SIA and BIIAB: What Learners and Employers Need to Know Before Booking Security Training

The Security Industry Authority has announced that it is ending its endorsement of BIIAB as an awarding body for SIA licence-linked qualifications. For learners, employers and referral partners, the immediate issue is simple: before booking SIA training, you should check that the qualification will be accepted for licensing.

This is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to be careful. SIA licence-linked training is an important public protection safeguard. Learners need confidence that the course they pay for will support their licence application, and employers need confidence that staff have completed legitimate, recognised training.

What has changed?

On 15 July 2026, the SIA announced that it had given notice to terminate its recognition agreement with the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body, known as BIIAB. The SIA stated that BIIAB should not register any new learners for SIA licence-linked training and that BIIAB must not issue new licence-linked qualifications from 10 August 2026.

The SIA has also published learner guidance explaining what this means for people who already hold a BIIAB qualification, people who have completed training but are waiting for their qualification, and people who have booked training but have not yet attended.

If you already have a BIIAB qualification

The SIA guidance says that if BIIAB has already awarded your qualification, it will still be accepted where normal SIA conditions are met. For example, this may apply if you are applying for a licence for the first time and it is less than three years since you received the qualification, or if you are applying for a licence you have held before and it is less than three years since your previous licence was active.

If you are unsure whether your qualification is visible in your SIA account or whether it can be used for your licence application, you should check your SIA account and refer directly to the official SIA guidance.

If you have completed training but are waiting for the qualification

The SIA says that some learners who have completed training may still be waiting while BIIAB and Ofqual carry out additional quality assurance checks. In these cases, learners are advised to contact BIIAB directly. The SIA also explains that learners will not be able to apply for a licence until the qualification appears in their SIA account.

This matters because completing a course and holding a recognised qualification are not the same thing. For SIA licensing, the qualification needs to be awarded and uploaded into the licensing system.

If you have booked training but have not yet attended

If you have booked a course but have not yet completed the training, the SIA advises checking with the training provider that the course is still going ahead. You should also ask which awarding organisation will issue the qualification and whether that awarding organisation remains recognised for the relevant SIA licence-linked qualification.

Do not rely only on course titles, adverts or informal assurances. Before paying for a course, learners should ask clear questions and keep written confirmation where possible.

What learners should check before booking SIA training

Which SIA licence the course is linked to, such as Door Supervisor, Security Officer or CCTV.
Which awarding organisation will issue the qualification.
Whether the awarding organisation is currently accepted for the qualification.
Whether the course includes the required contact time, assessment and practical elements.
Whether the provider gives clear joining instructions, assessment information and support.
Whether the provider explains the difference between completing training and applying for the SIA licence.

What employers should check

Employers buying security training should treat this as a useful reminder to review training supply chains. Low-cost training that does not stand up to regulatory scrutiny can create operational, reputational and staffing risks.

Employers should check which awarding body is being used, how learner identity and assessment integrity are managed, how practical assessments are delivered, and how training records are retained. Where training is used to support deployment, recruitment or contract mobilisation, employers should also confirm that learners understand the licence application process and timescales.

Why quality assurance matters in security training

SIA licence-linked training exists because frontline security operatives have responsibilities that affect public safety. Door supervisors, security officers and CCTV operators may be required to manage conflict, support vulnerable people, communicate with emergency services, respond to incidents and make dynamic decisions under pressure.

For that reason, security training should not be treated as a box-ticking exercise. Good training helps learners understand their responsibilities, gives employers greater confidence in deployment, and supports the wider reputation of the private security industry.

How NGTC can help

NGTC delivers security and public safety training for learners, employers and partners. Our approach is based on practical learning, clear guidance and professional standards. If you are unsure which SIA-linked route is right for you, or if your organisation needs support planning compliant workforce training, NGTC can help you understand the options before you commit.

For individual learners, that may mean choosing the right licence-linked qualification. For employers, it may mean reviewing current training needs across door supervision, security guarding, spectator safety, conflict management, safeguarding or wider workforce development.

If you have questions about SIA training or employer workforce development, contact NGTC for practical guidance.

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