This qualification is aimed at individuals wishing to apply for a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to work as a security officer.  This qualification is based on the relevant SIA specification for learning and qualifications and is supported by Skills for Security, the standards setting body for the security industry and the SIA, which regulates the private security industry.

Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry.

Security operatives are likely in the course of their work to be required to make calls to the emergency services, or for example communicate to resolve conflict. It is essential that security operatives can communicate effectively in English. Each learner is sufficiently competent in the use of the English and/or Welsh language. All assessment must be conducted in the medium of English.
Learners should, as a minimum, have language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening equivalent to a B2 Level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is aimed at individuals wishing to apply for a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to work as a security officer.  This qualification is based on the relevant SIA specification for learning and qualifications and is supported by Skills for Security, the standards setting body for the security industry and the SIA, which regulates the private security industry.

How long will it take?

To complete this qualification learners should expect to undertake approximately 42 hours of learning. The SIA stipulates a minimum of 29 contact hours, it is delivered over 5 days including a first aid qualification on day one, with a large amount of pre-course reading and written tasks to complete. Full details will be sent out to you.

Topics covered

These include the main characteristics of the private security industry, the importance of safe working practices to comply with legal requirements, the role of a security officer within the private security industry, the law relevant to the role of a security officer, how to recognise, assess and reduce risk in conflict situations and good practice to follow after conflict situations.

Assessment method

Unit 1 - Principles of working in the private security industry

• 70-question multiple-choice examination paper.
• Successful candidates must achieve a score of at least 49 out of 70.
• Examination duration – 105 minutes.
• Written completion of an evidential statement.
• Guided learning hours for this unit are 17 hours.

Unit 2 - Principles of working as a security officer in the private security industry

• 60-question multiple-choice examination paper.
• Successful candidates must achieve a score of at least 42 out of 60.
• Examination duration – 90 minute.
• Observation of searching and using communications devices.
• Guided learning hours for this unit are 10 hours.

Unit 3 - Application of conflict management in the private security industry.

• 20-question multiple-choice examination paper.
• Successful candidates must achieve a score of at least 14 out of 20.
• Examination duration – 30 minutes.
• One practical scenario.
• Guided learning hours for this unit are 11 hours.

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