SIA English Test Proposal: What Will Change and What Won’t
The SIA’s Proposed English Language Test: What’s Actually Changing?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has proposed introducing an independent English language assessment for individuals applying for a security licence. Much of the discussion around this proposal suggests it creates a new English language requirement. In reality, that requirement has already existed for several years. The proposed change focuses on how applicants demonstrate they meet the required standard, rather than introducing a new standard itself.
If you’re considering booking an SIA training course, here’s what you need to know.
Key Points
An English language requirement already exists for SIA licence-linked training. Learners must demonstrate language skills equivalent to B2 level on the CEFR scale or hold an accepted equivalent qualification.
Currently, training providers are responsible for checking and recording evidence that learners meet this standard before enrolment.
The SIA is proposing the introduction of an independent English language test, alongside more consistent assessment arrangements through awarding organisations.
The required level is expected to remain the same, but the test format, provider and pass mark have not yet been confirmed.
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on Friday 23 October 2026, with final details expected later in 2026 and revised qualifications scheduled to launch in 2027.
If you hold a current SIA licence, nothing changes. Anyone booking a course today will still be assessed under the existing requirements.
What Is the Requirement Right Now?
To enrol on an SIA licence-linked qualification, learners must have reading, writing, speaking and listening skills equivalent to B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
This requirement has been in place since 1 April 2021, when updated licence-linked qualifications were introduced following an SIA review of training standards.
Learners can currently demonstrate the required standard through a variety of recognised qualifications and certificates, including:
- A B2-level qualification from the Home Office’s list of approved English language tests
- A recognised B2 CEFR qualification
- ESOL Level 1 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- ESOL at SCQF Level 5 (Scotland)
- Functional Skills English Level 1
- SQA Core Skills Communication at SCQF Level 5
- Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1
Assessments may be completed in either English or Welsh.
Under the current system, responsibility sits with the training provider. Before enrolling a learner, providers must satisfy themselves that the individual has sufficient language skills across all four areas: reading, writing, speaking and listening. They must also retain evidence of this assessment for a minimum of three years.
That responsibility placed on training centres is the key area the SIA is now looking to change. The proposal would move towards a more standardised and independently verified approach, rather than relying solely on individual providers to assess and record evidence.
What’s Being Proposed?
The SIA’s current consultation proposes the introduction of an additional independent English language assessment, alongside more standardised testing arrangements delivered through awarding organisations.
According to the SIA, the aim is to ensure that learners possess the level of functional English needed to carry out their duties safely, effectively and professionally.
The key word here is additional.
The proposal does not remove or replace the existing B2 English language standard. Instead, it seeks to introduce an independent method of verifying that learners meet that standard. At present, responsibility for checking English language competence rests with individual training providers, meaning the assessment process can vary from one centre to another.
Under the proposed changes, learners could be required to complete an independently assessed English language test before undertaking licence-linked training, creating a more consistent approach across the sector.
| Requirement | Current Position | Proposed Position |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | B2 CEFR or an accepted equivalent qualification | Not yet confirmed |
| Who verifies it? | Training provider verifies evidence before enrolment | Independent English language test, alongside standardised awarding organisation assessments |
| Accepted evidence | ESOL, Functional Skills English, Home Office-recognised English language tests, SQA Core Skills, and other accepted qualifications | Not yet confirmed |
| Record keeping | Training provider must retain evidence for a minimum of 3 years | Not yet confirmed |
The SIA’s proposal is supported by research into skills and competency requirements within the private security industry. That research found that 81% of respondents identified communication skills as important to security roles, reinforcing the view that effective reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are essential for carrying out security duties safely and interacting appropriately with the public, colleagues and emergency services.
In short, the consultation is not about introducing an English language requirement for the first time. That requirement already exists. The proposed change is about creating a more consistent and independently verified way of proving that learners meet the required standard.
What This Means for You:
If you already hold an SIA licence:
Nothing changes. The proposed changes relate to licence-linked training and qualifications, not existing licences. Your current licence remains valid until its normal expiry date.
If you’re planning to book training now or within the next few months:
You’ll still be training under the current requirements. The proposed changes are still being consulted on, with revised qualifications not expected to be introduced until 2027. Until then, existing entry requirements and qualification standards remain in place.
If English is not your first language and you’re considering training in 2027 or beyond:
It may be worth obtaining a recognised English language qualification now rather than relying solely on a training provider’s assessment. Qualifications such as Functional Skills English Level 1, ESOL Level 1, or SQA Core Skills Communication at SCQF Level 5 provide formal evidence of your language ability and can be used throughout your career. Having recognised certification already in place is likely to make any future application process simpler, regardless of the final format of the SIA’s proposed assessment.
If you have views on the proposed changes:
The consultation is open to everyone, including licence holders, learners, employers and training providers. Whether you believe an independent assessment is necessary or feel it could create unnecessary barriers, you have the opportunity to share your views directly with the SIA before a final decision is made.
Why Is the SIA Considering This Change?
Strong communication skills are essential across the private security industry. Whether it’s a door supervisor explaining why entry has been refused, a security officer providing a witness statement, or a CCTV operator communicating over the radio during an incident, the ability to communicate clearly and accurately can have a direct impact on safety and operational effectiveness.
The SIA’s position is not that the required English standard is too low. Rather, it is concerned about how consistently that standard is assessed and evidenced across different training providers. The proposed independent test is intended to create a more uniform and transparent process for demonstrating competence.
Whether this is the best solution is exactly what the consultation is designed to explore. The outcome will help shape the future of licence-linked security training and determine how learners prove they meet the required English language standard moving forward.