Security Guard Refresher Training

Bootcamp description

Security Guard Refresher Training

Refresh your security guarding knowledge, complete the relevant SIA refresher qualification and keep your professional training up to date. Security Guard Refresher Training is designed for existing security professionals who need to refresh their knowledge and, where applicable, meet the current training requirement for renewing a Security Guard licence.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) currently requires security guards renewing their licence to hold the relevant refresher qualification. From 1 April 2025, refresher training became a requirement for Security Guard licence renewal.

Whether you are approaching licence renewal, returning to security work or looking to keep your professional knowledge current, choosing the correct Security Guard Refresher Course is an important step.

Refresh Your Security Skills
Revisit key knowledge and practical skills covered by the current security guarding refresher requirements.

Professional Development
Use structured refresher learning to maintain your knowledge and support continued professional development.

Practical Security Knowledge
Develop your understanding through relevant knowledge and practical assessment where required.

Career-Ready Training
Keep your training aligned with the current qualification requirements relevant to security guarding.

Quick Security Guard Refresher Course Details

The SIA states that Security Guard refresher training can involve between half a day and one day of in-person training depending on the amount of self-study completed. The current assessment includes multiple-choice examinations and a practical searching assessment.

What Is Security Guard Refresher Training?

Security Guard Refresher Training is the current refresher qualification designed for existing Security Guard licence holders who need to renew their licence.

It should not be confused with initial Security Guard training. Initial training is designed for people entering the relevant licensed activity, whereas refresher training is designed for existing security professionals who already hold the relevant licence-linked qualification and need the current refresher qualification for renewal.

The SIA states that security guards renewing their licence must hold both their licence-linked qualification and the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) qualification.

The purpose of refresher learning is not simply to repeat everything covered during initial training. Current refresher training focuses on important areas that security professionals need to keep up to date, including searching, vulnerability awareness and terror threat awareness.

For learners, this means a Security Guard Refresher Course can provide an opportunity to:

• refresh existing security knowledge

• update knowledge against current training requirements

• complete the relevant refresher assessment

• strengthen professional readiness

• prepare for the training element of an SIA licence renewal

The SIA is the regulator of the private security industry and is responsible for licensing individuals who carry out certain licensable security activities. Training and licensing are separate stages, so completing a qualification does not itself mean that an SIA licence has automatically been issued or renewed.

Why Choose Security Guard Refresher Training?

Refresh Your Knowledge

Security knowledge can become less familiar when it is not used regularly. Refresher training gives existing professionals an opportunity to revisit important areas and bring their knowledge up to date.

Strengthen Professional Confidence

Structured learning can help you revisit the knowledge required for current security guarding responsibilities and approach assessment with greater confidence.

Update Your Skills

The current Security Guard refresher qualification focuses on areas identified as important to modern security work, rather than simply repeating the entire initial qualification.

Improve Incident Awareness

Understanding vulnerability, searching procedures and relevant security threats can support better awareness of situations encountered during professional duties.

Support Licence Renewal

For Security Guard licence holders renewing their licence, the current refresher qualification forms part of the training requirements set by the SIA.

Maintain Professional Readiness

Keeping training current can help professionals remain prepared for the knowledge and assessment requirements associated with their role.

Continue Professional Development

Refresher learning can form part of your wider security industry professional development by helping you maintain current knowledge.

Keep Learning Current

The private security industry evolves alongside changing risks, working practices and regulatory expectations. Refresher training provides a structured opportunity to revisit relevant knowledge.

Who Is Security Guard Refresher Training For?

Existing Security Guards

Security professionals who hold a Security Guard licence and are preparing to renew it.

Security Officers

Security officers whose licensed activity and existing qualification align with the relevant Security Guard refresher requirement.

Returning Security Professionals

People returning to security work should first establish which qualification and licensing requirements apply to their circumstances.

Experienced Security Staff

Professionals who already have security guarding knowledge and need the current refresher qualification rather than initial training.

Security Professionals Seeking Development

Existing security professionals who want to maintain current knowledge and keep their training aligned with applicable requirements.

An Important Distinction

Refresher training should not be treated as a generic replacement for every form of security training.

Your individual circumstances matter, including your existing qualification, licence status and the licence you intend to hold. The SIA recommends checking the current requirements that apply to your situation before booking.

