SIA Refresher Training: What You Need to Know

As the private security industry continues to evolve, so do the requirements for maintaining your SIA licence. According to a recent SIA announcement, starting in 2025, security professionals renewing their Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence will need to complete mandatory refresher training. 

This update is designed to ensure that everyone in the industry is equipped with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge to face new challenges.

Whether you’re a seasoned security officer or new to the industry, understanding the need for refresher training and how it impacts your career is essential.

Here, we’ll guide you through what this means, why it’s necessary, and how you can prepare for it.

Why Is Refresher Training Important?

Security is a fast-moving industry. 

Threats evolve, and the skills required to manage them need to keep pace. The SIA recognises this, which is why refresher training has become mandatory for anyone renewing a Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence after 1st April 2025. 

The purpose of this refresher training is to combat what’s known as “skills fade.” Over time, even the most experienced professionals may forget or lose proficiency in some of the core skills required for their role. 

Whether it’s conducting searches, de-escalating situations through physical intervention, or being able to administer first aid effectively, refresher training courses ensure that everyone is ready for real-world challenges.

Furthermore, as public safety concerns grow, security professionals must also be aware of evolving threats like terrorism and vulnerabilities such as spiking incidents. The new refresher training incorporates updated content on counter-terrorism and spotting vulnerabilities, making it crucial for staying effective in today’s security landscape.

What Does Refresher Training Involve?

The SIA refresher training is designed to sharpen the practical skills essential for security professionals. While the requirements differ slightly for Door Supervisors and Security Guards, both aim to enhance your ability to handle real-world situations effectively.

For Door Supervisor refresher training, the course covers:

• Terror Threat Awareness: Understanding the current terror threat landscape and how to act quickly in case of a threat.
• Physical Intervention Skills: Keeping your physical intervention techniques up to date to ensure both the safety of yourself and others.
• Searching: Maintaining proficiency in conducting effective searches while respecting privacy and legal guidelines.
• Vulnerability Training: Learning to identify and respond to vulnerable individuals, including recognising and preventing incidents like spiking.

For Security Guard Refresher Training, the focus areas are similar but without the physical intervention component:

• Terror Threat Awareness: Staying informed about how to manage potential terror threats.
• Searching: Keeping skills sharp in conducting thorough and respectful searches.
• Vulnerability Training: Identifying risks and protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.

Additionally, all professionals will need to ensure their emergency first aid certification is up to date, as it has become a core part of the new training structure.

Timing and Preparation

The refresher training will be available starting October 2024, giving you ample time to complete it before it becomes mandatory in April 2025. 

The six-month gap is a window of opportunity to prepare yourself and your team, ensuring that no one is scrambling to complete training at the last minute.

While these time commitments might seem significant, they are essential investments in your skills and career. Think of refresher training as not just a legal requirement but as a chance to stay competitive and confident in the field.

What Does This Mean for Your Licence Renewal?

If your licence is set to expire after 1 April 2025, the refresher training will be mandatory for renewal. 

This means you must complete it before your licence expiry date. It’s important to start planning now so that you don’t face any last-minute challenges that could affect your ability to continue working.

If your licence expires before this date, you still have the option to complete the Top-Up Training (available until January 2025) or switch to the new refresher training programmes. However, choosing the refresher training will better prepare you for future renewals, ensuring you meet all the updated industry standards from the start.

For those holding multiple licences (e.g., Door Supervisor and Security Guard), you will need to complete the specific refresher training for each licence type. While this may require a little extra effort, it ensures that your skills are aligned with the demands of your specific role.

What Certificates Do You Need?

As part of the refresher training, you will need to present certain certificates to your trainer, including:

• An up-to-date emergency first aid certificate (within 12 months of expiry).
• ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning certificates (completed within the last year).

These certifications ensure that you’re not just meeting the bare minimum but that you’re fully prepared to handle emergencies, including first aid situations, and equipped with the latest knowledge on counter-terrorism.

Preparing for the Future

The SIA’s introduction of refresher training is just one step in what will likely be an ongoing evolution of security standards. The security industry isn’t slowing down, and staying informed is critical for maintaining your professional edge.

After completing your refresher training, you’ll be fully equipped for your next licence renewal, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops there. 

With new threats and challenges emerging, it’s vital to remain adaptable and continue updating your skills. In the future, we can expect more innovations in training, including the use of technology like virtual reality and online modules to simulate real-world situations.

Stay Informed and Stay Ahead

As you prepare for the refresher training, make sure to stay tuned for further updates. The SIA may introduce additional requirements or recommendations as we approach the implementation of the new system. 

Here at Get Licensed, we will keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you have all the tools and resources necessary to stay compliant and excel in your role. Whether you’re taking refresher course for door supervisors or security officers, we provide everything you need to stay on top of your training requirements.

Refresher training is not just a formality—it’s an opportunity to ensure you are prepared for the evolving demands of the security industry. By completing your training and staying informed about future updates, you are positioning yourself to stay ahead in your career.