Changes to the training you need for an SIA licence including Top Up and first aid course

What the changes are, when they will happen, and how they affect SIA licence applicants and licence holders.

From: Security Industry Authority

Last updated: 1 April 2022

In 2021 we made some changes to the training you need to take before you can get a front line SIA licence.

The changes were:

• we 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 2022:

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

First aid training for door supervisors and security guards

We now expect applicants for a door supervisor or security guard licence to complete a first aid qualification before taking their licence-linked training.

You need to do this if either of the following applies:

• 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 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.

What do we mean by “equivalent”?

We accept other 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.

For more information please visit SIA website or follow the link – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-the-training-you-need-for-an-sia-licence#full-publication-update-history.