6 of the best executive protection training programs
Executive Security International (ESI)
ESI offers one of the most well-known and respected executive protection training programs in the world. Founded in 1981 by marital arts instructor and EP agent to celebrities Bob Duggan, ESI has both a 28-day residency course on executive protection as well as a short three-day course on celebrity protection.
Trainees learn how to work with high-net-worth individuals and integrate security planning into an organization’s everyday routine, including threat assessment, covert operations and surveillance. After completing the courses with at least a passing grade, the students receive a Certified Protection Specialist (CPS) credential.
Length: 28-day residency course; 15-day residency course with nine online courses; three-day online celebrity protection course
Cost: Varies by program, $8,900 for 28-day residency
Location: Online and in Grand Junction, CO
Executive Protection Institute (EPI)
Founded in 1978, EPI bills itself as “The first credential-ready executive protection training.” One of the most sought-after and competitive executive protection training programs, EPI conducts two seven-day training courses per year in West Virginia. Attendees learn how to prevent and manage incidents, handle medical emergencies and communicate with clients and their team.
EPI’s program focuses heavily on prevention and advanced planning, including teaching students defensive choreography and building vigilance. At the end of the seven-day program, students can apply for credentials with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (VA DCJS) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Length: 7 days
Cost: $3,990
Location: West Virginia (exact location varies)
LaSorsa and Associates
Founded by former Secret Service Agent Joseph A. LaSorsa, this executive training program is taught by Secret Service agents still active in the industry. The nine-day course focuses on practical skills to help aspiring EP agents conduct intelligence operations and practice defense tactics. First aid training, defensive driving and route planning are also taught as part of the training.
By the end of the program, trainees receive an online certificate of completion as well as a First Aid certification and an optional protective arms certification.
Length: 9 days
Cost: $5,650, which includes accommodations and some meals
Location: Miami, FL
Pacific West Academy
Pacific West Academy helps military veterans transition back to civilian life via their Certified Executive Security Specialist course. The program offers both in-class and physical training, with an emphasis on surveillance techniques, reaction drills and basic first aid. Students also go through TASER training and less-lethal conflict management.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion and can choose to take continuing education courses online.
Length: 39 days
Cost: $15,800
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Allied Universal Executive Protection Training Academy
Allied Universal is a multinational security company that offers security services to corporations and private individuals. They also provide an executive protection agent training course. Students can enroll in courses online and sign up to attend in-person workshops on defensive tactics, agent conduct and best practices, as well as firearms training.
Length: 10 days
Cost: Reach out to Allied Universal Academy for a quote.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Select International Training Institute
Eric Parker, a former US Army veteran, started Select International Training Institute to help entry-level EP agents gain a comprehensive set of skills in a short amount of time. The course covers everything from vehicle safety to mail screening to public relations and of course, defense training and protective intelligence.
The course ends with a mock detail exercise where graduates have the opportunity to put their new knowledge to the test.
Length: 5 days
Cost: $1,200 ($1,000 for veterans)
Location: Tampa, FL
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