We have made some changes to the training you need to take before you can get a front line SIA licence.

The changes are:

• we have introduced new, updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection and vehicle immobilisation
• you must have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for a door supervisor or security guard licence
• you must have one of the new qualifications or take top-up training before you can apply for a door supervisor and security guard licence – this includes renewals

We will be making more changes in April 2022:

• on 1 April 2022 we will introduce an updated close protection qualification (read our press release about this)

We explain these changes in more detail below.

We have also created a flowchart to explain what the changes mean for people applying for a door supervisor or security guard licence.

Why are we making these changes?

We need to make sure that people working in the private security industry can:

• keep the public safe
• follow new working practices
• understand recent changes to the law
• make the best use of new technology

New requirement: first aid training

We already expected applicants for a close protection licence to complete a first aid qualification before taking their licence-linked training. We now expect applicants for a door supervisor or security guard licence to do the same.

You will need to do this if either of the following apply:

• you are applying for a licence for the first time
• it has been longer than 3 years since you last held a licence for that activity

You will also need to do this if you are renewing your licence.

The qualification must be an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent.

The requirement for first aid training will improve your skills as an SIA licence holder. It will not change the obligations you have when responding to an emergency.

Other changes

More relevant course material

We have moved training that is critical for all sectors to the ‘common unit’ (taken by all security operatives). This includes new training on:

• terror threat awareness
• dealing with emergencies

We have introduced new sector-specific content – for example:

• the door supervision course includes new material on the use of equipment such as body worn video recorders and breathalysers
• the public space surveillance (CCTV) course includes new material on CCTV operational procedures and the law
• the security guarding course includes new material covering personal safety
• the close protection course will include a bespoke physical intervention unit for close protection operatives

Find out more

Read Changes to SIA licence-linked training: your questions answered to find out more.