SIA Security Officer Refresher Training
Refresh the safety-critical knowledge and practical search skills required before renewing a Security Guarding licence. BrotherzGroup provides clear preparation, practical guidance and support with the current first-aid and ACT requirements.
Refresher training has been mandatory since 1 April 2025
Security officers renewing their SIA Security Guarding licence must hold the relevant refresher qualification before submitting the renewal application.
Designed for Existing Security Officers
This course is for security officers who need the recognised refresher qualification connected with renewal of a front-line Security Guarding licence.
The refresher route updates knowledge and skills that can fade over time, while covering current public-safety expectations around searching, vulnerable people and terror-threat awareness.
A Door Supervisor licence holder may choose Security Officer refresher training and switch to a Security Guarding licence. This removes the ability to carry out activities that specifically require a Door Supervisor licence, so obtain guidance before choosing that route.
Check your licence route
Confirm that you are renewing or switching to a Security Guarding licence rather than renewing Door Supervision.
Prepare your first-aid certificate
You must show an accepted, up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent before refresher training begins.
Complete both ACT courses
Complete ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning and keep the certificates available for your training provider.
Confirm your documents
Bring the identification, qualification and joining documents listed in your BrotherzGroup booking instructions.
What You Will Refresh
The Security Officer refresher focuses on three safety-critical areas specified for the current qualification.
Effective Search Procedures
Refresh the legal, professional and practical principles used when searching people, property, vehicles and premises.
- Right of search and consent
- Search equipment and precautions
- Refusal and prohibited items
- Practical person and property search
- Accurate search documentation
Protecting Vulnerable People
Recognise vulnerability, respond professionally and take appropriate action to help keep people safe.
- Indicators of vulnerability
- Professional communication
- Abuse and exploitation indicators
- Drink, drugs and acute illness
- Recording and reporting concerns
Terror-Threat Awareness
Update your understanding of threats and the security operative’s responsibilities before, during and after an incident.
- Threat levels and suspicious activity
- Prevent, prepare and respond
- Emergency communication
- ACT Awareness e-learning
- ACT Security e-learning
First Aid and ACT Requirements
Do not wait until the course date to check these requirements. Missing evidence can prevent training or assessment from proceeding.
Emergency First Aid at Work
You must present an accepted Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, or equivalent. Current SIA guidance states that the certificate must have at least 12 months remaining before expiry when it is shown to the training provider.
Where first aid is required, BrotherzGroup can explain whether a separate EFAW session is available before the refresher course.
ACT Awareness and ACT Security
Complete both official ProtectUK courses and retain the certificates. Current SIA guidance requires both e-learning certificates to have been completed within the last year.
Four Clear Steps
Book early enough to complete first aid, ACT learning and the refresher qualification before submitting your licence application.
Check your expiry date
The SIA allows a renewal application up to four months before the current licence expires.
1Send your certificates
Confirm first aid and ACT evidence with BrotherzGroup before the classroom date.
2Attend and complete
Take part in refresher learning, practical search work and the required assessments.
3Apply through the SIA
After achieving the qualification, complete the licence application through your personal SIA online account.
4Choose a BrotherzGroup Centre
Course availability changes. Confirm the location and exact venue shown in your booking before travelling.
Southall
Security and vocational training with access to current BrotherzGroup course dates.
Check Southall dates →Slough
Ask about the next Security Officer refresher, first-aid availability and joining requirements.
Check Slough dates →Bradford
Confirm current course availability, fee, schedule and required documents with the Bradford team.
Check Bradford dates →Security Officer Refresher FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about eligibility, course duration and renewal requirements.
Is refresher training compulsory for Security Officers?
Yes. Security officers renewing an SIA Security Guarding licence must complete the relevant refresher training before renewal.
How long does the Security Officer refresher course take?
Official guidance indicates approximately half a day to one day of in-person refresher training, depending on permitted self-study. First-aid training time is separate. BrotherzGroup will confirm the timetable for your booked date.
What first-aid qualification do I need?
You need an accepted, up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent, with at least 12 months remaining before expiry when shown to the training provider.
Which ACT courses must I complete?
Complete ACT Awareness and ACT Security through ProtectUK. Keep both certificates and make sure they meet the current completion-date requirement.
Can I renew a Door Supervisor licence with this course?
No. This course supports the Security Guarding licence route. A Door Supervisor licence holder can use it to switch to Security Guarding, but not to retain Door Supervisor permissions.
When can I apply to renew my SIA licence?
You can normally submit a renewal application up to four months before your current licence expires. Applying early reduces the risk of a gap in your ability to work.
Does passing the course guarantee licence renewal?
No. The SIA decides licence applications and carries out its own identity, criminal-record and suitability checks. Training is one part of the licensing requirements.
Check the Latest SIA Requirements
Regulatory requirements can change. The information on this page was prepared using current SIA and ProtectUK guidance available in July 2026. Always check official guidance and your BrotherzGroup joining instructions before attending.
Renewing Your Security Guarding Licence?
Ask for the next course date, current fee, first-aid options and the documents you need to bring.