Set up security staff training

Training is at the centre of private security regulation. Every individual carrying out licensable activity must hold the correct SIA-endorsed qualification, and from 2025 onwards the SIA requires mandatory refresher training at each licence renewal. As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring your workforce is properly qualified, stays current, and receives additional training to manage the specific risks of their role.

This guide helps you build a training framework that covers all mandatory requirements and keeps your business compliant. It addresses not just what training is needed, but when to plan it, what alternatives exist when things change, and how to keep records that satisfy both the SIA and health and safety inspectors.

Initial SIA qualifications

Before an individual can apply for an SIA licence, they must complete a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification endorsed by the SIA for the relevant licence sector. The qualification must be awarded by an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation and delivered by an SIA-approved training provider.

Different licence sectors have different qualification requirements. The three most common are door supervision, security guarding, and close protection. Each has a different guided learning hours (GLH) requirement and covers different competencies.

SIA door supervisor training requirements

Qualification and training requirements for obtaining an SIA door supervisor licence, including the mandatory Level 2 Award, core units, guided learning hours, and recognised awarding organisations.

Qualification: Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry
Qualification level: Level 2 (RQF)
Total qualification time: 76 hours
Guided learning hours: 64 hours
Core units: Working in the private security industry; conflict management; physical intervention skills; door supervision
Awarding organisations: Highfield Qualifications; City and Guilds; HABC; BIIAB; VTCT; ICQ; SFJ Awards
Validity for licence application: Must be achieved within 3 years before licence application

To apply for an SIA door supervisor licence, applicants must complete the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry. This qualification was updated in 2021 to include enhanced conflict management and physical intervention content.

The qualification must be delivered by a training provider approved by one of the SIA's recognised awarding organisations and completed within three years of the licence application date. It is not possible to apply for a door supervisor licence without holding this qualification or a recognised equivalent.

SIA security guard training requirements

Qualification and training requirements for obtaining an SIA security guard licence, including the mandatory Level 2 Award, core units, and guided learning hours.

Qualification: Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry
Qualification level: Level 2 (RQF)
Total qualification time: 56 hours
Guided learning hours: 44 hours
Core units: Working in the private security industry; conflict management; security guarding
Awarding organisations: Highfield Qualifications; City and Guilds; HABC; BIIAB; VTCT; ICQ; SFJ Awards
Validity for licence application: Must be achieved within 3 years before licence application

To apply for an SIA security guard licence, applicants must complete the Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry. This qualification was updated in 2021 and covers the core competencies required for manned guarding roles.

The security guard qualification shares the common unit on working in the private security industry with the door supervisor qualification. Holders of an SIA door supervisor licence who also wish to work as a security guard can apply for a linked licence covering both sectors.

SIA close protection training requirements

Qualification and training requirements for obtaining an SIA close protection licence, including the mandatory Level 3 Certificate, enhanced first aid, surveillance, and route planning modules.

Qualification: Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
Qualification level: Level 3 (RQF)
Total qualification time: 150 hours
Guided learning hours: 130 hours
Core units: Working in the private security industry; surveillance and reconnaissance; threat and risk assessment; close protection operational planning and route selection; close protection foot and vehicle drills; close protection first aid (Level 3)
Awarding organisations: Highfield Qualifications; City and Guilds; HABC; SFJ Awards
Validity for licence application: Must be achieved within 3 years before licence application

To apply for an SIA close protection licence, applicants must complete the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry. This is a substantially longer and more demanding qualification than the door supervisor or security guard awards, reflecting the specialist nature of close protection work.

The close protection qualification was updated in 2022. It includes enhanced modules on surveillance and reconnaissance, threat and risk assessment, operational planning (including route selection), and foot and vehicle protection drills. A Level 3 first aid component is integrated into the qualification.

Choosing a training provider

Only use SIA-approved training providers listed on the SIA website. Check that the provider is delivering an Ofqual-regulated qualification, not just a certificate of attendance. If a provider's approval is withdrawn mid-course, the qualification may not be accepted by the SIA.

Consider whether classroom-based or blended learning suits your operational needs. Some qualifications allow a portion of learning online, but practical assessments (physical intervention for door supervision, close protection scenarios) must be delivered face-to-face.

Mandatory refresher training

The SIA introduced mandatory refresher training as a licence renewal requirement. This means your employees must complete a refresher course before their licence expires, or they will be unable to renew and must stop working in licensable roles. As an employer, you should track licence expiry dates and plan refresher training well in advance.

The refresher requirement applies on different timelines depending on the licence sector. Plan at least six months ahead, as popular training providers fill up quickly around common renewal dates.

SIA refresher qualification for door supervisors and security guards

Mandatory refresher qualification introduced from 1 April 2025 for door supervisors and security guards renewing their SIA licence. Includes details of the top-up route for holders of updated core qualifications.

Requirement: Mandatory refresher qualification at licence renewal
Effective from: 1 April 2025
Applies to: Door supervisors and security guards renewing their SIA licence
Refresher qualification (door supervisor): Level 2 Award for Renewing a Licence to Practise as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry
Refresher qualification (security guard): Level 2 Award for Renewing a Licence to Practise as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry
Top-up route: Available for licence holders who already hold the updated core qualification (introduced in 2021). Shorter top-up training instead of the full refresher.
Prerequisite: Current first aid qualification (EFAW, FPOS, or FREC) must be held before starting refresher training

From 1 April 2025, door supervisors and security guards must complete a mandatory refresher qualification when renewing their SIA licence. This is a new requirement — previously, licence renewal did not require any additional training beyond the original qualification.

