This qualification is aimed at learners 18 years and over who are able to undertake the responsibilities of a Security Officer. Due to the nature of the role of a Security Officer, in the course of their work it is likely they will be required to make calls to the emergency services or need to communicate to resolve conflict. It is therefore essential that Security Officers are able to communicate effectively. All assessment must be conducted in the medium of English and/or Welsh as appropriate. Centres must ensure that learners have sufficient language skills before putting the learners forward for assessment.

As a guide, learners should as a minimum have language skills equivalent to the following:

• a B1 level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications
• an ESOL qualification at (Level 1) on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
• an ESOL qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 5 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland
• Functional Skills Level 1 in English
• SQA Core Skills in Communication at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 5
• Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1

Learners taking their Security Officer training for the first time will need to show that they hold a current and valid First Aid or Emergency First Aid certificate* that meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. It is an SIA requirement that training centres must confirm that each learner is sufficiently qualified in First Aid or Emergency First Aid.

Learners should, as a minimum, have achieved an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification covering the following outcomes.

• Understand the role of the first aider, including reference to:
• The importance of preventing cross-infection
• The need for recording incidents and actions
• Use of available equipment
• Assess the situation and circumstances in order to act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is unconscious (including seizure)
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is choking
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is wounded and bleeding
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock
• Provide appropriate first aid for minor injuries (including small cuts, grazes and bruises, minor burns and scalds, small splinters).

Learners should present their First Aid or Emergency First Aid certificate* to their training provider before they start training. This certificate* must be valid for at least 12 months from course start date.

*Training centres are permitted to deliver suitable First Aid qualifications together with security qualifications as part of a training package. All First Aid training must be completed and passed prior to the commencement of the security training.

It should be advised that when applying for an SIA Licence part of the process includes a criminality check (DBS). It is recommended that learners with concerns should use the Criminal Record Indicator available on the SIA website prior to enrolling for this qualification to ascertain if they are likely to achieve licenced status.

https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk