Security update - July 2026

Learner ratios and registration caps

A reminder that there is a maximum ratio of 12 learners to one assessor for units where there is an assessment of practical skills.  As an example, in practice this means an assessor/tutor delivering one full Door Supervisor course a week would be expected to be delivering to around 48 learners a month.

Should the number of learner registrations for your centre exceed the number permitted according to the assessor: learner ratio, you will be contacted by Pearson to confirm any change to assessor/tutor staffing.

Should it be apparent that you are exceeding the prescribed ratio (as set by Security Industry Authority), you may be subject to a registration suspension.  The more learners a centre wishes to register, the more assessors the centre will require to meet the learner to assessor ratio (12:1).

If your centre is new to Pearson Security qualifications, your approval will have been subject to a monthly registration cap.  This will be detailed in your approval letter.  Please ensure you are aware of, and adhere to, the registration cap. The cap will remain in place until your centre has undergone the full review process and been granted direct claims status. It may remain in place longer if there are further concerns.

Tutor CPD requirements

A reminder that trainers and assessors must be able to demonstrate evidence of a suitable level of continued professional development (CPD) in their sector.  This should include the equivalent of at least 40 hours every year spent in a combination of training, increasing professional knowledge through other means, or working in the industry.  Delivering the security courses does not count towards the CPD hours.

The CPD record must show that a National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO)/SIA-endorsed counter terrorism programme such as the ACT Awareness and ACT Security training has been completed on an annual basis.

A CPD record template and a CV template are available on the website for centres to use should they wish to.

Onscreen tests: reminder to submit test notification form

A reminder that the test notification form must be submitted for each unit being sat for both paper-based and onscreen tests.

We monitor all centres to ensure that test notifications are being submitted accurately and in a timely manner.  Centres found to be administering onscreen tests that they have not submitted any test notifications for will be referred for maladministration and/or malpractice and action may be taken against the centre.   This may include voiding the learners’ original test entries and requiring the learners to resit the test(s). 

Where centres have received support from Pearson but continue to not meet the test notification requirements, they may be referred to Pearson Centre Management, who will review centre performance and may choose to suspend or withdraw qualification approval.  

Emergency First Aid at Work: Update to Blended Learning in First Aid Quality Assurance Standards

The Blended Learning in First Aid Quality Assurance Standards have been agreed nationally by both the First Aid Quality Partnership and the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum.

The standards set out the quality assurance requirements when a blended learning (part distance learning, part face-to-face) approach is applied in First Aid.

Industry experts have agreed on these principles to ensure that sufficient face-to-face learning, assessment and quality assurance is applied when training those who undertake the life-saving role of the first aider.

For Emergency First Aid at Work courses that are delivered by blended learning, the minimum face-to-face learning hours required is 3.  The total course minimum hours duration is 6.  

The full updated Quality Assurance Standards published by the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum can be found on their website.

Blended Learning in First Aid Quality Assurance Standards document