Learner Entry & Identification Requirements

This policy sets out what every learner must have in place before training starts. The requirements come from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Highfield Qualifications; we are audited on them and cannot make exceptions.

1. Requirements by course

Requirement	DS / SG full	DS / SG refresher	CCTV	First aid	Pit Barrier
Minimum age on start date	18	18	18	16	18
English at CEFR B1 or above	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Valid first aid certificate, 12+ months remaining	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
ACT Awareness + ACT Security, within 12 months	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Highfield e-learning completed	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Original photo ID + 2 proofs of address	Yes	Yes	Yes	Photo ID only	Photo ID only
Current relevant SIA licence and post-2021 qualification	No	Yes	No	No	No

2. Identity verification

• Identity is verified from original documents on day one and before every examination. Photocopies, scans and phone images are not accepted. The documents must be in the name used at booking; a marriage certificate or deed poll is required to link different names.
• Group A (photographic) — one of: current signed passport; current UK/EU photocard driving licence; biometric residence permit or immigration status document with photograph; EU/EEA national identity card.
• Group B (address, dated within 3 months) — two of, both showing the same address: utility bill (not mobile phone); bank or building society statement; council tax bill or letter; HMRC, DWP or local authority letter; mortgage statement or signed tenancy agreement.
• We record the type and reference of each document checked and retain that record as required by Highfield. See Policy 13 for how ID data is handled.
• A learner who cannot produce acceptable ID is not admitted, and Policy 1 clause 6 applies.

3. English language

The SIA requires learners on licence-linked qualifications to communicate in English at CEFR level B1 or above across speaking, listening, reading and writing. We assess this through the pre-course conversation and, where needed, a short written task before training starts. Examinations are in English and cannot be translated or read aloud except as an approved reasonable adjustment (Policy 7).

4. First aid certificates

• Accepted: Emergency First Aid at Work (Level 3 RQF), First Aid at Work (Level 3 RQF), or another qualification listed by the SIA as equivalent.
• Must be valid with at least 12 months remaining on the start date, issued by a regulated awarding organisation or an HSE-compliant provider, and assessed by a trainer. CPD-only, unassessed or online-only certificates are not accepted.
• Certificates are verified before the course. Where we cannot verify a certificate we will ask for the provider’s details; if it cannot be verified the learner must complete an accepted first aid course before starting.

5. Refresher eligibility

• Door Supervisor Refresher: current (or recently expired) SIA Door Supervisor licence and either the post-April-2021 Door Supervisor qualification or the Door Supervisor Top-Up.
• Security Guarding Refresher: current (or recently expired) SIA Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence and a post-April-2021 Security Guarding or Door Supervisor qualification, or the relevant Top-Up.
• Learners without a post-April-2021 qualification or Top-Up must complete the full qualification. We check the SIA register and the qualification certificate before registration.

6. Recognition of prior learning

A learner who has achieved the unit “Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry” within a Highfield or other SIA-endorsed qualification after April 2021 may have that unit credited towards a second qualification (for example Door Supervisor to CCTV). Evidence — the certificate and unit breakdown — must be provided before booking is confirmed. Units from qualifications awarded before April 2021 cannot be credited.