Overview

Essential qualification for:

  • existing* SIA Security Guard licence holders applying to renew their SIA licence after 1st October 2021
  • anyone applying for an SIA licence after 1st October 2021 holding a pre-1st April 2021 Security Officer qualification.

* trained before 1st April 2021

Important Information

From 1 April 2025, the Refresher qualifications will be required for all current SIA licence holders to renew their licence. 

The Refresher qualifications will replace the current Top Up qualifications for Door Supervisors and Security Officers.

The last date for registering learners on the current Top Up qualifications is 31 January 2025. 

Key Benefits

  • Provides full coverage of the competences specified by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for Security Guards

  • Meets the SIA requirements for a licence-linked top up qualification

  • Aimed at existing trained and qualified (pre-April 2021) Security Guard licence holders wishing to renew their licence after 1st October 2021

  • A Security Guard licence is required by anyone undertaking security guarding activities (see Door Supervision qualification for guarding licensed premises) 

  • E-learning and self-study is permitted for this qualification

  • Online testing available

  • Remote interactive delivery permitted subject to approval.

Qualification Title Ofqual Code Credit Value Guided Learning Hours Total Qualification Time
603/7247/3 2 4 6

Minimum age for registration is 16. Note, individuals must be 18 before they can apply for an SIA licence. 

Learners must be able to communicate effectively in English (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and centres must have procedures in place for establishing the learners’ competence in the use of the English language. 

Learners should as a minimum have English language skills equivalent to: 

  • B2 level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications
  • B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR) 
  • an ESOL qualification at (Level 1) on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland 
  • an ESOL qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland 
  • Functional Skills Level 1 in English 
  • SQA Core Skills in Communication at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5 
  • Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1 

Learners must hold a current and valid First Aid or Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.  This must meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. First Aid certificates presented by learners must be valid for at least 12 months from the start date of their security officer training course.

For full details, please see our Qualification Specification document.

Two externally set and externally marked multiple choice exams marked by LASER. 

Each exam: 

  • is administered by centre staff under examination conditions
  • assesses one unit
  • lasts between 20 and 25 minutes

See Qualification Specification for individual unit requirements.

Talk to us!

If you have a query, feel free to contact us using the form below, and we'll get back to you.

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