Licence holders who already hold the updated core qualification (introduced in 2021) may take a shorter top-up training course instead of the full refresher. Licence holders with the older pre-2021 qualification must complete the full refresher.

The refresher must be completed before submitting the licence renewal application. Licence holders who do not complete the refresher before their licence expires cannot work in a licensable role until a new licence is granted.

SIA refresher qualification for close protection operatives

Mandatory refresher qualification from 1 April 2026 for close protection operatives renewing their SIA licence. Includes details of the top-up route for holders of updated core qualifications.

Requirement: Mandatory refresher qualification at licence renewal
Effective from: 1 April 2026
Applies to: Close protection operatives renewing their SIA licence
Refresher qualification: Level 3 Award for Renewing a Licence to Practise as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
Top-up route: Available for licence holders who already hold the updated core qualification (introduced in 2022). Shorter top-up training instead of the full refresher.
Prerequisite: Current Level 3 first aid qualification (FAW, FPOS, or FREC) must be held before starting refresher training

From 1 April 2026, close protection operatives must complete a mandatory refresher qualification when renewing their SIA licence. This requirement follows the same model introduced for door supervisors and security guards from April 2025.

Licence holders who already hold the updated close protection qualification (introduced in 2022) may take a shorter top-up training course instead of the full refresher. Those with the older pre-2022 qualification must complete the full refresher.

A current Level 3 first aid qualification is a prerequisite before starting the refresher training. The refresher must be completed before submitting the licence renewal application.

What if an employee's licence expires before they complete a refresher?

You must remove them from licensable duties immediately. They cannot work in a licensable role while their licence is expired, even if they have booked a refresher course. Consider scheduling refreshers at least three months before the licence expiry date to allow a buffer for cancellations, illness, or provider availability.

What if an employee holds multiple licence sectors?

They need a refresher for each sector. Some providers offer combined refresher courses, but check that each sector's requirements are covered. Track each licence sector and expiry date separately in your records.

First aid qualifications

First aid is both an SIA prerequisite and an ongoing employer obligation under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Your risk assessment determines the level of first aid provision needed at each site. Security staff are often the first on the scene at incidents, so maintaining current first aid qualifications is essential.

SIA first aid prerequisites for refresher training

First aid qualifications that must be held before starting SIA refresher training. Different requirements apply to door supervisors and security guards (EFAW level) compared to close protection operatives (Level 3).

Door supervisors and security guards — accepted first aid qualifications: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW); First Person on Scene (FPOS); First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Door supervisors and security guards — first aid level: Level 2 or equivalent
Close protection operatives — accepted first aid qualifications: Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW); Level 3 First Person on Scene (FPOS); Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Close protection operatives — first aid level: Level 3
Currency requirement: The first aid qualification must be current (not expired) at the time of starting refresher training
EFAW validity: 3 years from date of issue
Level 3 FAW validity: 3 years from date of issue

Before starting SIA refresher training, licence holders must hold a current first aid qualification appropriate to their licence type. The first aid qualification is a prerequisite — training providers will not enrol candidates on the refresher course without evidence of a valid first aid certificate.

Door supervisors and security guards need an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification or equivalent. Close protection operatives need a Level 3 first aid qualification, reflecting the higher level of medical response expected in close protection roles.

First aid qualifications from First Person on Scene (FPOS) and First Response Emergency Care (FREC) are also accepted, provided they are at the correct level for the licence type. All accepted qualifications must comply with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on workplace first aid.

First aid certificates typically expire after three years. Build first aid renewal into your training calendar alongside SIA refresher dates. If a first aid certificate expires, the individual may still hold a valid SIA licence, but you may be failing your health and safety obligations by deploying them without current first aid competence.

Conflict management and lone working

Conflict management is included in the initial SIA qualification, but it needs ongoing reinforcement. The SIA recommends regular CPD in conflict management techniques, particularly for door supervisors and event security staff who face confrontational situations frequently.

Lone working is common in security guarding. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, you must carry out a risk assessment for lone workers and provide training on the specific risks they face. This includes communication procedures, welfare checks, and what to do in an emergency.

Consider annual refresher sessions on both topics, even where not legally mandated, as this demonstrates due diligence and can reduce insurance premiums.

Training records

Maintain a training record for each employee that includes:

SIA qualification certificates (copy) with date achieved and awarding body
SIA licence number, sector, and expiry date
Refresher training completion dates and provider details
First aid qualification and expiry date
Conflict management CPD sessions attended
Lone working induction and any subsequent refresher
Site-specific induction records

Keep records for at least the duration of employment plus six years (the limitation period for civil claims). If you hold Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) accreditation, the SIA will audit your training records as part of the assessment.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Guvnor

Set up security staff training

Initial SIA qualifications

Choosing a training provider

Mandatory refresher training

What if an employee's licence expires before they complete a refresher?

What if an employee holds multiple licence sectors?

First aid qualifications

Conflict management and lone working

Training records

Compliance Assistant

🚧 UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Initial SIA qualifications

Choosing a training provider

Mandatory refresher training

What if an employee's licence expires before they complete a refresher?

What if an employee holds multiple licence sectors?

First aid qualifications

Conflict management and lone working

Training records

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION