Institut Français de Sécurité

What Institut Français de Sécurité does

Institut Français de Sécurité (IFS) is a French private security training institute founded in 2015 in the wake of the 2015 terrorist attacks, structured as an SAS with €10,000 of share capital and led by founder Tibor Vass. Headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, it operates a pedagogical and tactical training center in Eragny (including a shooting range) and an overseas site in Mana, French Guiana (IFS Guyane).

The company delivers the full regulated curriculum for armed and unarmed private security personnel in France, anchored by multiple RNCP certifications (41394, 38002, 40919, 41961, 37610), CNAPS authorization, QUALIOPI and SSIAP accreditations. Programs span APS entry-level guarding, ISA D (Category D weapons — tear gas, telescopic baton), ISA B (Category B firearms), ISA2S for sensitive sites with shoulder weapons, APR close protection, OPRA armed close protection (245-hour, capped at 12 trainees per cohort), MAC skills-maintenance modules, and VAE validation of prior experience. Instructors are recruited from elite French units (GIGN, RAID, GCP, special forces), which is a key differentiator in a credential-sensitive market.

IFS monetizes through three channels: per-session and per-module course fees (€150–600 per learner), annual subscription bundles for working professionals (€800 for Cat D+B, €1,000 for Cat D+B+A), and contract-based institutional training. Named institutional clients include the French central ministries under an interministerial agreement (effective 20/06/2025), the Paris 2024 Olympics security program, and enterprise partner Groupe LPN. Distribution relies on a standard digital stack (website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, newsletter) plus event-based positioning such as the Fraternité Police Kimité sponsorship with Groupe LPN and partnerships with equipment and security technology providers (Top Ten, FTSI, MIP, ISCT).

Name

Institut Français de Sécurité

Legal name

Institut Français de Sécurité IFS

Website

https://ecole-francaise-securite.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Institut Français de Sécurité is a French CNAPS-approved training institute founded in 2015 that delivers certified armed and close-protection security courses, serving individual professionals, enterprise clients such as Groupe LPN, and French government ministries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Armed Private Security Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Educational Services (61), Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services (56161)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Armed Security & Firearms Training & Qualification (BPAKAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

General Security Officer (Unarmed) Training & Certification (BPAKAOAA), Law Enforcement / Military / Security Defensive Tactics Training (HSADADAI)

Keywords

• Armed security training
• Private security certification
• Close protection training
• Tactical firearms training
• CNAPS certified training

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulogne-Billancourt

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Initial Professional Training: Comprehensive training programs for security certifications including APS, ISA D, ISA B, ISA2S, APR, and OPRA. Programs range from 175 hours (APS) to 327 hours (APR) for initial certification.
2. MAC (Skills Maintenance and Update Training): Continuing education required for professional card renewal. Programs range from 14 hours (ISA D MAC) to 34 hours (APS MAC). Enables professionals to maintain and update competencies for armed security activities.
3. Regular Training Sessions: Mandatory ongoing training sessions for armed security professionals. Includes Category D (2 sessions of 7 hours/year), Category B (4 sessions of 1 hour/year with 15 min safety and legal framework review), and Category A1 training. Required prerequisite for MAC sessions.
4. VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience): Pathway for military, police, and reservists to obtain certifications through validation of prior experience. 4-step process including eligibility verification, professional experience documentation, practical assessment, and jury validation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Institut Français de Sécurité is a French private security training school that delivers state-recognized certification programs (APS, ISA D, ISA B, ISA2S, APR, OPRA) and continuing education services (MAC, VAE, regular training sessions) for armed private security professionals. Training combines theoretical instruction, e-learning modules, and hands-on tactical practice at owned facilities with shooting ranges, and is delivered by former special forces (GIGN, RAID, GCP) and counter-terrorism specialists. Programs cover the full French weapon category spectrum (D, B, A1) and span entry-level surveillance through close protection of VIPs and sensitive-site security.

Product overview

Institut Français de Sécurité (IFS) is a training organization specializing in armed private security professions. The offering consists of a structured progression of certifications spanning from basic security agent (APS) through armed surveillance operative categories (ISA D, ISA B, ISA2S) and close protection roles (APR, OPRA). These programs form a comprehensive pathway from entry-level to advanced armed security operations. Supporting services include MAC (competency maintenance), VAE (prior learning validation), and regular training sessions for skills retention. The company operates training centers in Île-de-France (Boulogne-Billancourt, Eragny) and French Guiana (Mana), providing both initial certification and continuing education for security professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• APS - Agent de Prévention et de Sécurité Entry-level security certification for agents who ensure the safety of people and property through guarding and human surveillance activities, including electronic surveillance means. RNCP Level 3 certification (CAP level). For individuals entering or working in private security.
• ISA D - Intervenant en Surveillance Armée Catégorie D First level of armed security training, certifying operatives for Category D weapons (tear gas spray and telescopic defense baton). RNCP Level 4 certification. For private security professionals seeking armed surveillance authorization.
• ISA B - Intervenant en Surveillance Armée Catégorie B Armed surveillance certification for Category B weapons (semi-automatic firearms). Requires prior ISA D validation. Grants authorization to carry and use handguns for close protection of VIPs. RNCP Level 4 certification.
• ISA2S - Intervenant en Surveillance Armée avec armes d'épaule sur Site Sensible Armed surveillance with shoulder weapons for sensitive sites (nuclear plants, military sites). Requires ISA B validation. Authorizes work at high-risk sensitive sites with Category A1 shoulder weapons. RNCP Level 4 certification.
• APR - Agent de Protection Rapprochée Close protection agent (also called A3P - Agent de Protection Physique des Personnes) ensuring safety and confidentiality of individuals such as politicians, celebrities, or high-level athletes. 13 training modules covering tactical first aid, legal framework, risk analysis, counter-terrorism, and intervention techniques. 327 hours of training. RNCP Level 4 certification.
• OPRA - Opérateur en Protection Rapprochée Armée Armed close protection operator certification. Requires prior APR validation. Authorizes use of Category D&B weapons (tear gas spray, telescopic defense baton, and semi-automatic handguns). 245 hours of training, maximum 12 trainees per session. RNCP Level 4 certification.
• MAC - Maintien et Actualisation des Compétences (Skills Maintenance) Skills maintenance and update training required for professional license renewal. Covers surveillance, close protection, and armed operations across all categories. Programs include ISA D MAC (14 hours, 350€ TTC), ISA B MAC (26 hours, 600€ TTC), OPRA MAC (26 hours, 600€), APR MAC (30 hours including 14h distance learning, 300€ TTC), and APS MAC (34 hours including 14h distance learning, 400€ TTC).
• VAE - Valorisation des Acquis de l'Expérience Validation of prior learning assessment allowing military, police, and reservists to obtain professional certifications based on their operational experience. 4-step process: eligibility verification, professional experience documentation, practical assessment, and jury validation.
• Regular Training Sessions (Entraînements réguliers) Regular training sessions for maintaining operational skills with armed weapons. Includes Category D (2 sessions of 7 hours/year), Category B (4 sessions of 1 hour/year with 15 min safety and legal framework review), and Category A1 training. Required prerequisite for MAC sessions. Annual subscriptions available at 800€ TTC (Cat D + B) or 1000€ TTC (Cat D + B + A).
• Handgun Training Stage Intensive one-day handgun training stage priced at 230€ (excluding ammunition and equipment). Includes 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Delivered in partnership with accredited experts (FTSI, MIP, ISCT) at Eragny shooting range operated by Group LPN.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% trainee satisfaction rate
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Groupe LPNcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2026Long-term strategic partnership with private security group. Co-sponsor of Fraternité Police Kumité event. Groupe LPN operates the private shooting range in Eragny where IFS conducts handgun training courses. Collaboration on security training programs and industry visibility initiatives.
• Approved Partner Training SitesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of approved training sites across metropolitan France extending IFS training capabilities beyond its owned facilities. Sites meet CNAPS requirements for private security training delivery.
• Top Ten (Equipment Supplier)minorOthersEquipment supplier for combat sports gear (gloves, protection, uniforms) used in training and presented during industry events.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• AFTRAL: AFTRAL is France's largest private professional training organization with a dedicated safety and security division offering APS, SSIAP, and other certifications. As a broad incumbent, it competes with IFS in core security training while also operating across transport, logistics, and driving — making it a multi-vertical competitor with overlapping security capabilities.
• AFPA: AFPA is the French national professional training organization offering a wide range of vocational programs including security agent certifications. As a publicly-affiliated broad incumbent, it competes on entry-level APS training but lacks IFS's specialization in armed categories (ISA D, ISA B, ISA2S) and elite counter-terrorism instructor talent.
• ECOFAC: ECOFAC is a French private training group specializing in safety, security, and prevention certifications including APS and SSIAP. It is a broad incumbent with security-training overlap comparable to IFS, though its scope extends more into occupational health and prevention rather than the armed surveillance and close protection niche.

Direct peers

• FTSI (Formation Tirs et Sécurité Incendie): FTSI is an accredited expert providing specialized handgun training aligned with ISA Category B requirements and integrated into IFS's certification programs. It is a direct peer operating in the firearms and security training niche, serving similar learner profiles.
• CESAME Sécurité: CESAME Sécurité is a French private training organization delivering CNAPS-aligned security certifications including APS and SSIAP. As a direct peer, it competes for the same entry-level professional segment and shares the regulatory compliance framework that defines the French private security training market.
• MIP (Monitorat d'Intervention Pro): MIP is an accredited training-expert network contributing to IFS's handgun training stages and ISA Category B programs. As a direct peer, it provides comparable professional intervention and firearms training to security professionals in the French market.
• ISCT (Institut de Sécurité et de Tactique): ISCT is a French accredited training organization specializing in tactical security training integrated into IFS's curriculum per their partnership. It is a direct peer operating in the same niche of specialized tactical and security training, with overlapping instructor networks and learner base.

Others

• Groupe LPN: Groupe LPN is a French private security services company and IFS's strategic partner, co-sponsoring Fraternité Police Kumité events and operating the Eragny shooting range where IFS conducts handgun training. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant — a security operator rather than direct training competitor, but a key channel and infrastructure partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ifsinstitutfrancaisdesecur449
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institut-francais-securite
• Instagraminstagram.com/institut_francais_de_securite

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Institut Français de Sécurité