On 1 April 2025, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) introduced updated renewal rules affecting thousands of Door Supervisors and Security Guards across the UK. If you (or your team) renew a front-line licence, you now need a refresher qualification and an up-to-date Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or equivalent before you can even enrol on that refresher course.

Key changes at a glance

  • Refresher now required for renewal of Door Supervisor and Security Guard licences.
  • EFAW (or equivalent) must be valid before registering with a training provider for the refresher.
  • Close Protection keeps its own updated qualification and top-up training route.
  • Option to switch: Door Supervisors can take the Security Guard refresher and renew as a Security Guard if that better matches their role.

Who is affected?

Anyone renewing a Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence from 1 April 2025 onward. Close Protection operatives continue to follow their sector-specific training and top-up rules introduced previously.

What employers should do now

  1. Audit expiry dates for all licences and EFAW certificates 90-120 days in advance.
  2. Book EFAW first (if needed), then schedule the refresher-no refresher booking without valid first aid.
  3. Update rosters to cover training days and avoid compliance gaps at sites.
  4. Keep records of EFAW, refresher completions and renewals for audit and client assurance.
  5. Consider licence switching at renewal if duties are static guarding rather than door supervision.

Costs & budgeting

The SIA application fee is £184 (unchanged since April 2023) and the SIA states this is being subsidised using past surpluses. Training providers set their own prices for EFAW and refresher courses, so plan budgets early and look for group booking efficiencies.

FAQs

Do I need the refresher every time I renew?

Yes-if you renew as a Door Supervisor or Security Guard, completing the sector’s refresher is now part of the renewal process.

Can a Door Supervisor renew as a Security Guard?

Yes. You may take the Security Guard refresher and switch licence at renewal where that aligns with your role and risk assessment.

Which first aid certificates are acceptable?

EFAW or an equivalent first aid qualification that complies with the relevant Health and Safety Executive guidance. Your training provider can confirm acceptance.

Need help keeping your estate compliant and staffed while teams retrain?

Trinity Security Limited deploys SIA-registered manguards, manages background checks & access control, and runs CCTV and policy compliance across campuses and multi-site estates.

How Trinity Security Limited can help

  • Compliance planning: site-by-site renewal calendars, EFAW status checks, refresher scheduling.
  • Continuity cover: temporary SIA-registered guards during training days.
  • Documentation: client-ready records for audits and assurance.
  • Integrated operations: security, front-of-house hospitality, and FM support for minimal disruption.

Have questions about planning or switching licence types? Speak to our team-we’ll help map out the most efficient route to compliance across your campus or estate.