Overview

Under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act (2001) individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). One criterion for obtaining a licence is the achievement of a licence-linked qualification. 

From 1st April 2025, a Refresher qualification is required for holders of an SIA Security Guarding licence applying to renew their licence. Refresher qualification is also recommended for SIA licence holders who have not been employed in the industry recently or not untaken Security Officer duties since obtaining their licence. 

The Refresher qualification will support all licence holders in ensuring that their skills and knowedge are up-to-date and will help them to stay safe and protect the public whilst they are working. The LASER Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) provides full coverage of the Refresher competences specified by the SIA and therefore meets its requirements for a licence-linked Refresher qualification. 

A Security Guarding licence is required when manned guarding activity that does not fall under the descriptions of door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, or public space surveillance (CCTV) is undertaken. 

The qualification is regulated by Ofqual.

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 refresher qualification

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

Qualification Title Ofqual Code Credit Value Guided Learning Hours Total Qualification Time
610/4661/9 1 7 9

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.

 Assessment is by multiple choice examination, practical demonstration, oral question and answer/ discussion and trainer observations 

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