Security businesses are being reminded of changes to the training required for Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences, with refresher qualifications now mandatory for several frontline security roles.
Under requirements introduced in April 2026, close protection operatives must complete a refresher qualification before renewing their SIA licence. Operatives must also hold a Level 3 First Aid at Work qualification, or an accepted equivalent, before beginning the refresher course.
The latest requirement follows changes introduced for door supervisors and security guards in April 2025, which made refresher training compulsory before licence renewal.
Those workers must hold an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, before undertaking either full licence-linked or refresher training.
The SIA says the changes are intended to ensure people working in private security can keep the public safe while remaining up to date with changing working practices, legislation and technology.
For physical security leaders employing licensed personnel, the requirements place additional importance on monitoring licence expiry dates and ensuring sufficient time is allowed for employees to complete both first-aid and refresher qualifications.
The rules also provide options for security professionals looking to change licence type. Door supervisors can complete security guard refresher training and switch to a security guard licence, rather than renewing their existing door supervisor licence.
Existing close protection licence holders can similarly undertake door supervisor refresher training if they wish to switch to a door supervisor licence.
First-aid requirements differ according to role. Door supervisors and security guards require Emergency First Aid at Work or an accepted equivalent, while close protection operatives need a qualification at Level 3 or above. Examples accepted by the SIA include relevant First Aid at Work, First Person on Scene and First Response Emergency Care qualifications.
For security employers and contractors, keeping training records and renewal schedules under review will therefore be increasingly important to ensuring appropriately licensed personnel remain available for deployment.
