The SIA launches review of licence linked qualifications 18 November 2025

To work as a frontline security operative (door supervisor, security guard, CCTV operative) you must have completed an SIA approved qualification before applying for an SIA licence. Without a relevant qualification you cannot apply for an SIA licence.

In April 2025 the following changes were brought in:

• Door Supervisors and Security Guards must complete a refresher qualification before licence renewal.
• Emergency First Aid at Work (or equivalent) required before starting any licence linked or refresher training.

The SIA has now begun a wider review of qualifications and training delivery. The specific areas being looked at:

• Safety Critical Skills – Physical intervention and search techniques.
• Counter Terrorism – Threat recognition and response.
• New – Social media auditing.
• Drink spiking – Increasing the focus on drink spiking.

The review will run for 18 months, with changes expected. These changes will be a reflection of the increasing professionalism of the security industry.