Are SIA Top-Up Courses Dead? What Security Professionals Need to Do Now
Yes, SIA Top-Up courses are officially dead. As of April 1st, 2025, the Security Industry Authority scrapped the entire Top-Up training system. If you're still looking for "Top-Up" courses, you're searching for something that no longer exists.
The SIA's recent consultation findings, approved by the Minister for Security, confirmed this major shift. From December 1st, 2025, new licensing criteria take effect, and the old Top-Up system is completely replaced by mandatory Refresher Training.
Here's what every security professional needs to know right now.
What Killed the Top-Up System
The SIA consultation received 3,392 responses – nearly 97.5% from active licence holders. The overwhelming feedback led to sweeping changes that eliminated Top-Up courses entirely.
Key timeline:
- January 31, 2025: Final deadline for old Top-Up courses
- April 1, 2025: New Refresher Training system launched
- December 1, 2025: Updated licensing criteria fully implemented
If your licence was due for renewal between January and April 2025, you faced a critical choice: complete Top-Up training before January 31st or retake the full initial course. That window is now closed.
Refresher Training: The New Reality
Refresher Training isn't just a renamed Top-Up course. It's a complete overhaul of how security professionals maintain their competency.
For Door Supervisors:
- Two full days plus e-learning modules
- Mandatory terror threat awareness training
- Physical intervention techniques and post-incident procedures
- Scene safety and emergency response protocols
- Conflict resolution and communication updates
- Protecting vulnerable individuals (including spiking incident awareness)
- Updated health and safety guidance
For Security Guards:
- One day of intensive training
- Terror threat awareness focus
- Safe search procedures
- Vulnerable person protection protocols
The content is more comprehensive, more current, and more demanding than the old Top-Up system ever was.
The First Aid Requirement Game-Changer
Here's what catches most security professionals off-guard: you cannot book Refresher Training without a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate.
This isn't optional. No EFAW certificate means no Refresher Training. No Refresher Training means no licence renewal.
EFAW Requirements:
- One-day in-person course
- Must be current and valid
- Costs approximately £100
- Required before any Refresher Training
This added requirement has created a bottleneck. Many security professionals are scrambling to get EFAW certification just to access the training they need for licence renewal.
Common Misconceptions Destroying Careers
Misconception #1: "I can still find Top-Up courses somewhere"
No, you cannot. Any provider advertising "Top-Up" courses is either outdated or misleading. Only Refresher Training exists now.
Misconception #2: "The requirements are basically the same"
Wrong. Refresher Training is longer, more comprehensive, and has additional prerequisites. Door Supervisors face two full days instead of the old one-day Top-Up.
Misconception #3: "I can do everything online"
Incorrect. Physical intervention modules and first aid must be completed in person. Only ACT Awareness and Prevent Duty components can be completed online.
Misconception #4: "It's just a money grab"
The SIA consultation showed strong support from current licence holders. The changes address real security challenges including terror threats, vulnerable person protection, and modern conflict resolution techniques.
What You Must Do Right Now
If your licence expires in the next 12 months:
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Book EFAW certification immediately. Don't wait. Course availability is limited and this is your gateway to everything else.
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Identify your exact training requirements. Door Supervisor and Security Guard paths have different durations and costs.
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Budget correctly. EFAW plus Refresher Training costs start from £200 total. Factor in two days off work for Door Supervisors.
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Book with approved providers only. Verify SIA approval before paying any deposits.
If your licence has already expired:
You face a full requalification process. No shortcuts exist. Budget for complete initial training costs and timeframes.
The Three-Year Cycle You Need to Plan For
Refresher Training operates on a three-year renewal cycle. This isn't a one-time adjustment – it's your new reality for the duration of your security career.
Planning essentials:
- EFAW expires every three years (must renew before Refresher Training)
- Refresher Training required every three years for licence renewal
- Both must be current and valid before applying for licence renewal
- No extensions or grace periods available
Smart security professionals are already calendar-blocking their renewal dates and budgeting annually for training costs.
Why This Change Actually Benefits Your Career
The SIA didn't eliminate Top-Up courses to create problems. The new system addresses real security industry challenges:
Enhanced threat awareness: Terror threat training reflects current UK security realities.
Better conflict resolution: Updated techniques for modern security challenges.
Vulnerable person protection: Essential skills for hospitality, retail, and events security.
Professional credibility: More comprehensive training elevates the entire security industry.
Security professionals completing Refresher Training report feeling better prepared and more confident in their roles.
Your Next Steps Start Today
Immediate actions:
- Check your licence expiry date
- Book EFAW certification if needed
- Research approved Refresher Training providers
- Clear your calendar for required training days
Don't wait for renewal reminders. The SIA system doesn't provide extensive advance notice, and course availability fills up quickly.
Don't assume your current knowledge is sufficient. The new Refresher Training covers updated legislation, current threat assessments, and revised procedures that weren't part of the old Top-Up system.
The Top-Up system is dead. Refresher Training is here to stay. Security professionals who adapt quickly will maintain their licences and advance their careers. Those who delay or ignore these changes will find themselves locked out of the industry.
The choice is yours. The timeline is not.
Book your EFAW certification today. Your security career depends on it.