SIA Refresher Training for Security Guard
Starting October 1, 2024, new refresher qualifications will be available for security guards. These qualifications are designed to keep security guards updated with the latest safety-critical skills needed to protect the public effectively. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) encourages all security guard licence holders to complete this training promptly.
Key Issues for learners to consider: Relevant ID is essential
Upcoming Refresher Training:
MARCH 2025
EFAW Training: 17/03/2025
SIA Training: 28/03/2025
APRIL 2025
EFAW Training: 14/04/2025
SIA Training: 25/04/2025
Learners are reminded when attending their assessment to bring with them, their ID Documents (Group A & Group B) and a passport photograph.
What Does the Refresher Training Include?
The SIA’s refresher training for security guards covers a comprehensive range of topics designed to enhance their ability to perform their duties effectively. Key areas of focus include:
- Conducting Effective Searches: This module refreshes your knowledge on conducting thorough and legal searches, helping to prevent prohibited items from entering secure areas.
- Protecting Vulnerable Individuals: Learn how to identify and protect individuals in vulnerable situations, including updated training on preventing spiking incidents.
- Terror Threat Awareness: The ACT/You can ACT certificate enhances your understanding of potential terror threats, equipping you to recognise and respond to these scenarios effectively.
Course Pre-requisites - Required prior to attending face-to-face training.
Learner Identification Documents
In line with the Security Industry Authority’s documentation requirements, approved Highfield Centres must attain and verify one identity document from the Group A list and two documents from the Group B list from learners undertaking SIA Licence Linked Training.
We accept the following forms of identification:
- At least one document must show the learner’s current address.
- At least one document must show their date of Birth.
Group A Documents
- a passport that is signed, current, and valid
- a driving licence photocard issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK
- a driving licence photocard and its paper counterpart issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (OVA) in Northern Ireland
- a UK original birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth
- a UK biometric residence permit card
Group B Documents
2 forms of the same type of document will not be accepted. For example, we will not accept 2 council tax statements. We will only accept 1 council tax statement and 1 document of a different type.
- a bank or building society statement from the last 3 months (we will accept 2 statements, but only if they are from different banks or building societies)
- a utility bill (for example: gas, electric, telephone, water, satellite TV or cable1V) from the last 3 months
- a credit card statement from the last 3 months (we will accept 2 statements, but only if they are from different credit-card providers)
- a council tax statement from the last 12 months a mortgage statement from the last 12 months
- a letter from the last 3 months from any of the following:
- HM Revenue and Customs
- the Department of Work and Pensions
- a Jobcentre Plus – or any other employment service a local authority
- a P45 or P60 tax statement from the last 12 months
- a paper version of a current UK driving licence
- (not the paper counterpart to a photocard)
- a driving licence photocard issued by the OVA in Northern Ireland (not the paper counterpart)
- a pension, endowment or ISA statement from the last 12 months a valid UK firearms licence with photo
English Functionality
All Learners wishing to undertake a S.I.A License linked qualification should, as a minimum, have language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening equivalent to the following:
- A B2 Level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications.
- A B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (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) Accreditation and taken in Scotland.
- Functional Skills Level 1 in English.
- SQA Core Skills in Communication at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5.
The above certification will be requested on booking.
If you do not already hold one of the above or a suitable equivalent you will be required to undertake English Functionality Testing.
First Aid
All learners wishing to attend must First Aid certificate which:
- Valid;
- In-date;
- has a minimum of 12 months before expiry left
Qualifications that we accept are:
- Emergency First Aid
- First Aid at Work
- First Person on Scene (FPOS)
Please be advised that e-Learning qualifications will NOT be accepted.
If you do not already hold a First Aid certification, we regularly run an EFAW Training day as part of our course timetable.
Security Guarding Refresher Training Units:
Training Time
3 hours is the minimum contact time (MCT), as stipulated by the SIA, which is applicable if self-study is applied for the Principles of Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry (Refresher). This consists of a workbook and 2 e-learning courses (ACT Awareness and ACT Security).
If self-study isn’t applied for these units, then the MCT for this qualification will be 7 hours.
The award is made up of 1 unit:
- Unit 1 – Principles of Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)
Assessment
UNIT NAME | MULTIPLE-CHOICE ASSESSMENT | PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT |
Principles of Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) | Externally set and marked multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination made up of 28 questions (45 minutes) Pass mark = 71% | Externally set, internally assessed observation of searching an individual The practical assessment for each learner must be visually recorded and is recommended to take approximately 15 minutes per learner. |
What Are Your Options?
As a security guard, your primary option is to:
Complete the Security Guard Refresher Training: This will allow you to renew your security guard licence and continue your work in ensuring public and property safety.
If you previously held a door supervisor licence, you might also consider:
Switching to a Security Guard Licence: By completing the security guard refresher training, you can switch from a door supervisor licence to a security guard licence if you prefer this role.
You Can Not Switch to a Door Supervisor: You cannot switch to a Door Supervisor licence by doing a Door Supervisor refresher if you currently have a security guard licence.
COST OF COURSE
SIA Door Supervisor Refresher Course: £114.00 per learner
(£95.00 + VAT)
SIA Door Supervisor Refresher Course & Emergency First Aid at Work: £180.00 per learner
(£150 + VAT)
HOW TO REGISTER TO TAKE THIS COURSE?
Contact our Training Manager by Mobile / WhatsApp on 07858415722
Contact our Training Centre on 01382 322335
What happens after I pass my exam?:
After passing the Award in Security Officers Refresher course and receiving your Certification, you can then make an application to the SIA (Security Industry Authority) online through their website here in order to renew your SIA Licence.
Please be advised that the course duration is 2 days and the processing time for results is normally between 2 and 3 weeks for you to obtain your Qualification. Furthermore, upon your application to the SIA, there will be a processing time therefore please take this into consideration when thinking about time-scales for applying for obtaining a licence.