Course overview
Refresh your skills. Prepare for renewal.
Complete your Security Guard refresher at our Paisley centre, with practical training, clear preparation advice and first aid available from the same team.
Practical refresher training · Paisley training centre · First aid available
Reviews of Skills Training Group across all our courses.
Choose your refresher option
Security Guard refresher
£132 including VAT (£110 excluding VAT)
One day of refresher training. Choose this if you already have an accepted first-aid certificate with at least 12 months remaining.
Refresher + first aid
£198 including VAT (£165 excluding VAT)
Add Emergency First Aid at Work for £66 including VAT. First aid is completed before refresher training, with additional attendance required. Call to arrange all dates.
The SIA licence application fee is separate: currently £204, paid to the SIA. Completing training does not renew your licence automatically.
Is this the right course for you?
This refresher is for Security Guard licence renewals and Door Supervisor licence holders switching to Security Guarding. You must already hold the relevant full licence-linked qualification. If your licence has expired, contact us with its type and expiry date before booking; the refresher route generally applies when you held an active relevant licence within the last three years.
New to security, or last held that licence more than three years ago? View the full Security Guard course or call us to check your route.
Before you attend
- Be aged 18 or over and bring the original identity documents specified in your joining instructions.
- Provide evidence of your licence and previous security qualification as requested.
- Have an accepted EFAW or equivalent certificate with at least 12 months’ validity remaining when training starts.
- Complete both ACT Awareness and ACT Security e-learning within the last year and bring your certificates.
Unsure about a certificate? Call 0141 889 4516 before booking so we can help you check.
What your refresher covers
One day of classroom and practical training refreshes three key areas of security work.
Terror threat awareness
Recognise suspicious activity, report concerns and respond appropriately to a potential threat.
Safe, lawful searching
Refresh consent, search procedures, handling refusals and responding to prohibited items. Practise and demonstrate your searching skills.
Protecting vulnerable people
Recognise when someone may be at risk, respond professionally and seek appropriate support.
How you are assessed
Assessment includes multiple-choice examinations and a practical searching assessment. There is no physical-intervention unit on this Security Guard refresher. All required assessments must be passed.
Your refresher qualification
Pass the required assessments to achieve your Security Guard refresher qualification.
Your licence application
Once your qualification is confirmed, apply separately to the SIA. It checks your eligibility and makes the licensing decision.
Your training venue in Paisley
Train at our Paisley academy, near Glasgow, with classroom space for your course, free on-site parking and two railway stations within walking distance.
Skills Training Group
Units 1–3, 5 Murray StreetPaisley, Renfrewshire
PA3 1QG
- Free on-site parking
- Approximately 9 minutes’ walk from Paisley Gilmour Street
- Direct trains from Glasgow Central
Use the map to explore the location, or open directions to plan your journey.
Driving & parking
Enter PA3 1QG in your sat nav and head to 5 Murray Street. Free on-site parking is available at the centre.
Plan your route before setting off and allow time for traffic and parking before your course starts.
Travelling by train
Paisley Gilmour Street is approximately a 9-minute walk away. Direct trains from Glasgow Central average 11 minutes.
Paisley St James is approximately a 10-minute walk from the centre.
Travelling by bus
Nearby stops include Fountain Gardens on Caledonia Street and stops on Greenock Road.
Enter PA3 1QG in McGill’s journey planner to find your route, nearest stop and current departures.
Walking and train times are approximate. Check services for your course dates. For help finding the centre or to discuss access requirements, call 0141 889 4516.
Need a different course?
Full Security Guard training
For new entrants and people who need the full qualification.
Renewing a Door Supervisor licence?
Choose Door Supervisor refresher training to retain that licence’s wider coverage.
Feedback on our SIA refresher training
Selected excerpts from SIA refresher training reviews on Trustpilot.
5 out of 5
any issues or questions from the attendees were explained in depth and crystal clear
5 out of 5
Trevor had excellent communication skills and was honest and friendly in all parts of the course
Your refresher questions answered
Do I need refresher training if I already did a top-up?
Yes. The current refresher is required for licence renewal, even if you previously completed top-up training. It updates safety-critical skills before you renew.
Can I attend if my licence has expired?
You may be eligible if you held the relevant licence within the last three years and have the full qualification. Tell us your licence type and expiry date before booking. You cannot carry out licensable work with an expired licence.
Can I book without a current first-aid certificate?
Yes—we can arrange first aid before your refresher. Call to book both and confirm the additional attendance date. An existing certificate must meet the requirements and have at least 12 months remaining.
Is the course fully online?
No. Complete your ACT e-learning before attending, then join us in person for the refresher and practical assessments.
What are the daily hours?
Your refresher runs over one day. Check the available dates and confirm daily start and finish times before arranging time off. First aid, if needed, requires additional attendance.
Is the SIA renewal fee included?
No. Refresher training costs £132 including VAT, or £198 including VAT with first aid. The SIA application fee is currently £204, paid separately.
What happens if I need support or a retake?
Contact us before booking to discuss learning support, access needs or practical-assessment concerns. We can explain available adjustments, retake arrangements and any charges.
When should I book before my licence expires?
Allow time for preparation, training, results and the SIA application. Ask us about current qualification timescales and check the SIA renewal guidance. Course completion alone does not extend your licence.
Can I switch from a Door Supervisor licence?
Yes. Door Supervisor licence holders can take Security Guard refresher training and apply for a Security Guard licence. That licence will not cover door-supervision duties requiring a Door Supervisor licence. Contact us to check this is the right change for your work.
Plan your refresher before renewal
Choose your course date, or call us to check your certificates and arrange first aid.