• People applying for an SIA Security Officer Licence
• Security companies, retailers and event operators

A regulated three-unit qualification for new SIA Security Officers.

• Be 18 years or older
• Hold a current, valid First Aid or Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, valid for at least 12 months from the course start date — this must be presented before training begins
• Have English or Welsh language skills — reading, writing, speaking and listening — equivalent to CEFR B2, ESOL Level 1, or Functional Skills Level 1 in English (or a recognised equivalent); this is assessed before training begins
• Be able to communicate effectively, including making calls to emergency services where required
• Note: First Aid training can be booked separately or as part of a combined package if you don't already hold a valid certificate.

Multiple-choice exams, practical search and communications assessments, and a practical conflict-management scenario

• Unit 1 — Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry
  • MCQ exam — 72 questions, 110 minutes, pass mark 70%
  • Practical — evidential statement (Section 9 statement), pass mark 100%
• Unit 2 — Principles of Working as a Security Officer
  • MCQ exam — 60 questions, 90 minutes, pass mark 70%
  • Practical — observed search demonstration and observed use of communication devices, pass mark 100%; visually recorded, approx. 15 minutes per learner
• Unit 3 — Application of Conflict Management
  • MCQ exam — 20 questions, 30 minutes, pass mark 70%
  • Practical — one observed conflict-management scenario with a question-and-answer session, pass mark 100%; visually recorded, approx. 15 minutes per learner

• 4 days for the Security Officer qualification (Units 1, 2 & 3) — Unit 1 delivered with self-study support
• Plus 1 additional day if Emergency First Aid at Work training is included in your booking (5 days total)
• Maximum 8 hours of training, delivery and assessment per day
• Conflict-management training must be completed before the Unit 2 practical assessment, and must include at least one practical scenario from each of: Enforcement, Defusing, Confronting, and High Risk
• Knowledge content can be delivered virtually where permitted by the SIA; all practical search, communications, and conflict-management elements must be delivered and assessed in person
• Compliance note: delivering Unit 1 via self-study requires notifying Highfield in advance and retaining evidence of self-study completion for 3 years.

• Highfield-regulated RQF qualification
• Fully aligned with SIA licence-linked training requirements
• Delivered by experienced, sector-competent trainers
• Hands-on practice in search procedures, communications and conflict-management scenarios
• All practical equipment provided
• Suitable for individuals and organisations
• Nationwide delivery
• Essential for SIA Security Officer licence application