SIA Training Updates: Essential Info for Security Candidates 2026

If you are planning to work in the UK security industry, or you already hold an SIA licence, it is important to keep up with changes to training requirements.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is currently consulting on further changes to licence-linked qualifications and training. The consultation was published on 28 August 2026 and includes proposals that could affect Security Guards, Door Supervisors, Close Protection Operatives and people entering the industry. Read the official SIA consultation on GOV.UK.

The important point is that these are proposed changes. They are not all new requirements yet.

However, candidates should understand what is already required today and what could change in the future.

What is changing?

The SIA is reviewing the knowledge and skills specifications that form the basis of licence-linked qualifications.

According to the regulator, some of the proposed changes could mean that certain candidates need to complete more training than they do currently.

The consultation also covers several wider areas, including:

• whether Security Guards, Door Supervisors and Close Protection Operatives should be required to always hold a valid first aid certificate
• changes to how candidates demonstrate their English language skills
• whether trainers delivering SIA licence-linked qualifications should themselves hold an SIA licence for the sector they teach
• changes to the content included within licence-linked training qualifications

These proposals form part of a wider focus by the SIA on improving training standards and the quality of the private security workforce.

First aid is already important for Security Guards

First aid is not a completely new requirement.

Under the current rules, candidates taking Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence-linked training must already hold an appropriate first aid qualification before starting the required training.

For Security Guard applicants, this is normally an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent.

The qualification must also remain valid for at least another 12 months when the candidate begins their security training. Check the current SIA training requirements on GOV.UK.

What the SIA is now consulting on is different.

The proposal considers whether Security Guards, Door Supervisors and Close Protection Operatives should be required to maintain a valid first aid certificate throughout the period in which they hold their licence, rather than simply meeting the first aid requirement at specific training stages.

For candidates, this makes maintaining training records and checking qualification expiry dates increasingly important.

Refresher training is already part of licence renewal

Another area candidates should understand is refresher training.

Security Guards renewing an SIA licence, or returning after holding a Security Guard licence within the previous three years, must currently hold both:

• an appropriate full licence-linked qualification
• the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) qualification

The Security Guard refresher training currently includes areas such as:

• terror threat awareness
• searching
• vulnerability training

Candidates must also hold a valid first aid qualification before taking the refresher training. See the SIA guidance on refresher training and first aid.

This reflects a broader change within the security industry: obtaining an SIA licence is no longer simply about completing training once. Maintaining current knowledge and skills is becoming an increasingly important part of working professionally in security.

English language requirements could also change

Communication is essential for Security Officers.

Guards may need to:

• communicate with members of the public
• speak with clients and site management
• write incident reports
• provide accurate information to the Control Room
• understand emergency instructions
• communicate effectively during incidents

The SIA consultation includes proposals to change how learners demonstrate the required standard of spoken and understood English.

One option being considered is an additional independent assessment to provide greater confidence that candidates have the communication skills needed for the role. 

Again, this is currently a proposal rather than a confirmed new requirement.

What should new security candidates do now?

If you are considering a career as a Security Guard, there is no need to wait for the outcome of the consultation before starting your development.

Focus on the requirements that apply today.

1. Check that the training provider offers an SIA-recognised qualification.
2. Make sure your first aid qualification meets current SIA requirements.
3. Check how long your first aid certificate remains valid.
4. Be prepared to complete the required licence-linked training and assessment.
5. Keep copies of your qualifications and certificates.
6. Continue developing practical workplace skills after gaining your licence.

It is also worth regularly checking official SIA guidance because qualification and renewal requirements can change.

Check your training provider carefully

Candidates should also pay attention to which awarding organisation is behind their qualification.

The SIA announced in 2026 that it would no longer accept BIIAB licence-linked qualifications awarded on or after 11 August 2026. Qualifications awarded before the relevant cut-off remain subject to the SIA's published guidance. View the current list of accepted qualifications and awarding organisations.

If you are booking SIA-related training, always check that the qualification is currently recognised before paying for the course.

Security training is becoming more continuous

The direction of travel is clear.

Security Officers are increasingly expected to maintain their knowledge rather than relying solely on the qualification they completed when first entering the industry.

Refresher training, first aid, threat awareness, vulnerability awareness, searching and effective communication are all becoming increasingly important elements of professional security work.

For candidates, that means thinking about security training as ongoing professional development rather than a one-off requirement.

Build your security career with the right skills

Circle Academy supports security professionals who want to continue developing their knowledge and workplace skills.

Alongside mandatory licence-linked requirements, additional training can help Security Officers strengthen areas such as:

• workplace health and safety
• risk assessment
• safeguarding
• fire safety
• conflict awareness
• professional development

Important note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. SIA requirements can change. Candidates and licence holders should always check the latest official guidance published by the Security Industry Authority before booking training or applying for or renewing an SIA licence. 

Official sources

SIA: Proposed changes to SIA licence-linked qualifications, SIA: Check what training you need to get an SIA licence, SIA: Changes to SIA licence-linked training, SIA: Consultation announcement on security licence qualifications