Security Guard Refresher Course Content

The current SIA refresher requirements for Security Guards focus on three key areas: terror threat awareness, searching and protecting people in vulnerable situations.

Terror Threat Awareness

Refresh your understanding of relevant counter-terrorism awareness and the role of security professionals in recognising and responding appropriately to potential threats.

Searching

Develop and assess knowledge and practical skills relating to security searches. The current Security Guard refresher assessment includes a practical searching assessment.

Protecting People in Vulnerable Situations

Refresh knowledge relating to recognising vulnerability and responding appropriately when people may require additional consideration or protection.

Security Awareness

Connect refresher learning with the wider responsibilities of professional security personnel, including awareness, observation, communication and appropriate reporting.

Professional Conduct

Maintain awareness of the professional standards expected when interacting with colleagues, visitors, contractors and members of the public.

Important: Areas such as access control, patrolling, incident reporting, emergency procedures and conflict management can form part of broader security work, but they should not be presented as mandatory units of the current Security Guard refresher qualification unless confirmed by the applicable qualification specification.

What Will You Learn?

The exact scope and assessment requirements should always be checked against the current qualification specification and delivery arrangements.

Security Officer Refresher Training for Existing Professionals

Security Officer Refresher Training is a commonly used search term for training aimed at existing security personnel who need to refresh their knowledge or complete the relevant refresher qualification.

In the UK licensing context, the current qualification is formally titled the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher). Despite the qualification title using "Security Officers", it is associated with the Security Guard licence requirements.

Security officers may work across environments involving:

• access control

• reception and security desks

• site monitoring

• patrols

• visitor management

• incident reporting

• asset protection

• emergency response

However, individual duties vary considerably between employers, contracts and workplaces.

The important point is to select training according to the qualification and licensing requirement that applies to you rather than relying solely on a job title.

Initial Security Guard Training vs Refresher Training

The SIA currently distinguishes between initial licence-linked qualifications and refresher qualifications. A Security Guard renewing a licence must hold the relevant full licence-linked qualification as well as the refresher qualification.

Security Guard vs Security Officer Refresher

The terms security guard and security officer are often used differently across job advertisements and workplaces.

A person may be called a security officer while performing duties associated with security guarding, while another employer may use "security guard" as the formal job title.

For SIA licensing purposes, however, the qualification title is important.

The current refresher qualification is called the:

Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).

This is the qualification associated with the Security Guard licence renewal requirement.

Therefore, learners should choose training based on their actual licence, existing qualification and current regulatory requirement rather than simply searching by their workplace job title.

How Long Does Security Guard Refresher Training Take?

The SIA currently states that Security Guard refresher training requires approximately 1 day of in-person training, depending on how much self-study the learner completes.

The course may therefore involve a combination of:

Book → Prepare → Self-Study → Attend → Learn → Practise → Assess → Complete

The exact delivery arrangement can depend on the training provider and awarding organisation.

Typical Training Journey

01 — Book
Choose the relevant refresher course.

02 — Prepare
Check your qualification, licence and required first aid documentation.

03 — Complete Self-Study
Complete any required or applicable self-study element.

04 — Attend Training
Complete the required in-person learning.

05 — Practise
Prepare for the practical searching assessment.

06 — Assess
Complete the required knowledge examinations and practical assessment.

07 — Complete
Receive the relevant qualification documentation following successful completion.

The SIA states that refresher training can be delivered through a mixture of self-study, virtual classroom and face-to-face training, with practical searching elements delivered face-to-face.

Assessment & Qualification

The current Security Guard refresher assessment includes:

• multiple-choice examinations covering relevant refresher subjects

• a practical assessment for searching

The SIA identifies the current Security Guard refresher assessment as covering searching, keeping vulnerable people safe and terror threat awareness, together with practical searching assessment.

Successful completion leads to the relevant refresher qualification, subject to the requirements of the awarding organisation.

For Security Guard licence renewal, the relevant qualification is:

Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).

The training provider does not make the SIA licensing decision. Qualification and licensing are separate processes.

Skills You Can Refresh

Depending on the current course specification, relevant areas include:

• ✓ Terror threat awareness

• ✓ Searching knowledge

• ✓ Practical searching skills

• ✓ Vulnerability awareness

• ✓ Security awareness

• ✓ Professional communication

• ✓ Appropriate professional conduct

• ✓ Situational awareness

• ✓ Understanding relevant security responsibilities

Broader workplace skills such as access control, patrolling, incident reporting, emergency procedures and conflict management remain important to many security roles, but individual job responsibilities vary and they should not be represented as specific mandatory refresher units unless confirmed by the current qualification specification.

Practical Security Refresher Training

Practical learning matters because security work is not purely theoretical.

The current Security Guard refresher qualification includes a practical assessment for searching.

Practical training can help learners develop:

Situational Awareness

Recognise relevant circumstances and understand how security responsibilities apply in practical situations.

Communication

Practise professional communication and appropriate interaction with others.

Decision-Making

Apply relevant knowledge when considering how to respond to security-related situations.

Professional Judgement

Understand the importance of acting within your role, responsibilities and applicable procedures.

Assessment Confidence

Become familiar with the practical expectations of the qualification before completing the assessment.

Practical learning should always be delivered within the approved course requirements and appropriate professional boundaries.

Security Guard Refresher Training for Different Work Environments

Security professionals can work across many different environments.

Commercial Security

Security staff may be responsible for access control, visitor management, monitoring and reporting.

Retail Security

Duties may involve customer-facing security, asset protection and incident awareness.

Construction Sites

Security responsibilities may include access control, site monitoring and patrols.

Corporate Security

Security officers may support professional access management, reception security and visitor procedures.

Residential Security

Duties may involve monitoring, reporting, access management and responding according to site procedures.

Events & Public Environments

Security staff may require strong situational awareness, communication and professional interaction.

Actual duties vary by employer, contract, workplace and role. Refresher training should therefore be considered alongside the specific responsibilities attached to your employment.

Why Refresher Training Matters

Security professionals operate in environments where knowledge, threats, working practices and professional expectations can change.

The SIA explains that refresher training is intended to address the fact that skills can fade over time and that threats to public safety evolve.

Refresher training therefore provides an opportunity to:

• revisit important professional knowledge

• update understanding of current training requirements

• reinforce relevant security skills

• prepare for current assessments

• maintain professional readiness

• support the training element of licence renewal

For Security Guard licence holders, refresher training is now part of the renewal process rather than simply an optional professional-development activity.

Understanding the Security Industry Authority

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator of the UK's private security industry. It is responsible for licensing people who carry out certain licensable security activities and works with awarding organisations around licence-linked training standards.

For Security Guards, the SIA currently requires a refresher qualification when renewing a Security Guard licence.

The current requirement is the:

Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher).

The SIA states that Security Guard licence holders renewing their licence must hold the relevant full licence-linked qualification and the refresher qualification.

Important First Aid Requirement

Before taking Security Guard refresher training, you must have an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent that meets the current SIA requirement. The certificate must have at least 12 months remaining before expiry when you register for refresher training.

You should also check the current SIA guidance concerning the required ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning certificates before attending refresher training. The current SIA guidance states that both must have been completed within the previous year.

Training Completion Does Not Automatically Renew Your SIA Licence

This distinction is important.

Training Provider

Training & Assessment → Qualification/Certificate

Your training provider delivers the relevant training and assessment through the applicable qualification framework.

SIA

Licence Application/Renewal → Licensing Checks → Licensing Decision

The SIA is responsible for the licensing process.

Completing Security Guard Refresher Training therefore does not automatically renew your SIA licence. You must still complete the relevant SIA licensing process and satisfy its requirements.

This distinction helps prevent one of the most common misunderstandings surrounding SIA refresher training.

Why Choose Integra Training Academy?

Professional Training With Clear Course Guidance

Integra Training Academy provides structured security training designed to help learners understand what their course involves and what they need to complete.

Experienced Trainers

Learn through structured instruction delivered by trainers with relevant security training expertise.

Practical Learning

Where the qualification requires practical assessment, training is focused on helping learners understand and practise the relevant skills.

Clear Course Guidance

Receive straightforward information about course requirements, preparation and the training process.

Structured Training

Follow a clear learning pathway from preparation through training and assessment.

Learner Support

Get guidance throughout the training journey so you understand what is expected.

Professional Training Environment

Learn in an environment focused on professional security education and assessment.

Security Industry Focus

Training is centred on relevant private security qualifications and professional development.

Straightforward Booking

A simple course enquiry and booking process helps you move from choosing the right training to securing your place.

Security Guard Refresher Course Features

Structured Training

Clearly organised refresher learning based on the applicable qualification requirements.

