Ultimate Tactical & Security Training
Global leader. Trusted by governments & special forces for 20+ years.
WHY UCP GROUP?

Elite Instructors
Former Special Forces, subject matter experts.

Global Recognition
Programs in UK, USA, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore & more.

MOD Approved Training
Up to 80% funding for UK Armed Forces.

Pioneering Leadership
First to deliver SIA Close Protection standard in Europe (2009).
Most Selling Courses
Level 3 Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
- Duration: 10 Days
- Price: £2450
Level 3 Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
- Duration: 12 Days
- Price: £2900
Level 3 Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
- Duration: 14 Days
- Price: £4750
Level 5 Advanced Close Protection & Tactical Operations Diploma
- Duration: 18 Days
- Price: £6800
Close Protection Surveillance Awareness Training
- Duration: 5 Days
- Price: £1250
Level 6 Tactical Pistol Advanced Training
- Duration: 2 Days
- Price: £1750
Combined Weapons Proficiency (Pistol and Carbine)
- Duration: 2 Days
- Price: £1600
Level 5 Advanced Tactical Carbine Training
- Duration: 2 Days
- Price: £1850
Level 6 Advanced Dynamic Carbine Training
- Duration: 3 Days
- Price: £2100
Level 3 Certificate in Hostile Environment Awareness
- Duration: 3 Days
- Price: £1700
Level 5 Hostile Environment Enrichment Program (Ex-Military)
- Duration: 14 Days
- Price: £4750
Level 6 Certificate in Hostile Environment Operations
- Duration: 10 Days
- Price: £4850
Level 2 SERE B - Survival, Evasion & Escape Training Course
- Duration: 3 Days
- Price: £1500
Private Military Contractors (PMCs) Training
- Duration: 7 Days
- Price: £3750
ELCAS Funding for Military Leavers
Military personnel registered with Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) can access up to 80% funding, depending on service eligibility.
Check your eligibility and use your credits to enrol in approved close protection and security training courses listed on the ELCAS website.
UCP ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES
UCP Group
I have been attending a CPO course ' ProQual Level 4 and Criss Watts was my instructor " fairly speaking he is a legend and i call him Mr Google . i have learned alot from Mr Watts and I wish him all the best 👍 until next course criss 🫡
The best experience I’ve ever had was taking the pro qual level 4 close protection hostile environment firearms and tactics
I couldn’t recommend UCP more, what a amazing experience, the instructors are inspirational, supportive, and at 45 yrs old they helped me push myself further than I ever through possible. I have built some truly life long friendships or as UCP like to call it - Brothers and the couldn’t be more right.
I’m new in the industry and was looking for a career change. Glad I landed under Criss Watts’ tutelage and UCP Group. Their CPO & Firearms and tactics in hostile environments courses are very well structured and widely recognized worldwide. Mr. Watts not only teaches the text book fundamentals so you can get started in the CPO/ PMC business but also brings some real life experience from his long lasting career. Looking forward to deepen my knowledge with subsequent courses. Couldn’t recommend more.
High-level training: theory, practice, and field simulations perfectly balanced. A course that requires commitment but provides comprehensive preparation, applicable at an international level. Thanks to my instructor for the CPO Level 4, Criss Watts 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just finished my ProQual Level 4 Close Protection course with UCP Group — outstanding training! Professional instructors, hands-on learning, and real-world focus throughout. Couldn’t recommend them more for anyone serious about a career in security.
Had the pleasure of completing a CPO course with criss watts and couldn’t ask for better, thank you !
I recently completed the CPO course and was thoroughly impressed. The facilities were truly world-class—clean, modern, and well-equipped, which made for an excellent learning environment. Of corse best criss With over 25 years of experience in this field, his depth of knowledge was unmatched. He didn’t just teach the material—he brought it to life with real-world examples and practical insights. Hands down, the best instructor I’ve ever had. Thank u for UCP Group En also again criss
I recently completed the CPO course and was thoroughly impressed. The facilities were truly world-class—clean, modern, and well-equipped, which made for an excellent learning environment. But what stood out most was the instructor. With over 25 years of experience in this field, his depth of knowledge was unmatched. He didn’t just teach the material—he brought it to life with real-world examples and practical insights. Hands down, the best instructor I’ve ever had.
had the amazing opportunity to take courses with Criss watts. the knowledge and commitment to his students is amazing. highly recommend for anyone to take the class.
I recently completed my CPO Level 4 course in July 2025 with chris watts and great experiane and enjoyed it. I learned a great things, knowledge, professional experiation and our instructors was highly professional with an exceptional. I am greatfull part to UCP group. i am sure this coure take anther level for future.💪💪💪
I recently completed my CPO Level 4 course in July 2025 under the instruction and leadership of Criss Watts. This experience exceeded my expectations in terms of both professional training standards and personal development. The course was well-structured, combining intensive practical scenarios with a solid theoretical foundation. Criss brought a wealth of real-world experience to the table. His leadership, clarity of instruction, and approach made a lasting impact. His deep commitment to the craft and to the safety was evident in every session. I would highly recommend the UCP Group’s CPO Level 4.
Attended the CPO Course Level 4, with Chris watts. Expectations were exceeded. The approach was practical and real life based. Looking forward to the next courses with UCP Group.
I recently attended the CPO course and thoroughly enjoyed it. I learned a great deal, and our instructor was highly professional with an exceptional level of expertise. I can highly recommend this course to anyone looking for top quality and a strong foundation
I recently attended the ProQual UCP Level 4 course and the experience was excellent in every respect. The course is well-structured, and the instructors demonstrate both solid theoretical knowledge and relevant practical experience in the field. The teaching method was interactive, with concrete examples and realistic case studies, which allowed me to better understand the importance of the protection officer's role. Excelent job Criss Watts
I took the 28 days program, it was phenomenon! Explore new things, great experience and I’m loving it. Mr. Lance Young was my instructor, he’s the guy that we look up to. Their maybe a better instructor however, we were on the 10th floor during the Earthquake in BKK, TH: he lead us to safety and we took control of the situation perfectly, rescue people and do as much as we could at that time. Shout out to this man. 2nd to none 💪💪
Having just completed the intensive 18-day CPO course in Bangkok this past April 2025, conducted by the esteemed UCP Group, I feel honoured and compelled to share the profound impact this training has had on my professional capabilities. It was a great privilege to learn under the direct guidance of Mr. Lance Young, whose expertise and dedication were truly instrumental in my development. Prior to this course, I possessed a foundational understanding of close protection, but the depth and rigour of the UCP Group's program, expertly delivered by Mr. Lance Young elevated my skill set exponentially. One of the most
I received Level 4 HECPO training from Criss in Poland. I left every session with sharper skills, deeper confidence, and a respect for the craft. Thank you Criss for the invaluable training and knowledge from the best in the world!
Thanks to Lance who was a great CPO in Thailand. He looked after a group of 3 at various events around Bangkok.
Business Trip Bangkok - First time in Bangkok with work hosting a rooftop event. We decided we needed security for the event and for our time around Bangkok and what a great decision that was. Lance was fantastic, he was very thorough and organised our routes/transported us around Bangkok safely. Our event ran smoothly and our time in Bangkok was fantastic and this was 100% down to Lance! If you need security and you’re travelling to Bangkok then there is nobody better to join you then Lance!
They are a top organisation and offer some of the best training I have seen in the market. They raise expectations in everything they do, from the initial call to the end product. Call them, book them and for once you will get the training you deserve.
I did my Close Protection Operator (CPO) Level 3 training in Thailand. The CPO training was great and holistic. The instructor, Criss, went into technical details and practices to ensure that I am to fully grasp and execute the drills and movement fluidly. Criss is a master of his craft, and was generously sharing his knowledge and experience. I had a fantastic time learning and making new friends. Cheers!
The Close Protection Training delivered by UCP has been very practical as it applies the principles of realism in all its course components and physical drills. From the very beginning of the course, UCP instructor Mr. Criss Watts debunked the fancy techniques and practices of the recently glamourized security industry. It has nothing to do with glitz and pomp when it comes to being a security operator but all to do with situational awareness, reaction to attack and the basic drills, which upon perfecting leads to a solid foundation. This foundation will become the cornerstone for operations in both hostile
I attended the full course in Bangkok last year and achieved all three CPO Med and Hepco qualifications. The training and the environment exceeded all expectations!!I I fully recommend training with UCP and taking your career to the next lvl!! Since graduating I have travelled to three continents and 7 countries working in private security... Life changing course
From Singapore: I wanna Thank, Mr Criss Watts for the guidance throughout my journey in the Security industry for almost 17 years as what was thought by Mr Criss, was a Professionalism in the Security Industry in Hostile and Non Hostile Environment . We have known each other since 2017 in a working capacity at first and then as a friend after many years. We have worked together on many projects around the world and trained together in armed and unarmed combat, firearms, drills including skills for security when the time allows. Mr Criss and myself have become good friends
was pleasure to joining to your professional course with Chris and was good choice big like
I would like to thanks Chris for he's outstanding Training!!! on the Lebanon course he really Takes yes time to show you Weapon training He is very patient and understanding Asks a instructor He is a great instructor he will help you to In any way he can He is an outstanding!!! Person to know. I really enjoyed estranging at the Lebanon course. looking forward to do more training with Chris in the Future!!!.
it was such a pleasure training with UCP, very professional. specially Sir Criss, always there for the students, dedicating his time and knowledge in order to help us get the outmost experience of the course. thank you so much... all the best from Lebanon 🇱🇧🇱🇧🇱🇧 highly recommended 👍👍👍👌🏻
I was led to explore a WHOLE NEW WORLD of weapons, weapons and skills. What an experience!! Luca, Chris and Yezep and all of you esteemed instructors, please accept my thanks to you for tolerating my excitement and naivity in such proportions. Obviously, I hope to see you again soon. God bless us all.
