Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence Top-Up, Refresher and Continuing Competence Syllabus

Top-Up, Refresher and Continuing Competence syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Top-Up, Refresher and Continuing Competence in Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   First Aid Requirement for Licence-Linked Qualifications

   3 topics

   • Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) requirement
     • Why EFAW is a prerequisite for the licence-linked training
     • Acceptable qualifications and validity
   • Core first aid competencies
     • Primary survey, CPR and use of an AED
     • Choking, bleeding, shock and unconsciousness
   • Recording and reporting first aid incidents
2. 2

   Door Supervisor and Security Officer Top-Up Training

   3 topics

   • Why top-up training was introduced
     • Counter-terrorism, safeguarding and physical intervention updates
     • Who needs to complete the top-up for licence renewal
   • Refreshed legislation and licensing changes
   • Updated physical intervention requirements (door supervisor)
3. 3

   Licence Application, Renewal and Maintaining Standards

   3 topics

   • Applying for and renewing an SIA licence
     • Identity and right-to-work checks
     • Criminality and disclosure considerations
   • Continuing professional development
     • Keeping knowledge current
     • Approved Contractor Scheme and employer standards
   • Fitness to practise and conduct issues

Top-Up, Refresher and Continuing Competence flashcards for Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence

20 of 51 cards from the Top-Up, Refresher and Continuing Competence deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What does the abbreviation EFAW stand for in SIA training requirements?

   Emergency First Aid at Work — a recognised first aid qualification that door supervisors and security officers must hold (or obtain) before applying for or renewing their licence-linked training.

2. Why is an EFAW (or equivalent) qualification required before completing SIA door supervisor or security guarding training?

   Because the SIA made a valid emergency first aid qualification a mandatory prerequisite, ensuring frontline operatives can respond to medical emergencies (e.g. choking, bleeding, unconsciousness) commonly encountered in security work.

3. How long is a typical Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate valid before it must be renewed?

   3 years from the date of issue.

4. Name three SIA-equivalent qualifications that can satisfy the first aid requirement instead of EFAW.

   First Aid at Work (FAW), Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), and the Award in Emergency First Aid at Work — plus other Ofqual-regulated first aid awards of equivalent level/duration.

5. What is the minimum guided learning time commonly associated with an EFAW course?

   A minimum of 6 hours (typically delivered over 1 day).

6. In the primary survey of a casualty, what does the mnemonic DR ABC stand for?

   Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

7. What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio in adult CPR taught in EFAW?

   30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths ($30:2$).

8. What rate of chest compressions per minute is recommended during adult CPR?

   Between $100$ and $120$ compressions per minute.

9. What compression depth is recommended for an adult during CPR?

   At least $5\,\text{cm}$ but no more than $6\,\text{cm}$.

10. What position should an unconscious casualty who IS breathing normally be placed in?

    The recovery position (on their side, with the airway open and head tilted to allow drainage).

11. What first aid technique is used to treat an adult who is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe?

    Alternating sets of up to 5 back blows (between the shoulder blades) and up to 5 abdominal thrusts until the obstruction clears.

12. What does the acronym FAST stand for when recognising a stroke?

    Face (drooping), Arms (weakness), Speech (slurred), Time (to call emergency services).

13. How should severe external bleeding be controlled as a first aid priority?

    Apply direct pressure to the wound, elevate the injured part if possible, and apply a dressing; maintain pressure and call for emergency help.

14. What are the first aid steps for treating shock in a casualty?

    Lay the casualty down, raise and support their legs, keep them warm and calm, loosen tight clothing, do not give food or drink, and monitor while awaiting an ambulance.

15. What does AED stand for, and what is its purpose?

    Automated External Defibrillator — a device that analyses heart rhythm and delivers a controlled electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in cardiac arrest.

16. What is the recommended first aid for a minor burn?

    Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove jewellery/clothing near the area (unless stuck), and cover loosely with cling film or a sterile non-fluffy dressing.

17. What are the three priorities of a first aider summarised as the 'three Ps'?

    Preserve life, Prevent the condition worsening, and Promote recovery.

18. Why must first aiders avoid moving a casualty with a suspected spinal injury unless absolutely necessary?

    Because movement can worsen spinal cord damage; the casualty should be kept still with the head supported in the neutral position unless there is immediate danger to life.

19. What information should a first aider record after dealing with an incident?

    Date and time, casualty's name and details, what happened, the injury/illness, treatment given, the first aider's name, and the outcome (e.g. ambulance called, returned to work).

20. Under UK law, where are work-related first aid and accident details typically recorded?

    In an accident book (which must comply with data protection requirements) and/or an organisation's incident reporting system.

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