SIA Refresher Training: What You Need Before Renewing Your Licence
Renewing an SIA licence is no longer simply a matter of submitting an application and paying the renewal fee. Depending on the type of licence you hold, you may need to complete a specific refresher qualification and hold a valid first aid certificate before you can renew.
Refresher training is now a requirement for Door Supervisors, Security Guards and Close Protection Operatives renewing their licences. The requirements differ between sectors, particularly in relation to first aid qualifications and the content of the refresher course.
Understanding what is required before your licence expires can help you plan your training, avoid unnecessary delays and reduce the risk of being unable to work because your licence has expired.
Check When Your SIA Licence Is Due for Renewal – Use our SIA Licence Renewal Calculator to estimate your renewal date and plan ahead →
Who Needs SIA Refresher Training?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) requires refresher training when renewing licences in three sectors:
- Door Supervision
- Security Guarding
- Close Protection
The requirements were introduced at different times. Refresher training became mandatory for Door Supervisors and Security Guards on 1 April 2025. For Close Protection Operatives, the requirement came into effect on 1 April 2026.
The refresher qualification must be relevant to the licence being renewed. Holding an existing licence-linked qualification alone is no longer sufficient for these renewal applications.
Close Protection Refresher Training
Close Protection Operatives are also required to complete refresher training when renewing their SIA licence. This became mandatory on 1 April 2026.
The required qualification is the:
Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).
The course covers:
- Terror threat awareness.
- Searching procedures.
- Physical intervention knowledge and practical assessment.
- Keeping vulnerable people safe.
The close protection refresher has a different first aid requirement from the Door Supervisor and Security Guard qualifications.
First Aid Requirement
Close Protection Operatives must hold a first aid qualification at Level 3 or above, such as First Aid at Work (FAW) or an accepted equivalent.
The qualification must have at least 12 months remaining before expiry when presented to the training provider.
An Emergency First Aid at Work certificate alone does not meet this requirement.
Door Supervisor Refresher Training
Door Supervisors renewing their SIA licence must hold the:
Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).
The refresher qualification updates knowledge and practical skills relevant to the role. Its content includes:
- Terror threat awareness.
- Searching procedures and practical skills.
- Physical intervention knowledge and practical skills.
- Keeping vulnerable people safe, including recognising and preventing spiking.
First Aid Requirement
Before starting the refresher training, Door Supervisors must hold an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification or an equivalent accepted qualification.
The certificate must have at least 12 months remaining before its expiry date when presented to the training provider.
This is an important point to consider when arranging training. If your first aid qualification is approaching expiry, you may need to renew it before attending the refresher course.
Security Guard Refresher Training
Security Guards renewing their SIA licence must hold the:
Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).
The qualification covers updated knowledge and skills relevant to security guarding. Its content includes:
- Terror threat awareness.
- Searching procedures and practical skills.
- Keeping vulnerable people safe.
- Relevant knowledge of physical intervention risks and personal safety.
First Aid Requirement
Security Guards must also hold an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or an equivalent accepted qualification before starting their refresher training.
As with Door Supervisors, the first aid certificate must have at least 12 months remaining before expiry when presented to the training provider.
The requirement applies to Security Guard licence holders regardless of whether their work involves direct public contact.
ACT Awareness and ACT Security Training
Counter-terrorism awareness is included in the refresher training requirements.
The SIA identifies the ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning modules as useful preparation for the counter-terrorism content included in refresher qualifications.
Both modules are free to access and can be completed online before attending the refresher course. They provide an opportunity to refresh your understanding of terrorism-related threats and protective security awareness.
How Long Does SIA Refresher Training Take?
The amount of in-person training depends on the licence sector and whether the course includes self-study.
The SIA publishes the following indicative durations:
| Licence type | In-person training with self-study | In-person training without self-study |
|---|---|---|
| Close Protection | 2.5 days | 4.5 days |
| Door Supervisor | 1.5 days | 2.5 days |
| Security Guard | 0.5 days | 1 day |
These durations do not include any additional time needed to complete the required first aid qualification.
Training providers determine their own course arrangements and prices. Anyone booking a refresher course should confirm the delivery format, self-study requirements and assessment arrangements directly with the provider.
Do You Need to Repeat Your Original SIA Training?
If your previous licence has expired, you cannot renew it. You must submit a new licence application instead.
However, this does not automatically mean you must repeat the full original qualification. The training route you need to follow depends on how long it has been since you last held an active SIA licence in that sector.
If more than three years have passed since you last held an active licence in that sector, you will generally need to complete the full current licence-linked qualification rather than the refresher qualification.
If you are unsure which route applies, check the SIA’s current training guidance before booking a course.
This distinction is important. A refresher course is not a substitute for the full qualification where the SIA requires a new applicant to complete the current training.
When Should You Complete Your Refresher Training?
It is sensible to plan refresher training well before your licence expiry date.
You can apply to renew your SIA licence up to four months before it expires. The SIA recommends submitting the application as early as possible to allow time for processing.
Completing the required training in advance gives you time to:
- Arrange the correct refresher qualification.
- Check that your first aid certificate meets the requirements.
- Complete the ACT Awareness and ACT Security modules.
- Obtain the necessary certificates and evidence.
- Submit your renewal application.
Your SIA licence does not renew automatically. If it expires, you cannot renew it and must apply for a new licence instead. You must not carry out licensable activity without the appropriate valid licence.
Use our SIA Licence Renewal Calculator to estimate your renewal date and help plan when to complete your refresher training.
Can You Switch to a Different SIA Licence When Renewing?
There are circumstances in which you may choose to apply for a different licence rather than renewing the one you currently hold.
For example, a Door Supervisor licence holder can choose to complete the Security Guard refresher qualification and apply to switch to a Security Guard licence.
Similarly, a Close Protection licence holder can choose to complete the Door Supervisor refresher qualification and apply to switch to a Door Supervisor licence.
The appropriate first aid requirements still apply. Anyone considering changing licence sectors should check the SIA’s guidance before booking training to make sure they complete the correct qualification.
Finding an SIA Refresher Training Course
Refresher qualifications are delivered by training providers offering the relevant SIA-recognised qualifications.
Before booking, check that the provider offers the correct course for your licence sector and that the qualification is accepted by the SIA.
It is also worth confirming:
- The total course duration and delivery arrangements.
- Whether self-study is required.
- Which first aid certificates are accepted.
- What documents and evidence you must bring.
- The course fee and any additional costs.
You can use the SIA’s official guidance to check the current training requirements and find an appropriate training provider.
Finding a course: [Finding an SIA Training Course]
Final Considerations
SIA refresher training is now an established part of renewing a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or Close Protection licence.
The requirements are not identical across all three sectors. First aid qualifications, course content and training duration vary, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your licence before making a booking.
Planning ahead, keeping first aid qualifications current and completing the required refresher training in good time can help avoid unnecessary problems when your renewal date approaches.
Always refer to the latest SIA guidance for the definitive requirements applicable to your circumstances.
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