Practical Learning

Practical training for the searching component required by the current Security Guard refresher assessment.

Assessment

Current refresher assessment requirements, including knowledge examinations and practical searching assessment.

Qualification

The relevant refresher qualification following successful completion of the applicable training and assessment.

Course Support

Clear guidance about preparation, attendance and course requirements.

Professional Development

An opportunity to refresh current security knowledge and maintain professional readiness.

Specific inclusions such as course materials, additional resources or other support should be confirmed at the time of booking.

Security Guard Refresher Training

Refresh your security guarding knowledge and complete the current refresher qualification required for Security Guard licence renewal.

Course includes:

• Security Guard refresher training

• Relevant course content

• Required assessment

• Practical searching assessment

• Relevant qualification following successful completion

• Course guidance

Course duration: Approximately 1 day of in-person training depending on self-study.

Book Your Security Guard Refresher Course

Contact For Security Guard Refresher Training

Simple 4-Step Booking Process

01 — Check Your Requirement

Confirm that Security Guard Refresher Training matches your existing qualification, licence and current renewal requirements.

02 — Book Your Place

Choose the available course and secure your training place.

03 — Complete Training

Complete the required learning, practical preparation and assessments.

04 — Continue Your Professional Development

Use your completed qualification as part of the relevant training requirement for your SIA licence renewal, where applicable, and continue developing your security knowledge.

Career & Professional Value

Security Guard Refresher Training can support your professional development by helping you maintain current knowledge and demonstrate continued commitment to your training.

It may support:

• professional development

• CV enhancement

• workplace readiness

• confidence in current knowledge

• knowledge retention

• continued security industry learning

• returning to security work

• preparation for relevant SIA licence renewal requirements

However, refresher training does not guarantee employment, promotion, increased earnings or any particular career outcome.

Your employment opportunities will depend on your qualifications, licence status, experience, employer requirements and individual circumstances.

Who Can Take Security Guard Refresher Training?

The current refresher qualification is intended for existing Security Guard licence holders who need to meet the refresher training requirement for licence renewal.

Before booking, check:

• your existing Security Guard qualification

• your current or previous SIA licence status

• the licence you intend to renew

• your first aid qualification

• your ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning status

• the current SIA requirements applying to your circumstances

For Security Guard refresher training, the SIA currently requires an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent, with at least 12 months remaining before expiry when registering for the refresher course.

What to Bring to Training

Before attending, make sure you have the documents and information requested during booking.

Preparation Checklist

• Valid identification where requested

• Existing security qualification details

• SIA licence information where applicable

• Current Emergency First Aid at Work or equivalent certificate

• ACT Awareness and ACT Security completion evidence where required

• Any documents specified by the training provider

• Appropriate clothing for practical training

• Any course-specific preparation provided before attendance

The SIA currently states that learners need to show an appropriate first aid certificate and evidence of completing the relevant ACT e-learning to the trainer.

Common Security Guard Refresher Mistakes

Assuming Refresher Training Is the Same as Initial Training

Refresher training has a different purpose and scope from the full initial Security Guard qualification.

Booking the Wrong Course

Always check which licence and qualification apply to your circumstances before booking.

Failing to Check Current SIA Requirements

SIA training requirements can change. Use current official guidance rather than relying on older information or advice from previous training.

Confusing Training With Licensing

Completing the qualification does not automatically renew your SIA licence.

Leaving Training Until the Last Minute

Allow enough time to check eligibility, complete required preparation and arrange your training before your licence renewal becomes urgent.

Failing to Check First Aid Requirements

Your first aid qualification must meet the current requirement before you undertake the refresher training.

Not Preparing for Practical Assessment

Searching forms part of the current Security Guard refresher assessment, so practical preparation should not be overlooked.

Relying on Outdated Information

Older references to Security Guard top-up training may no longer reflect the current renewal process. Current SIA guidance should take priority.

Ready to Refresh Your Security Guard Training?

Keep your security knowledge current, prepare for the relevant refresher assessment and take the next step towards meeting the training requirement associated with Security Guard licence renewal.

Choose professional Security Guard Refresher Training with clear course guidance and a straightforward booking process.

Book Your Security Guard Refresher Course

Contact For Security Guard Refresher Training

Frequently Asked Questions For Security Guard Refresher Training

What will i learn?

Frequently asked question