Level 2 Counter-Terrorism
Know what to look for, how to report concerns, and how to respond.
Know what to look for, how to report concerns and how to respond.
Build the knowledge and confidence to play your part in keeping colleagues, customers, students and visitors safe.
This one-day course develops your understanding of terrorist threats, everyday protective security and appropriate responses to an incident. You’ll explore how staff awareness and timely reporting contribute to a safer, better-prepared organisation.
Delivered by Watchword, this SFJ Awards qualification has been developed in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and is aligned with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law.
Course details
| Qualification | Level 2 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness |
| Awarding organisation | SFJ Awards |
| Delivery | Classroom-based |
| Duration | One day — seven hours |
| Assessment | Multiple-choice examination |
| Cost | £200 + VAT per person |
| Dates and location | To be confirmed |
| Delivered by | Watchword |
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for staff whose everyday work contributes to the safety and security of their organisation.
This could include:
- Reception and front-of-house teams.
- Security officers.
- Estates and facilities staff.
- Health and safety staff.
- Safeguarding, pastoral and student support teams.
- Student union and community liaison staff.
- Night-time staff and others working in public-facing settings.
It is particularly relevant if you need to recognise and report concerns, support your organisation’s procedures or understand your role during an incident.
What will I learn?
You’ll develop your understanding of:
- The UK terrorism threat and common methods of attack.
- The purpose and key requirements of Martyn’s Law.
- How staff awareness and vigilance support protective security.
- Recognising suspicious behaviour, potential security concerns and signs that someone may be gathering information to plan an attack.
- How and when to report or escalate concerns.
- Responses to terrorist incidents, including evacuation, moving people to a safer place within the premises and lockdown.
- Appropriate actions around suspicious items and hazardous substances.
- The importance of clear incident communication and immediate trauma first aid provision.
How will I learn?
You’ll attend one classroom day, with seven hours of guided learning delivered by Watchword Security.
The course focuses on the knowledge staff need to support colleagues with formal counter-terrorism and protective security responsibilities.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll complete a multiple-choice examination set by SFJ Awards under examination conditions. The examination includes:
- 25 questions.
- 40 minutes to complete the assessment.
- A pass mark of 80%.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. You should be able to study and complete an assessment at Level 2.
How can this support my organisation?
The course helps staff understand their contribution to protective security, from noticing and reporting concerns to following incident procedures. It can support your organisation’s preparations for Martyn’s Law alongside its own planning, procedures and staff briefings. Completing the qualification does not, on its own, demonstrate legal compliance.
What could I do next?
If your responsibilities include assessing risks, developing protective measures or leading preparedness planning, you may wish to explore the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness.
Ready to find out more?
Contact us about upcoming dates, locations and availability, or enquire on behalf of colleagues across your organisation.
Counter-Terrorism
Please complete and return this form in as much detail as possible to make sure you're the first to know of updates and new course dates.
