Changes to the training you need for an SIA licence
The changes introduce mandatory refresher training to renew SIA licences across close protection, door supervision, and security guards. For close protection, a refresher is required to renew the licence, and you must hold a level 3 first aid qualification (FAW, FPOS, or FREC) before taking the refresher. For door supervisors and security guards, a refresher is required to renew from 1 April 2025, and you must have an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or equivalent) before you register for the refresher (FAW, FPOS, FREC accepted). In 2021 new qualifications were introduced for all sectors except close protection and vehicle immobilisation, and you must meet these qualifications or take top-up training before applying for or renewing; licence switching between roles is possible by taking the appropriate refresher or top-up training.
What the changes are, when they will happen, and how they affect SIA licence applicants and licence holders.
Changes for close protection operatives
These changes apply to you if you hold, or are applying for, a close protection licence.
Changes we introduced on 1 April 2026
On 1 April 2025 we made it a requirement that you must have a ‘refresher’ qualification before you can renew your close protection licence.
You must hold a level 3 first aid qualification (FAW or equivalent) before you can take the refresher training (read about the first aid qualifications we accept). You will need to show this to your training provider when you register for the course.
Changes we introduced in 2022
In 2022 we introduced an updated close protection qualification. We also made it a requirement that you must have the new qualification or take top-up training before you can apply for or renew a close protection licence.
Changes for door supervisors and security guards
These changes apply to you if you hold, or are applying for, a door supervisor or security guard licence.
Changes we introduced on 1 April 2025
On 1 April 2025 we made it a requirement that you must have a ‘refresher’ qualification before you can renew your door supervisor or security guard licence.
You must hold an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, before you can take the refresher training (read about the first aid qualifications we accept). You will need to show this to your training provider when you register for the course.
Changes we introduced in 2021
In 2021 we introduced new, updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection and vehicle immobilisation.
We also made it a requirement that:
- you must have an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, 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 or renew a door supervisor and security guard licence
Why are such changes necessary?
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
Switching to a different licence
If you hold a door supervisor licence you can choose one of the following options:
- take the door supervisor refresher training and renew your door supervisor licence
- take the security guard refresher training and switch to a security guard licence
If you already hold a close protection licence you can choose one of the following options:
- take the close protection top-up training and renew your close protection licence
- take the door supervisor refresher training and switch to a door supervisor licence
First aid training
Door supervisors and security guards
You must complete an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, before taking your licence-linked training. This applies both to the full licence-linked training courses and to the refresher training.
We accept qualifications that comply with the relevant guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. Some examples are:
- First Aid at Work (FAW)
- First Person on Scene (FPOS)
- First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Your training provider can tell you more about this.
Close protection operatives
You must complete a first aid qualification at level 3 or above before taking your licence-linked training. Some examples are:
- Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW)
- Level 3 First Person on Scene (FPOS)
- Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
We accept other qualifications. Your training provider can tell you more about this.
Find out more
Read Changes to SIA licence-linked training: your questions answered to find out more.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-the-training-you-need-for-an-sia-licence
