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Guidance

Changes to SIA licence-linked training: your questions answered

Answers to the questions most commonly asked by licence applicants and licence holders about the changes that we are making.

Updates to this page

From:
Security Industry Authority
Published:
16 February 2021
Last updated:
1 April 2026
Show all updates

  1. The content has been updated to reflect the introduction of mandatory refresher training for close protection licence holders from 1 April 2026.

  2. Updated the 'Refresher training' section to include information about close protection refresher training.

  3. References to the rules before 1 April 2025 have been removed because that date has now passed.

  4. The content has been adjusted to bring it up-to-date.

  5. Another question added to the refresher training section on whether licence holders can renew early to avoid taking refresher training. Removed the reference to content on spiking for security guards.

  6. Added a new section: 'Refresher training'

  7. Updated question 4.4 to provide a clearer answer.

  8. Updated questions 2.3, 2.4 and 2.9 to include details about the close protection top-up training.

  9. Changes made to question 4.2 to reflect where the ACT e-learning is available.

  10. Updated questions 4.2, 6.2 and 6.5; added new question 3.9.

  11. Updated questions 1.1, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1 and 6.3; re-numbered question 6.4 to 6.5; added new question 6.4 and questions 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8.

  12. Updated the 'Terror threat awareness' section (amended 3 existing questions, added 2 new questions).

  13. Updated to provide further information about the forthcoming close protection qualification.

  14. Amended to reflect a new implementation date for the updated close protection qualification (1 April 2022).

  15. Updated the answer to question 7.3 ("I hold a door supervisor licence but I only operate as a security guard. Can I switch to a security guard licence?")

  16. Updated in response to points raised during our recent webinars. The answers to questions 1.1, 2.3 and 2.9 have been amended accordingly.

  17. New information added to the document, in response to questions raised during a recent webinar. The new information is covered in questions 2.10, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.3 and 7.3.

  18. First published.

Documents

Changes to SIA licence-linked training

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Details

In 2021 and 2022 we made changes to the training you need to take before you can get a front line SIA licence. We made further changes in 2025 and 2026.

Read Changes to the training you need for an SIA licence to find out more about what this means for you.

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