SIA Top-Up Training vs. SIA Refresher Training: What’s the Real Difference?

The world of private security is always evolving, and so are the requirements to keep your SIA licence up to date. 

If you’ve renewed your licence before, you may be familiar with Top-Up Training, which has been an important part of the renewal process. But starting from April 2025, Refresher Training will replace Top-Up Training for those renewing their Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence.

Let’s break down the key differences between these two training types. Explore how they affect you, and why it matters for your career.

What is Top-Up Training?

SIA Top-Up Training Courses introduced to ensure that security professionals renewing their licences had the latest skills and knowledge. It became mandatory for Door Supervisors and Security Guards in 2021. 

The training covered areas like:

• First Aid (which became a requirement before taking Top-Up Training)
• Counter-Terrorism Awareness
• Physical Intervention (for Door Supervisors)

It was essential to take Top-Up Training if you had an older licence-linked qualification or were renewing your licence. However, Top-Up Training is now being phased out.

Why is Top-Up Training Being Replaced?

The reason for the shift is simple: the industry is changing. Security professionals face increasingly complex threats and challenges. The reason for the shift is simple: the industry is changing. Security professionals face increasingly complex threats and challenges. To equip everyone in the industry to handle these new demands, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is updating its standards.

Top-Up Training helped fill in gaps, but it’s no longer enough to keep up with the evolving nature of security work. 

Now, Refresher Training is here to provide a more comprehensive, practical, and relevant approach to renewing your licence.

What is Refresher Training?

Starting in April 2025, anyone renewing their Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence will need to complete SIA Refresher Training. This new training goes beyond what Top-Up Training offered, with an increased focus on hands-on skills that are essential for today’s security environment.

Key features of Refresher Training include:

• Practical elements like physical intervention (for Door Supervisors), searching techniques, and dealing with emergencies.
• Updated content on terror threat awareness and handling vulnerabilities (including spotting and stopping incidents like spiking).
• A requirement to show an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work qualification before taking the Refresher Training.

Key Differences at a Glance:

SIA Top-Up Training: 

Aimed at updating older qualifications, focusing on adding new skills like first aid and counter-terrorism awareness. It’s being phased out by April 2025.

SIA Refresher Training: 

Focused on keeping your skills sharp and relevant, with more practical elements and real-world application. This will be the new standard from April 2025.

Who Needs to Take Refresher Training?

From April 2025, anyone renewing a Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence must complete Refresher Training. 

If you plan to renew before this date, you can still take the Top-Up Training, but it’s recommended to switch to Refresher Training where possible to align with the future requirements.

If you hold a Close Protection licence, there are no immediate changes to the training requirements, but this may evolve in the future. For now, Refresher Training applies to Door Supervisors and Security Guards only.

How Often is Refresher Training Required?

Once you complete Refresher Training, you’ll need to renew it every 3 years, just like you did with your Top-Up Training. This ensures that your skills remain up to date, and that you’re always prepared for the evolving challenges in the security industry.

This training helps combat skills fade—ensuring that even the most experienced professionals remain sharp and prepared for any situation. Whether you’re enrolled in the Door Supervisor Refresher Course or the Security Guard Refresher Course, staying on top of your training is essential for maintaining your competence and confidence in the field.

Why the Change?

The shift to Refresher Training is about making sure that security professionals like you are fully prepared to handle today’s challenges, from terror threats to emergency situations. The SIA wants to ensure that everyone in the industry can:

• Keep the public safe
• Follow new working practices
• Understand recent changes to the law
• Make the best use of new technology

The more practical focus in Refresher Training will help ensure that you’re not just knowledgeable but fully capable of dealing with real-world situations in your role. For a more detailed look at what’s involved, check out our guide on everything you need to know about Refresher Training.

What Should You Do Next?

If your licence is up for renewal before April 2025, you can choose between Top-Up Training or Refresher Training, but going with Refresher Training is the better option. These refresher courses helps you prepare for future renewals and ensures you’re fully compliant with the new standards.

After April 2025, Refresher Training will be mandatory for all renewals, and Top-Up Training will no longer be available.

Make sure you’ve got your Emergency First Aid at Work qualification ready, as this is required before taking Refresher Training. Without it, you won’t be able to register for the course.

Stay Ahead and Stay Informed

As part of the SIA’s ongoing efforts to keep the security industry professional and future-ready, it’s crucial to stay on top of your training. Whether you need refresher training for door supervisors or security officers, Get Licensed can provide you with the resources and support necessary to keep your skills updated and ensure you’re prepared for the changes ahead.

We’ll continue to provide updates on any changes to the licensing process, but in the meantime, make sure you’re ready. Staying informed now will help you stay ahead in your career.