New security licence to practise qualifications

On-screen and paper-based tests are now available.  From 1 January 2015 learners starting their training for a licence to practise qualification need to be registered on the following:

• Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry
• Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry
• Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) within the Private Security Industry
• Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award for Working as a Vehicle Immobiliser within the Private Security Industry
• Pearson BTEC Level 2 Award for Upskilling a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Award for Delivering Physical Intervention Training within the Private Security Industry.

Learners registered on the old qualifications before 31 December 2014 have until 31 March 2015 to take the tests and achieve the qualification.

Key changes to be aware of in the new qualifications

• Flexible and/or distance learning is now permitted for:

  • The learning for the unit Working within the Private Security Industry
  • 30 minutes of learning for preparation for training for the Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry unit
  • 3 hours of learning for preparation for training for the Physical Intervention Skills within the Private Security Industry unit
  • The learning for the Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors Unit

• New role plays must be used for the practical demonstration of searching as part of the Door Supervision and Security Guarding qualifications.
• The Physical Intervention unit now includes a new Hook and Turn manoeuvre, escorting individuals on stairways and knowledge about the risks associated with positional asphyxia.
• To deliver the new training around escorting individuals on stairways centre must have access to a stairway.  For the purposes of training, a stairway must consist of a minimum of three steps.
• The Physical Intervention unit will now be assessed by mandatory Pearson set, internally marked and externally verified assignments covering both the practical and knowledge based learning outcomes.  The assignments, as well as tutor assessment guidance, are all available to download from the Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry qualification page.
• Close Protection now consists of 3 units: Planning, Preparing and Supporting a Close Protection Operation; Working as a Close Protection Operative and Conflict Management.  The 2 Close Protection units will be internally assessed and externally verified - exemplar assignments are available on the website.  The Conflict Management unit will be assessed by a Pearson set and marked multiple choice test.
• The Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors within the Private Security Industry unit will be assessed by a Pearson set and marked multiple choice test.
• Learners should have English language skills equivalent to ESOL Level 1.
• Trainers must have occupational expertise relevant to the sector and the qualifications they are delivering.

There will be NO Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) from the old qualifications to the new qualifications.  Any learners registering on the new qualifications from 1 January 2015 will need to complete ALL the new units.

This is because there is new content in the new units and the SIA require all learners take the new units from 1 January to ensure they receive the most up to date training. This policy will be applied by all awarding organisations.

For example, if a learner completes the current Security Guarding qualification before 31 December 2014 and then registers for the new Door Supervision qualification in January 2015, they will NOT be able to RPL the common unit and the Conflict Management unit (which appear in both the Security Guarding and Door Supervision qualifications). They will have to take the tests for the new units.

Providing Security Services Apprenticeship

From 1 January 2015, learners registering on the Providing Security Services Intermediate Apprenticeship will need to complete the new Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Providing Security Services as the technical certificate. This qualification has been updated to include the new licence to practise units.