (CCPA®) stand for the highest level of competence, integrity, and operational readiness.
This certification reflects rigorous standards, practical expertise, and a commitment to continuous professional development — ensuring that certified professionals meet the demands of real-world protective operations.
Close Protection is the core discipline of IAPPA.
Our members represent experienced professionals, and our trainings are designed to meet the highest international standards. From foundational principles to advanced operational concepts, IAPPA programs focus on real-world applicability, ethical conduct, and professional excellence.
Through a global network of experts, instructors, and certified agents, IAPPA continuously advances the profession and promotes a culture of responsibility, trust, and performance at the highest level.