The SIA’s Proposed English Test for Licence Applicants: What New Learners Should Do Now

If you plan to apply for an SIA licence, your English communication skills may become an additional part of the entry process.

The Security Industry Authority is consulting on a proposed independent English language test for new security licence applicants. The consultation opened on 28 August 2026 and closes at 11:59 pm on 23 October 2026.

The proposal is part of a wider review of SIA licence-linked qualifications. If the changes are approved, final specifications are expected in winter 2026, with new qualifications planned for 2027.

The proposal is not final yet. However, new learners should start preparing now.

WHAT IS THE SIA PROPOSING?

The SIA proposes an additional independent English language test for people applying for a security licence for the first time.

This test would sit alongside more standardised assessments delivered through awarding organisations and approved training providers.

The purpose is to give employers, the regulator and the public greater confidence that new security operatives can communicate safely and effectively.

The SIA’s research found that 81% of survey respondents considered communication skills important to security work.

The proposal covers licence-linked sectors including:

• Door supervision
• Security guarding
• CCTV operation
• Close protection
• Cash and valuables in transit

The exact test format, provider, pass standard and implementation arrangements have not been confirmed.

Read the SIA’s official consultation announcement and the full consultation details.

WHY DOES ENGLISH MATTER IN SECURITY WORK?

Security work involves more than standing at an entrance or watching CCTV screens.

You must understand instructions, communicate with colleagues and respond accurately when situations change.

Strong communication supports safer decisions in several important parts of the job.

1. RADIO COMMUNICATION

Security operatives often use radios to report incidents, request support and share updates.

You need to:

• Speak clearly
• Listen carefully
• Use the correct information
• Give accurate locations
• Confirm instructions
• Avoid unnecessary language

A confused radio message can delay a response.

2. INCIDENT REPORTS

Security staff may need to record what happened during an incident.

A useful report should explain:

• What happened
• When it happened
• Where it happened
• Who was involved
• What action was taken
• Who was informed

Reports must be factual and clear.

Functional English helps you write in a way that other people can understand and rely on.

3. DE-ESCALATION

Security operatives regularly deal with conflict, distress and challenging behaviour.

Good communication can help prevent a situation from becoming worse.

You may need to:

• Remain calm
• Ask clear questions
• Explain a decision
• Set reasonable boundaries
• Give instructions
• Listen to concerns
• Call for assistance

The right words, delivered clearly and professionally, can support safer conflict management.

4. ASSISTING THE PUBLIC

Security staff may help people who are lost, worried, injured or confused.

This can include customers, passengers, visitors, colleagues and vulnerable people.

You must be able to explain procedures, provide directions and respond professionally.

English is also important when contacting emergency services or passing information to the police, ambulance service or fire and rescue service.

HOW COULD THE INDEPENDENT ENGLISH TEST WORK?

The SIA proposal is for an additional independent assessment of English communication.

This means the assessment would not rely only on a training provider’s internal checks or written qualification work.

The proposed process would work broadly as follows:

1. You decide to start an SIA licence-linked qualification.
2. You complete the required English assessment before or alongside the training process, depending on the final rules.
3. An independent provider assesses your ability to communicate in English.
4. You continue with the required SIA training and qualification assessments.
5. You apply for your SIA licence after meeting the confirmed requirements.

The SIA has not yet confirmed the final structure.

The assessment may focus on practical communication rather than general academic writing. This could include understanding questions, speaking clearly, responding to workplace situations and demonstrating that you can communicate information accurately.

Do not assume that a previous English qualification will automatically remove the requirement.

The proposal is aimed at creating a consistent standard for new applicants. The final rules will confirm whether exemptions or alternative evidence are available.

WHO COULD BE AFFECTED?

The proposal is mainly relevant to new applicants seeking their first SIA licence after the new arrangements are introduced.

This could include people who want to become:

• Door supervisors
• Security officers
• CCTV operators
• Close protection operatives
• Cash and valuables in transit operatives

The proposed new qualifications are expected to launch later in 2027.

Existing licence holders should follow the final SIA guidance when it is published. The current proposal focuses on new applicants and does not indicate that existing valid licences will automatically require the new test.

