Close Quarters Protective Skills is a two-day course that introduces Executive Protection fundamentals designed for individuals working in or entering the protective services field. Day One provides a structured classroom foundation, focusing on the functions and expectations of the protective agent — including managing proximity to the principal, appropriate positioning in various environments, professional conduct, observational awareness, and understanding the dynamics of maintaining security while operating closely alongside a protected person. This establishes the essential mindset and behavioral framework for carrying out protective responsibilities in real-world settings.
Day Two transitions to the range and focuses on firearm handling and decision-making in close proximity to a principal. Students will develop a safe gun presentation around a protected person, muzzle management in complex situations, direct threat engagement, and execution while minimizing risk to the principal and bystanders. The emphasis is on judgment, precision, and a protection-first mindset — foundational skills that later support advanced EP training.
Prerequisites: Must have current Armed private security certification
or current sworn law enforcement certification.
Duration: 2 days
Cost: $600
Required Equipment
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Reliable semi-automatic pistol** w/ at least three to five magazines. Must be able to have at least 45 rounds loaded into magazines on your person.
- 400 rounds of handgun ammunition**
- Reliable AIWB, IWB or OWB holster **
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Wrap around eye protection for daylight / current conditions. We strongly recommend ANSI Z87+ high impact approved glasses.
- Hearing protection. We strongly recommend electronic hearing protection with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of at least 25db.
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
** The Sig Sauer P320 handgun—along with all of its models and variants—is strictly prohibited during live-fire range training and is banned from all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.
** ANY holster with a trigger finger-initiated button retention device on the side of the holster (for example, Blackhawk Serpa CQC II model holsters), are strictly prohibited during live-fire range training and are banned from all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.
** Reloaded or handloaded ammunition is strictly prohibited during live-fire range training and is banned from all 540 Training classes for safety reasons. All ammunition must be factory new.