Is Your SIA Licence Expiring? Why You Need Refresher Training
SIA Refresher Training
If your SIA Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence is due to expire, there’s one crucial thing you need to do before you can legally continue working in the private security industry: complete your mandatory Refresher Training.
As of 1st April 2025, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has made Refresher (Top-Up) training a legal requirement for all licence renewals. This ensures every security officer on duty is trained to handle today’s evolving risks — from terrorism to emergency response.
In this blog, we’ll break down what Refresher Training involves, who needs it, what’s changed in 2025, and why you should book it before your licence runs out.
What Is SIA Refresher (Top-Up) Training?
SIA Refresher Training — officially known as Top-Up Training — is a short course designed for currently licenced Security Guards and Door Supervisors who are renewing their licence.
It covers new core skills and safety-critical content that weren’t part of earlier qualifications issued before recent SIA updates.
These include:
- ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) Awareness
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – mandatory unless already certified
- Incident reporting and communication
- Use of force and physical intervention (for Door Supervisors)
- This training is now a compulsory condition of your licence renewal.
What’s New in 2025?
As of 1st April 2025, the SIA has reinforced its requirement that all renewing officers must complete Top-Up Training, regardless of their original licence date.
What’s new this year includes:
- Refresher Training is now monitored more strictly: Failure to complete it will automatically block licence renewal applications.
- Proof of valid first aid certification (EFAW or higher) is checked electronically before your top-up course can be booked.
- Greater emphasis on public safety and incident prevention, especially in high-risk environments like retail, transport, and nightlife venues.
Security companies are under pressure to ensure staff compliance, making officers without updated training less employable.
Who Needs to Do It?
You must complete Refresher Training if:
- You are a Security Guard or Door Supervisor with a current SIA licence.
- You are renewing your licence on or after 1st April 2025.
- You did not complete the latest qualification version, introduced in 2021 or later.
- You haven’t completed an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or equivalent within the last 3 years.
- If you’re unsure, check the qualification date on your original training certificate or contact your training provider for advice.
What’s Covered in the Refresher Course?
Top-up training varies slightly between Security Guards and Door Supervisors, but all include the following mandatory modules:
- Principles of Terror Threat Awareness (ACT)
- Use of Communication Devices and Incident Reporting
- Health and Safety Updates
- Emergency Procedures and Roles
- Emergency First Aid at Work (if not already completed)
Includes all of the above, plus:
- Physical Intervention Skills Refresher
- Legal Use of Force Updates
- De-escalation and Conflict Management
The training includes both theory and practical assessments and must be completed with an SIA-approved training provider.
How Long Does the Training Take?
Security Guard Refresher: Usually 1 day
Door Supervisor Refresher: Typically 2 days, with physical intervention and first aid modules included.
Courses are delivered in person, with some elements (like ACT Awareness) available online in advance depending on the provider.
What Happens If You Don’t Do It?
If you skip top-up training, your SIA licence renewal will be rejected. This means:
- You cannot legally work in any SIA-regulated role.
- Your current employer may suspend or terminate your contract.
- You risk fines, prosecution, and long-term damage to your reputation.
- You may lose opportunities for progression or higher-paid roles.
Many employers now require proof of completed Refresher Training before offering shifts, so delaying your training could result in lost income.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs can vary depending on location, but average prices in 2025 are:
Some providers offer bundle deals that combine the Refresher and EFAW course for convenience and savings.
Final Reminder: Book Early, Stay Compliant
The security industry in the UK is more professional and regulated than ever before—and for good reason. Your role isn’t just about protecting property, but also public safety, risk prevention, and emergency response.
SIA Refresher Training ensures you remain qualified and employable in a fast-changing world. Waiting until your licence is about to expire can delay renewal and leave you without work.
Renew Your SIA Licence with Refresher Training in London
Is your SIA licence about to expire? From April 1, 2025, all SIA Security Guards and Door Supervisors must complete mandatory Refresher Training to renew their licence.
Our SIA-approved Refresher courses are now available at convenient London locations:
- Refresher For Door Supervisor in (Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Southwark, and Park Royal)
- Refresher For Security Guard in (Canary Wharf and Southwark)
Courses cover updated skills in terrorism awareness, emergency procedures, communication, and physical intervention (for Door Supervisors), ensuring you meet the latest industry standards.
We also offer:
Don’t risk losing your licence or job opportunities. Stay compliant, stay employable — Book your Refresher Training today and move forward in the UK security industry with confidence.
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