Learn about SIA licence-linked training

Before you apply for a front line SIA licence, you need to train for a ‘licence-linked’ qualification. This is so we can be sure you have the skills and knowledge you need to hold a licence and do your job safely. The licence-linked training will cover the core areas of your role, but you can take further training if you want to or need to.

Who is involved in SIA licence-linked training?

Training providers

The people who train you do not work for us. We do not receive any of the fees you pay to them. They are private companies whose business is to deliver the training that you need to get an SIA licence.

Training providers are approved by awarding organisations, not by us.

Awarding organisations

The awarding organisations are the ones who send you your qualification certificate. They also upload the details of your qualification into our licensing system.

Awarding organisations develop their qualifications to match our specifications. They approve training providers and quality assure the examination process.

The awarding organisations offering SIA licence-linked qualifications are:

• BIIAB
• Highfield
• Pearson BTEC
• Qualifications Network
• SFJ Awards
• Trident Awards (LASER)

The SIA

We specify what you need to know and be able to do in your role as a security operative. The awarding organisations base their qualifications on our specifications.

We also endorse the awarding organisations who want to offer SIA licence-linked qualifications.

Qualifications regulatory authorities

Qualifications regulators approve awarding organisations and the qualifications those organisations offer.

The UK qualifications regulators are:

• England - Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OFQUAL)
• Scotland - Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
• Wales - Qualifications Wales
• Northern Ireland - Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA)

Keeping the training up to date

We review the qualifications required for an SIA licence every 5 years. We do this to make sure that they stay up to date with changes to the law, technology, and the way people work.

We consult with the private security industry during every review. We also create expert working groups composed of:

• representatives from the private security industry
• subject matter experts from awarding organisations

Whenever we update the training we take into consideration the National Occupational Standards that are relevant to the private security industry.