Learner: Assessor ratio 

Please note, the SIA has set 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/trainer 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, we will contact you to confirm any changes to your assessor/trainer staffing. Should it be apparent that you are exceeding the prescribed ratio you may be subject to a registration block. 

The more learners a centre wishes to register, the more assessors the centre will require to meet the learner to assessor ratio (12:1). Centres must ensure the venue used for delivering the training has the facilities as specified in the Security Centre Handbook.

Secure storage

A reminder of the secure storage requirements for examination materials, as per the Security Centre Handbook:  

• The door leading to the secure storage unit should be of solid construction and should have a security lock 
• Secure room should only be accessed by exams office staff 
• Secure room should have: 
  • Walls, ceiling and floor of strong, solid construction 
    • If windows are easily accessible, they must be fitted with bars or the room alarmed 
  • 2 – 6 key holders
• The safe or cupboard/filling cabinet should be secure and not easily removable
  • Cupboard/filling cabinet should be metal and have a secure bar fixed 
  • Only accessible to 2-6 exams staff
    • Includes key or electronic code 
• Appropriate arrangements must be made for the collection and dispatch of test scripts 
  • Completed papers are to be securely stored until dispatched to Pearson 
• Live examination material must be transferred securely from storage to the test venue 
• More details about the secure storage of exam materials are available in the JCQ guidance and “Conditions for Storing Exam Material”.  

The JCQ ‘Instructions for Conducting Examinations’ document is available on their website: ‘ICE’ – Instructions for conducting examinations - JCQ Joint Council for Qualifications