Wonderful experience and a lot of preparation received during the training. RECCOMENDED. Too instructors, thank you CRISS
i attender the CPO course and it was really interesting in order to learn and improve your knowledge to become a Security professional.RECOMMENDED! I Will enjoy another course with them. See you soon
I didi the CPO course: very pratictal and intresting! Instructors expercienced and prepared! i will train again with them!
Training with UCP is the best decision I made. The training is realistic and the instructors are soo helpful and professional I highly recommend for people at all levels.
UCP GROUP, è l'unico gruppo operativo in ITALIA (con istruttori provenienti dall'estero, ed un background nelle forze speciali inglesi) che promuove corsi serie e formazione professionale nell'ambito della sicurezza privata (CPO, PSD,ecc). Con la possibilità reale (tramite un apposito e serio esame) di rilascio della SIA (Security Industry Autority) Level 3. Che può REALMENTE aprire le porte e l'accesso al mondo del lavoro all'estero nel mondo della Close Protection di alto livello! ps. lasciate perdere i SUPER CAZZARI in Italia.
Professional, patient instructors who give quality courses and teach you skills you can use in live situations (be it in the industry or day-to-day). I definitely recommend UCP Academy to anyone who wants to work in Close Protection or as a PMC. I'm looking forward to do some advanced courses with them as well. Thank you very much guys!
I done my training with Criss and his team this year. It was by far the most challenging and rewarding course I have ever done. I highly recommend UCP especially for females as well who want to get into the industry. The support from Criss and team during the course and after is amazing. I look forward to doing more courses with UCP in the future.
Would highly recommend UCP Uk training, fantastic training facilities and highly experienced staff. They guide you and push you to the limits! If your looking for a professional training provider then UCP UK is the place to go.
I highly recommend UCP to anyone who want to be trained to be the best and to high standard of training where you will you best tested every day and learn life long skills.
Best close protection training institution in Europe. Their trainers have real experience in both class and in real tasks in the field.
Fantastic from start to finish, the instructors are very experienced and passed their knowledge on to the students. If i could give this a star rating it would be a 10 as i fully recommend doing the course.
Amazing training. Having had a friend train with these guys a few years ago, he couldn’t speak highly enough of these guys so I decided to go with them. Even after talking to my friend, they still surpassed my expectations and covered everything. If you want real top quality training with top quality instructors .... look no further!!
UCPUK is definitely worth checking out! They are all professional and really know their stuff. The live firing was amazing as I got more live training done in 3 days then 1 year in the military.
everything about the group. very professional and sufficient in everything they do. I've done research on which company to do my training with and everytime UCPUK's name popped up. No regrets in choosing them!!! I highly recommend this one!!!
The best in the world with out a doubt!!! Ucp is the name and that's what they do! They get you up close and personal with the real deal! Real vips at real venues nothing staged the real thing. U cannot get better training than doing the real thing. All of the instructors have a plethora of knowledge just waiting for you to tap into! If u want to waste your money try somewhere else. Do you research and u will see for yourself that ucp are the only company to train with.
Very very good training , very professional coach, training hard but very effective, but happiness to recommend one of the best Academy I made for me .
A highly respected and recommended course full of experience, enthusiasm and quality across the instructor board. The guys are great and as an experienced soldier I would encourage anyone that’s thinking of swimming in the CP pond to take a serious look at UCP as the first port of call. Thanks to all the UCP family.
Whether you’re a seasoned military veteran, or keen to take on the challenge of a new and exciting career in Close Protection, this is the place to train and acquire your qualifications. If you want classroom based theory, go somewhere else. The instructors take you above and beyond your expectations and they insist on high standards. The training places you in real situations where fast thinking and teamwork are essential for success. UCP are clearly the ‘GOLD STANDARD’.
Top course loved every minute of it. instructors were great, really pushed you though the course. firm fair and a lot of banter on the way.
Merci Criss Watts pour cette belle formation d'APR. On en ressort meilleur et c'est grâce à toi ! Très bon formateur. J'ai beaucoup aimé.
Such a great course was tailored perfectly to the meet the standard of us on the course. The experience of the instructors and the way they taught was second to none. I will be sending anyone that asks me there way
One of the best training ever done one of the UK � BEST TRAINING TEAM
One of the best decision I ever made. Spot on CPO and HECPO courses. Professional and experience teachers. Great time. Highly recommended. Definitely will be back.
Serio ed impegnativo.Ho imparato molto e sono contento del risultato. Complimenti
Fast and furious.....simply the best !!! Training was really professional and interesting. They will teach you with practical and useful techniques.... Respect
A very good training with professional instructors I really have the chance to be trained by you thank you very much I recommend UCP uk
supère fière d'être former par UCP UK formation professionnelle surtout le professionnalisme des instructeur Français et anglais . c'est un honneur pour moi . merci pour ce stage
meet our lead instructors

