Private Executive Protection Agent

The Private Executive Protection Agent (PEPA) program is a groundbreaking initiative developed by the International Association of Personal Protection Agents (IAPPA) based on over 30 years of experience and expertise in international personal protection.

What is special about the PEPA program?

Most programs for close protection certification (whether they are called VIP Protection, Executive Protection or Bodyguard Training) focus either on training only (at different quality levels) without considering someone’s previous experience, or they are based exclusively on close protection methods taught in the police or in the military.

On the other hand, many individuals leave the police force or the military without any certification of what they can really do. Even if their experience is not 100% transferable to civilian life. Others have an impressive career and know exactly how to do their jobs, but have never been able to prove their training, as it was not properly recognized.

The PEPA certification program was developed by professionals with countless years of experience in both private and official close protection and know how different both are. Besides, IAPPA has never certified agents only based on training. Real-life experience is a key factor for anyone to receive the IAPPA quality seal.

This process is now accessible worldwide to recognize your knowledge and experience and get you ready for a successful career in private executive protection.

How does it work?

If you believe you meet the requirements for Executive Protection Certification, you can start the certification process at the bottom of this page.

Each application will be reviewed by the IAPPA Certification Office before anyone is accepted into the program. If further documentation or explanation is required, you will be contacted directly. If you are accepted, you will be given access to your learning area. There, you will complete an online course to review all the important principles of private security, to ensure you are familiar with IAPPA standards, and to educate you on the differences and success in private security.

Upon successful certification, your printed certificate and PEPA badge will be mailed to you. The duration of the certification depends on how quickly you complete the online training. The printed certificate will then be sent from Germany. Shipping will then take between 7 and 10 days (depending on the recipient country).

The certification gives you the opportunity to become a member of the IAPPA. The first year of membership is free of charge. After that there is an annual fee of 99,- EURO.

What are the requirements?

The requirements for the Personal Protection Agent certification are transparent and only a few exceptions can be made. This is important to ensure the value of being certified by IAPPA. These are:

Former police or military personnel with training and practical experience in close protection
Private contractors or employees with related but uncertified training and/or at least 4 years of proven full-time experience in close protection in total

If you cannot provide proof of meeting the requirements but fulfill the requirements for certification as a private bodyguard, you may still apply. However, please send an e-mail to our office in advance and let us know what experience you have. Our team will then check the information and decide whether you will be accepted into the program.

How do I get started?

Start your certification now if you meet all the requirements. We look forward to welcoming you to our community as a Private Executive Protection Agent.