This qualification includes key areas that will bring current licence holders up to date with the new licence-linked qualifications requirements.

Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Top Up) is designed to show that learners have obtained and can demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be a Security Officer.

The primary purpose of the qualification is to confirm occupational competence. However, employers can also rely on the knowledge provided as meeting nationally recognised standards within security at this level. As such the sub-purpose is to confirm the ability to meet a ‘licence to practise’ or other legal requirements made by the relevant sector, professional or industry body.

Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, all security officers must hold a licence to practise issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Successful completion of this course enables a security officer to meet one of the requirements to apply for their licence.