CS Watts
Veteran instructor with 35+ years, expert in EP, HEP, weapons.

TJ
Elite investigator and GI Jane—weapons, surveillance, global operations expert.

SY
Top Krav Maga fighter, ex-military officer, elite weapons specialist instructor.

Y Maillard
French Army veteran, CP leader, medic, EOD specialist in high-risk zones.
UCP Training Highlights
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Non-Refundable Deposits
All deposits or full course fees paid for online and In-person training courses are strictly non-refundable. This policy ensures that UCP Group can secure your place and make the necessary arrangements for your training.
2. Payment of Course Fees
Payment Deadline: All course fees must be received within before the online links are provided.
If you do not adhere to the pre-requisite of the courses then you will have to show your knowledge and proof or purchase the courses.
If you book without the knowledge of the prerequisite courses then your fees will go towards the prerequisite courses first then any balance due will be used against your actual course with any extra fees or balances due before the link is provided as per the terms and conditions agreed upon at the time of registration.
3. Refund Policy for Cancellations
Cancellations Within 30 Days of Course Start: Any cancellations made within 30 days of the course start date are not eligible for a refund. This policy applies to the full amount of the course fees paid.
No Refunds for Non-Attendance: If a learner is unable to attend the course online after full payment has been made, no refunds will be issued.
4. Exceptional Circumstances
Consideration of Extreme Proven Circumstances: In cases of extreme, proven circumstances, UCP Group will work with the learner to minimize the impact on both the organization and the learner. This may involve rescheduling the course or exploring alternative solutions, but it does not guarantee a refund.
5. Agreement to Terms
By enrolling in a UCP Group online training course, learners acknowledge and agree to this refund policy. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure the terms and prerequisite courses with timely payment of all fees and to communicate promptly with UCP Group in the event of any issues or exceptional circumstances.
This refund policy is designed to ensure clarity and fairness for all parties involved while maintaining the integrity and financial stability of UCP Group's training programs
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