SIA Refresher Door Supervisor Training Course

The refresher qualification has two units set by the SIA. Unit titles can vary slightly between awarding bodies. Tap a unit to see what it covers.

• It is required to renew: since 1 April 2025 you cannot renew a door supervisor licence without it.
• It is repeated at every renewal: your SIA licence lasts 3 years, and you complete the refresher each time you renew.
• It keeps your skills current: searching, protecting vulnerable people and terror threat awareness.
• It matches the newer standard: the SIA raised the licence-linked qualification standard in April 2021, and refresher training keeps existing licence holders in line with it.
• It keeps you working legally: you need a valid licence to work in a licensable door supervisor role.

You can apply to renew your licence up to 4 months before it expires, but you need the refresher qualification and valid first aid first. Book early so you have time to complete the course, receive your certificate and submit your application before your licence expires. Your licence does not renew automatically. If your licence has already expired, the rules are different, so check the SIA’s guidance or contact us before booking.

How long is the course?

The SIA door supervisor refresher course takes 2 full days, with training sessions running from 9am to 6pm each day. You complete a workbook before you attend the classroom sessions.

Assessment

The course is assessed with multiple-choice exams and practical assessments.

How to prepare

• Complete your workbook before day one
• Bring valid ID and your first aid certificate
• Attend both days of the course
• Ask your trainer about anything you are unsure of

Certification

After attending the course and passing the assessments, candidates receive a Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher) from an awarding body recognised by Ofqual. Depending on the awarding organisation, you should usually receive your certificate within ten working days.

Worried about the assessment? Our trainers explain what to expect, and you can contact our team with any questions before you book.

Renewing your SIA Door Supervisor licence is a straightforward process. Simply follow these steps:

1. Check your licence expiry date, original qualification date and first aid certificate
2. Book and complete the 2-day refresher course and pass the assessments
3. Receive your Level 2 refresher certificate
4. Complete the renewal application on the SIA’s website, up to 4 months before your licence expires, and pay the £204 licence fee
5. The SIA will run its checks and issue your renewed licence

The SIA licence fee is paid directly to the SIA and is separate from the course price. The SIA makes the final decision on every application, so we cannot guarantee the outcome. We give free guidance on how to renew, plus post-qualification email support while you prepare your application. See the SIA on GOV.UK for the latest licensing information.

For detailed information on SIA licences, visit our blog, “An Essential Guide to SIA Licences: From Eligibility to Approval.”

Door supervisor refresher course fees start from £119.99 in London and Glasgow, and from £199.99 in Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. You can reserve your place with a £49.99 deposit.

Prices include tuition, handbook, notebook, exams and certificate costs. The SIA licence fee and any first aid course are paid separately. See our London refresher packages and Glasgow refresher packages, and read our cancellation and refund policy and terms and conditions before booking.

The two names often cause confusion. Here is how they differ.

• Qualified on or after April 2021: you can book the refresher course when your licence is due for renewal.
• Qualified before April 2021: you need to have completed the top-up award first. See our Door Supervisor Top-Up course.
• Every renewal: your licence lasts 3 years, and you repeat the refresher each time you renew.
• Prefer security guard work? You can take the security guard refresher and switch to a security guard licence.

Leaving first aid until the last minute

Your first aid certificate must be valid when you start the course. Check the expiry date before you book.

Booking too late

Allow time for the course, your certificate and the SIA application before your licence expires.

Assuming an expired licence can be renewed

In most cases you cannot renew a licence that has already expired. Check the SIA’s guidance or contact us.

Choosing the wrong course

Decide whether you want to keep a door supervisor licence or switch to security guard, then book the matching refresher.

Once you have passed, apply to renew your licence on the SIA’s website with your refresher certificate and valid first aid qualification. If you are also considering other SIA training, see our SIA Door Supervisor course or our other SIA security courses.