- This course has passed.
Close Quarter Protection Skills ( CQPS)
CQPS is a two-day introduction to Executive Protection fundamentals designed specifically for armed security professionals. Day One consists of classroom instruction that builds a foundational understanding of the protective agent role — including agent positioning, client-side management, environmental awareness, professionalism and demeanor, pre-emptive risk recognition, and the interpersonal dynamics of working closely with a principal. This forms the baseline skillset for professional protection work beyond standard armed security assignments.
Day Two transitions to the range and focuses on firearm handling and decision-making in close proximity to a principal. Students will develop safe gun presentation around a protected person, muzzle management under pressure, threat engagement while accounting for positional relationships, and clean mechanical 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**
- Strong-side belt or appendix concealment 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.
** Blackhawk Serpa CQC II model holsters—or any equivalent holsters with similar push-button retention device on the side of the holster —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.