2021 SIA Changes
Security is a growing industry and its constantly innovating with new technologies, comprehensive training programme and as the law changes naturally so does the industry. For the latest security license statistics released by SIA click here.
From 2021 SIA there was a huge industry change which introduced:
- New updates qualifications for all sectors expect close protection and vehicle immobilisation
- You MUST have a valid First Aid certificate (1 day course) PRIOR to enrolling in the training for Security Guarding and Door Supervisor courses. This also applies to top-up courses
- You must hold a Level 2 English certificate (Level 2 English Certificate (GCSEs, College Certificate, Degree) from the UK or you can do a basic English test provided by us for free. This will be either 20 minute test for a Security Guarding course or 40 minute test for Door Supervisor course (full or top-up)
The changes took place due to new laws and procedures passed to protect the public and to implement new technologies for public safety.
You will need an ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ qualification if you are applying for a security license for the first time or if it has been longer than 3 years since you last enrolled in a course this includes top-up courses too. We provide a 1 day First Aid course that complies with the new SIA requirement.
Door supervisor course is a 6-day intensive course which will prepare you to deal with public conflicts and emergency situations as a security officer. This SIA approved license will allow you to work in any private or public spaces some examples include businesses, private properties, residential, retail, bars, clubs, pubs etc. This is slightly different to Security Guarding license, due to its limitations, you are prohibited to work anywhere that is licensed to sell alcohol.
In the course you will cover:
- Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry
- Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry
- Application of Conflict Management in the Private Security Industry
- Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry
Steps after completing the Door Supervisor (full) course:
- After the course is completed, you need to sign up to SIA to make an account by visiting the SIA website
- You will receive your online certificate after 2 weeks
- Then you will go to a post office that will send your SIA license application (not all post office has this service so do a quick search before applying). The cost is £190.00 which is to be paid to SIA through the post office. However, from 06 April 2023, the cost of applying for an individual licence for any sector in the regulated private security industry will be reduced from £190 to £184.
- Final step is to wait for your physical SIA badge to get posted to you!
- You can find the full application process information here.
Security license is valid for 3 years and you can renew your license 4 months prior to the expiry date. If your license expires you are not allowed to work as a Security Officer in any capacity so, ensure please you are up to date with your renewals!
For more information please visit the GOV.UK.
Top-up courses are refreshment courses that requalifies you for your chosen license. You will need to do a top-up course every 3 years. You can renew your license 4 months prior to expiration. There are two types of top-up courses we do:
- Door Supervisor top-up
- Security Guarding top-up
What do I need for Door Supervisor top-up course?
- Same as the full course you will need a Level 2 English certificate (Level 2 English Certificate (GCSEs, College Certificate, Degree) from the UK. If you do not have this, you can do a basic English test provided by us for free, you will need 70% to pass the test.
- Existing SIA badge
The course will cover:
- Principles of Terror Threat Awareness in the Private Security Industry
- Principles of Using Equipment Relevant to Working as a Door Supervisor
- Application of Physical Intervention Skills in the Private Security Industry
This is a 2-day security course. 1 extra day may be required for First Aid if you do not hold a valid First Aid certificate.
Steps after completing the Door Supervisor top-up course:
- The SIA license application will still be the same process as the full course
- You will have to wait 2 weeks for your SIA certificate
- The application fee is still £190 which is to be made to SIA through the post office. However, 06 April 2023, the cost of applying for an individual licence for any sector in the regulated private security industry will be reduced from £190 to £184
- Final step is to wait for your physical SIA badge to get posted to you!
- You can find the full application process information here.
What do I need for Security Guarding top-up course?
- Same as the full course you will need a Level 2 English certificate (Level 2 English Certificate (GCSEs, College Certificate, Degree) from the UK. If you do not have this, you can do a basic English test provided by us for free, you will need 70% to pass the test.
- Existing SIA badge. For the full list of required documents please visit our security page.
The course will cover:
- Principles of Terror Threat Awareness in the Private Security Industry
- Principles of Minimising Personal Risk for Security Officers
This is a half day security course. 1 extra day may be required for First Aid if you do not hold a valid First Aid certificate.
Steps after completing the Security Guarding top-up course:
- The SIA license application will still be the same process as the full course
- You will have to wait 2 weeks for your SIA certificate
- The application fee is still £190 which is to be made to SIA through the post office. However, 06 April 2023, the cost of applying for an individual licence for any sector in the regulated private security industry will be reduced from £190 to £184
- You can find the full application process information here.
Did you know you can also switch your license?
If you do not require a Door Supervisor license you can always switch to Security Guarding license when you do your next top-up course. For more information visit call us on 01252 510 707.