Refresher and renewal arrangements may be different from first-time applications.

Rules can change during consultation. Check the official SIA consultation page before booking a course or making an application.

WHY FUNCTIONAL SKILLS TRAINING CAN HELP

Functional Skills training develops practical English and maths skills for everyday life, further education and employment.

For security learners, Functional Skills English can help you prepare for:

• Reading course materials
• Understanding workplace instructions
• Answering assessment questions
• Writing incident reports
• Speaking with members of the public
• Communicating with colleagues
• Preparing for an independent English test

Functional Skills Maths can also support security work.

You may need to understand:

• Times and shift patterns
• Dates and incident records
• Simple measurements
• Numbers and quantities
• Percentages
• Basic workplace calculations
• Information shown in tables or schedules

Functional Skills training is not only about passing an assessment.

It helps you perform more confidently in the workplace.

Zems Academy provides vocational training and employability support for learners preparing for work. Visit the Zems Academy training page to view available courses and contact the Academy about Functional Skills options.

SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Use this checklist before starting SIA training.

Communication

• Can you understand clear spoken instructions?
• Can you explain an incident in the correct order?
• Can you give a clear location?
• Can you ask someone to repeat information when necessary?
• Can you speak calmly during a disagreement?
• Can you explain a decision to a member of the public?

Reading

• Can you understand course instructions?
• Can you identify key information in a workplace notice?
• Can you read a timetable or shift plan?
• Can you understand a written incident scenario?
• Can you identify the main points in a policy or procedure?

Writing

• Can you write a short factual incident report?
• Can you use full sentences?
• Can you check spelling and punctuation?
• Can you record names, dates and times accurately?
• Can another person understand your notes without asking for clarification?

Maths

• Can you work with times and dates?
• Can you read basic tables and schedules?
• Can you complete simple calculations?
• Can you check numbers accurately?
• Can you use maths in a workplace situation?

If you cannot confidently complete several points, arrange an assessment before starting your SIA course.

SIA ENGLISH TEST TIMELINE

• 28 August 2026: SIA consultation opens.
• 23 October 2026: Consultation closes at 11:59 pm.
• Winter 2026: Final specifications are expected.
• 2027: New qualifications and assessment arrangements are planned to launch.

Until changes are confirmed, current SIA training and licensing requirements remain in place.

WHAT SHOULD NEW LEARNERS DO NOW?

Do not wait until the final rules are published.

Take these practical steps:

1. Check your current English level.
   Identify whether speaking, reading or writing requires improvement.

2. Book Functional Skills support if needed.
   Build English and maths skills before starting your licence-linked qualification.

3. Practise security-related communication.
   Write short incident reports and explain workplace scenarios aloud.

4. Prepare for assessment conditions.
   Follow instructions, answer clearly and ask for clarification when appropriate.

5. Choose recognised SIA training.
   Review Zems Academy’s Level 2 Door Supervisor Course or Level 2 CCTV Operator course.

6. Monitor official updates.
   The SIA consultation is still open, and final requirements may differ from the current proposal.

BOOK YOUR NEXT STEP WITH ZEMS ACADEMY

Strong English supports safe, professional security work.

Functional Skills training can help you prepare for the proposed English test, complete your SIA qualification and communicate effectively on the job.

Zems Academy delivers security training and workforce development support for learners in Birmingham and across the UK.

Book SIA training. Improve your Functional Skills. Prepare for employment.

Visit Zems Academy, browse available training courses, or contact the Academy to discuss your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SIA English test confirmed?

No. The independent English test is currently a proposal in the SIA’s public consultation. The consultation closes on 23 October 2026. Final specifications are expected in winter 2026.

Who could need to take the test?

The proposal relates to new applicants seeking SIA licence-linked qualifications. The final rules will confirm the exact arrangements.

Will the test replace SIA training?

No. The proposed test would be additional to the required training and qualification assessments.

Can Functional Skills help me prepare?

Yes. Functional Skills English can improve reading, writing, speaking and listening. Functional Skills Maths can support accurate work with times, dates, numbers and schedules.

When are the new qualifications expected?

The SIA expects new qualifications and assessment arrangements to launch later in 2027, subject to the outcome of the consultation.