Update on SIA licence‑linked qualifications 19 June 2026

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is continuing its review of the licence‑linked qualifications required for SIA licensing. The SIA issued its most recent update in early 2026, confirming that the review is ongoing and remains a major regulatory priority.

Current qualifications remain valid

The SIA has not released new qualification specifications yet.

This means:

• There is no requirement to retrain at this stage
• No changes have been made to licence renewal requirements

When new standards are published, the SIA will set clear transition timelines.

Why the SIA is reviewing qualifications

The SIA wants to modernise training so it better reflects:

• Real operational risks
• Safety‑critical skills
• Incident response expectations
• The evolving threat landscape
• The SIA’s expanded role under Martyn’s Law

This is the most significant update to SIA training since the regulator was created.

What we expect to change

Although the SIA has not yet published final specifications, the review is likely to lead to:

• Updated course content
• Stronger emphasis on safety and incident response
• More consistent standards across awarding bodies
• Revised assessment methods

We will update staff as soon as the SIA confirms the new requirements.

What this means for security staff

There is no immediate action required from staff.

We are:

• Monitoring all SIA updates
• Preparing for a smooth transition once new qualifications are released
• Reviewing internal training to ensure alignment with expected changes
• Planning for any uplift in training standards

When the SIA publishes the new specifications, we will provide clear guidance on:

• Who needs additional training
• What the new requirements involve
• How the transition will be managed
• Timescales and support available