Duration
1 day, 9am–6pm
Weekday and Saturday groups run regularly. Check the next date with our team.
Home / SIA Refresher Training / Security Guard Refresher
SIA Licence Renewal
1 Day · 9am–6pm
Classroom + Practical
Security Guard Top-Up Training
Security Guard Refresher Training
Renew with confidence. This one-day SIA refresher brings your search, safeguarding and threat-awareness knowledge up to date, with first aid support available if your certificate has lapsed.
- Updated private security principles
- Search procedures refresher
- Vulnerable person safeguarding
- Terror threat awareness
- First aid support if needed
- Clear assessment guidance
1Training Day
1Assessed Unit
£200Course Fee From*
*Fee varies by venue. The SIA licence fee is paid separately to the SIA.
Renewal-readyCertificate issued once you pass the assessment
Important Course Details
Security Guard Refresher Training Overview
If you do not already have a valid First Aid certificate, don’t worry — it’s included in your booking. If you already hold a valid EFAW certificate, please email us your First Aid certificate with us through email YOUR-EMAIL
Course Information
Everything at a glance
The key facts to know before you book.
Training Format
Classroom + practical
Taught face to face with scenario discussion and supervised search practice.
Eligibility
Current or recently expired licence
Open to SIA Security Guard licence holders preparing to renew.
Assessment
One assessed unit
A multiple-choice paper and a practical search demonstration.
Certification
Refresher certificate
Awarded when you pass, and used to support your SIA renewal application.
Requirements
ID, first aid and ACT
Photo ID on the day, an in-date first aid certificate and ACT e-learning completed.
Need first aid as well?
View First Aid Courses→
If your first aid certificate has expired, ask about adding Emergency First Aid at Work to your booking.
Who Needs Refresher Training?
Built for working Security Guards
If your licence is due for renewal and you work in guarding, this is the course for you.
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1
Licence holders approaching renewal
Security Guards whose SIA licence is due to expire and who need refresher training first.
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2
Recently expired licence holders
Guards who have just lapsed and want to return without retaking the full course.
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3
Site, retail and corporate security staff
People working in access control, patrol, reception security and similar roles.
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4
Experienced officers wanting a reset
Anyone who wants to refresh habits and update knowledge before renewing.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Requirement
If you provide Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training, your course must include:
- How to respond to life-threatening bleeding
- How to open airways
This requirement comes into effect from 1 October 2024, as per SIA and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines.
Next Steps
- Ensure you have a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before booking your refresher training.
- Book your SIA Security Guard Refresher Training to meet the April 2025 deadline.
- Stay compliant by keeping current with SIA regulations and refresher training requirements.
Unit 1: Principles of Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)
- LO1Know how to conduct effective search procedures
- LO2Understand how to keep vulnerable people safe
- LO3Understand terror threats and the role of the security operative in the event of a threat
Assessment
- Multiple choice test (28 questions; 45 minutes)
- Practical assessment of learners undertaking a search
Complete Your Mandatory ACT Training Online – Links Below!
ACT Certificate:
The ACT course is available at the following link: Protect UK – ACT Course
Please make sure you register using your phone number and email address, which you will need to verify your accounts. Please complete both ACT Training.
What You Will Learn
Key topics refreshed in one day
Each topic updates what you already know and links to what is assessed.
01Unit 1
Search Procedures
- Lawful, respectful searches of people and bags
- Spotting and handling prohibited items
- Recording and reporting what you find
02Unit 1
Protecting Vulnerable People
- Recognising when someone may be at risk
- Safe responses and escalation routes
- Working with colleagues and emergency services
03Unit 1
Terror Threat Awareness
- Recognising suspicious behaviour and items
- What to report, to whom and how quickly
- Your role during an incident
04Unit 1
Principles of the Security Role
- Responsibilities and the legal framework
- Communication and professional conduct
- Emergency procedures and incident reporting
05Support
First Aid Refresh (if booked)
- Responding to life-threatening bleeding
- Airway management basics
- Keeping your certificate in date for renewal
06Prep
Assessment Preparation
- How the multiple-choice paper works
- Practical search walk-through
- Questions answered before you sit it
Certification & Renewal
What happens after you pass
Your certificate is the key to your renewal. Here is the route back to work.
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1
Pass the assessment
Succeed in the written paper and the practical search demonstration.
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2
Receive your certificate
Your refresher qualification is issued and recorded for your application.
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3
Renew with the SIA
Apply online to the SIA. They decide your licence, and the fee is paid to them.
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4
Back on site
Work only once your renewed licence is valid. Use the licence checker to confirm status.
Why Choose SGS
A refresher that respects your time
One focused day, delivered by people who know the work.
Trainers from the industry
Practical know-how
Learn from instructors with real security experience, who explain the why behind each procedure.
A single, focused day
No padding
We concentrate on what is updated and assessed, so you leave ready rather than overloaded.
First aid made simple
One booking
If your certificate has lapsed, we can help you arrange first aid alongside your refresher.
Clear renewal guidance
Step by step
We explain the order of ACT, first aid, refresher and SIA application so nothing is missed.
Flexible venues and dates
Weekday and Saturday
Choose from our training locations and the date that suits your shifts.
Honest, upfront pricing
From £200
Course fees are clear before you book, and the SIA licence fee is always shown as separate.
FAQ
Security Guard refresher questions
Quick answers to common questions. More in our SIA questions and answers.
From 1 April 2025 the SIA expects refresher training from Security Guards renewing a licence whose original qualification pre-dates the updated syllabus. Rules can change, so check your own position on the SIA website or ask our team before you book.
It is a one-day course, usually 9am to 6pm. If you add first aid to your booking, we will tell you how it fits around your date.
Yes, if it expired recently. The SIA allows only a limited window after expiry, so check your licence status and contact us quickly. If it lapsed long ago you may need the full Security Guard course.
Yes. The SIA requires an in-date first aid certificate, such as Emergency First Aid at Work, when you apply to renew. If yours has expired, ask us about including first aid in your booking.
Yes. ACT is free counter-terrorism awareness e-learning completed online before you apply. Our ACT training guide explains each step.
The assessment covers the principles of working as a security officer, using a multiple-choice paper, plus a practical demonstration of search procedures.
Bring the original photo ID listed in your joining instructions, your ACT certificates and first aid certificate if you have one, and a pen. Wear comfortable clothing for the practical search session.
You receive your course certificate and then apply to renew with the SIA yourself. Processing times are set by the SIA, so apply as early as you are allowed.
No. Door Supervisors need the two-day Door Supervisor refresher, which includes physical intervention skills.
Ready to renew your Security Guard licence?
Speak to our training advisors, check your eligibility and secure your refresher date.
