Changes to applying for SIA licences

From 1st April 2025, there will be changes to the training needed to gain a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. Those wanting an SIA licence will need to have an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent. before refresher training can be undergone, and proof will need to be shown to a training provider when registering for the course.

These changes ensure that those working in the private security sector are able to keep the public safe, following new working practices, understand recent changes to the law, or make the best use of new technology.

In 2021, new qualifications were introduced for all sectors except close protection and vehicle immobilisation. It was also made a requirement that those applying have an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, before training to be a door supervisor or security guard licence. It is additionally a requirement to have one of the new qualifications or take further training before applying for or renewing a door supervisor and security guard licence. 

Those who already hold a door supervisor licence are able to take refresher training for either door supervising or security guard, depending on what licence they would like to switch to. Those who already hold a close protection licence can also choose between taking close protection top-up training or taking door supervisor training to switch to a door supervisor licence.