SIA licence qualifications are changing in 2027: what security employers should plan for now

The SIA is part way through a major review of its licence-linked qualifications. Its public consultation ran from 28 August to 23 October 2026 and covered the qualifications behind every licence sector. The SIA is now analysing the responses. It plans to publish final specifications in winter 2026, with the new qualifications launching later in 2027.

Nothing here is final yet, so we’ve labelled the proposals clearly as proposals. But several of the changes would land on employers, not just on training providers, so it’s worth planning now rather than reacting next year.

Why the SIA is making changes

The SIA says the review followed independent research and engagement involving more than 5,000 people across the industry. Some of the findings explain the direction of travel:

• 91% of licence holders surveyed said first aid skills were important to their role, and over half had used their first aid training at work.
• 81% said communication skills were important.
• 43% said they’re dealing with increasing levels of violence at work.
• The draft specifications were developed with 44 sector experts and an advisory group that included counter-terrorism policing partners.

What’s been proposed (PROPOSED, NOT YET FINAL)

These are proposals from the consultation and may change once the SIA has considered the responses.

• First aid would become a licence condition. Door supervisors, security guards, and close protection operatives would need to hold an in-date first aid qualification at all times, and the SIA says it may take action against operatives who let their certificate lapse. A new security-specific first aid qualification is also proposed.
• An additional, independent English language test would sit alongside more standardised testing by awarding organisations.
• Conflict management for security guards would include more real-life scenarios.
• A new post-licence standard in advanced physical intervention skills would be introduced for higher-risk deployments. The consultation asked whether it should be voluntary or compulsory.
• The common unit would be updated to cover incident recording and crime scene preservation, changes in the law including Martyn’s Law, responding to drug use, spiking awareness for guarding and CCTV courses, searching wheelchairs and mobility devices, and dealing with social media “auditors” and drones.
• Counter-terrorism awareness content would be refreshed into a single learning package developed with policing partners.
• The SIA asked whether trainers delivering licence-linked training should hold an SIA licence for the sectors they teach.
• The SIA also asked whether licence integration, which lets close protection licence holders work as door supervisors and security guards, should end.

What it means for your business

Most of the proposals change what an operative has to do to get or keep a licence. That has knock-on effects for the people who employ them.

• Your first aid records become a compliance issue. If first aid becomes a licence condition, a lapsed certificate isn’t just a training gap; it could put an operative’s licence at risk. You’ll want expiry dates tracked for every officer, with reminders well ahead of time.
• Recruitment could take longer. An extra English language test and more training content may add time and cost before new starters are licensed. Build that into recruitment lead times and contract mobilisation plans.
• Your training budget will need a line for this. Depending on the final rules, you may be funding first aid renewals, advanced physical intervention for higher-risk sites, or extra training for staff moving between roles.
• Close protection staff may need separate licences. If integration ends, operatives you deploy across close protection and door or guarding work may need an additional licence.
• Your ACS and tender evidence will need updating. Assessors and buyers look for evidence that your people are competent for the work they do, and a training matrix that reflects the new requirements will help.

What to do now

1. Build or update a training matrix covering every operative’s licence, first aid certificate, and expiry dates.
2. Review your higher-risk deployments, such as retail, the night-time economy, and events, and decide whether you’d want advanced physical intervention training even if it stays voluntary.
3. Start covering some of the new content now. Spiking awareness, searching wheelchairs and mobility aids, drones, and people filming staff for social media are all things officers deal with today. Toolbox talks and assignment instruction updates don’t need to wait for 2027.
4. Talk to your training provider about their plans, costs, and capacity for the new qualifications.
5. Watch for the consultation outcome and final specifications, expected in winter 2026, and check exactly how the changes apply to renewals and existing licence holders before you commit spend.

The SIA reviews its licence-linked qualifications every five years, but it says this review has gone further, looking at prerequisites such as first aid and English as well as course content. Employers who plan for it now will find 2027 a lot less disruptive.

CAW Consultancy helps security companies keep their training records, competence evidence, and management systems ready for ACS assessments, tenders, and client audits. For BS 7858 pre-employment screening, our sister company Screen My Staff can help. Call 01257 824481 or email Craig@cawconsultancy.co.uk.

Related reading

• SIA Approved Contractor Scheme: what the assessor actually checks
• BS 7858 Security Screening Explained: A Practical Guide for Employers
• NSI Silver or NSI Gold: which one your security business needs

About the author

Craig Willetts, lead auditor with over 20 years’ experience across 20+ ISO standards and UK security schemes. I founded CAW Consultancy to help UK businesses get ready for ISO certification and accreditation, in plain English and without the jargon. My team prepares you for your audit, and your chosen certification body carries it out. Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit CAW Consultancy.