Please note we have made an adjustment to the name of this course. The content remains the same so you still get the reliable, expert training you’re accustomed to.

As the demand for expertly trained security industry professionals grows GET-LICENSED have devised a new training program that combines a number of existing modules normally taken as separate courses – any candidate who successfully passes all the inclusive modules will qualify for the Certified Security Professional diploma making them part of an elite team of experts.

The Certified Security Professional training diploma program includes:

• Door Supervisor Level 2
• CCTV / Public Space Surveillance Level 2
• Report Writing
• Emergency First Aid Training
• Advanced Physical Intervention Training
• Basic Handcuff Training
• Counter Terrorism Training
• Karv Maga – Self Defence Training including Knife Defence *
• Body Language for Security Professionals *
• Offender ID Spray *

Course modules marked * are optional.

The Certified Security Professional diploma indicates to prospective employers that successful candidates are not only dedicated to their profession, but also that they have the ability to be an entirely flexible member of any expert security team. There are two new developments here which will add to your elite status; Report Writing and Counter Terrorism Training.

Report Writing concentrates on the quality and clarity of team-work communication which, although might seem a relatively standard requirement for any team to function effectively, it is nonetheless one of the most important aspects of security industry training; especially now that the legal obligations of Door Supervisors and CCTV Operators are increasingly recognised as a vital and effective part of crime prevention or detection.

Counter terrorist initiatives are now a part of everyday life; anyone who has passed through an airport recently will know this all too well. The Counter Terrorism Training module is an industry first for Get Licensed but, as a unique training advancement, we have recognised that it will soon become a compulsory requirement for anyone working in the security industry.

The Certified Security Professional diploma will not only provide you with expert knowledge plus fully appropriate and diverse qualifications; this unique industry certification sets candidates apart in far more important ways. Skill is obviously high on the list along with confidence, flexibility, insight and productivity, but there’s a far more radical ingredient to consider here too.

Although all our individual SIA License approved courses are highly recognised in the industry, the Certified Security Professional diploma dramatically improves your chances of employment, placing your CV at the top of the ‘must-see’ pile. In fact we’re confident that this training program will create a new category on any HR Manager’s desk – the ‘have to see!’ one.

A new SIA License telephone renewals service has been launched, which means providing you have the right details and credit card payment facilities you no longer have to complete lengthy forms so the whole process is quicker and more efficient.

The telephone renewals service has been launched after the SIA gathered feedback from license holders who were keen to have a faster process to update their existing licenses without relying on snail-mail. The service will cover renewals of existing licensed roles and if you are switching to another sector providing you match the following criteria:

• You already hold a current license due for renewal
• All your previously supplied identification, such as your passport details, is filed with the SIA and is current
• Your current address details are the same as those on file
• Payment for the new license will be made by credit or debit card

Naturally there will be security procedures in place to ensure that the telephone applicant’s details can be verified which will take approximately 15 minutes. Once all the application details are confirmed and the credit/debit card payment approved the usual background checks, such as criminal records will be made and the license can then be issued.

SIA assistant director of Customer Services and Quality Improvement Christy Hopkins said: “This is part of our drive to simplify and modernise our customer services. Customers have told us they think renewing their licence should be more straightforward and we’ve listened. The telephone service will make the renewal application quicker for licence holders but it is just one of the improvements we are making to our service. Later this year we plan to launch a fully online renewals service which will make it easier for companies to renew on behalf of their staff.”

To find full details, and to take advantage of the new SIA Telephone Renewal service, please click here.

There are widespread reports in the press, indicating some rather dismal predictions with regard to future business growth and unemployment figures; these reports however are not taking into consideration the huge growth sector of the Security Industry.

If you already work in the industry and take an interest what’s happening you’ll already know about the massive security infrastructure that’s been a requirement of the Olympic events where thousands of highly skilled staff are required to not only man the games, but also to provide security long after the event is over and the famous torch has been extinguished.

To keep you in the loop, if you’re not already aware, millions of pounds have already been invested as a tactical plan to ensure the games run smoothly and thousands of Door Supervisors, Security Guards and CCTV Operators are already hard at work.

The former Metropolitan Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, who originally headed up the London Olympic Security Directorate had a staff of 7,000 and managed a £600m budget allocated for the 60 days of the games and was quoted as saying; “Technology has to be a major tool, particularly CCTV. We are installing a technological footprint across London as our first line of security. We cannot police the games without an extensive level of technology. This will be our first level of policing.”

Further technological tools include identity-recognition techniques to monitor the crowds, enhanced car number-plate recognition, and three new helicopters to carry out close surveillance during the games. “The second line of security is police officers and private security firms.” In addition to the obvious security requirement for London and the 200 heads of state who will be attending the opening ceremony there are expected to be over 500,000 security cameras all used in a sixty day co-ordination operation.

In a ‘world first initiative’ tracking technology is also being developed linked to the estimated 9 million tickets that will have the ability to track spectators to and from the stadium as well as rendering the tickets tamper-proof linked directly to the identity of the buyer.

Undoubtedly the security initiatives directed towards the Olympics will have an effect on all future security not only for one-off-events, but also for the future expectations of the industry. This proves how intensely focused the future training and recruitment plans will be for the security sector and will no doubt spark unprecedented interest in the field as an excellent career development choice.

If you, like many people do, were under the impression that Security Industry Training was a third-rate career option it’s easy to appreciate from this commentary just how fascinating and rewarding your future might be once you have your SIA License. Being involved in technological breakthroughs and evolving safety strategy might not be so far out of reach.

Like any profession all it takes to achieve your goals is the dedication and determination to succeed. Use your initial training as a foot-hold into the industry and then concentrate your efforts on further career development plans; success doesn’t cost anything.

There are a surprising number of common application mistakes, and it only takes one of these to have your submission rejected. The form, although fairly complex, is not a test to try and catch you out but should be taken as seriously as the assessment exam for your qualification. Before you dive in at the deep end, when you receive your application form make a few photocopies, complete all of them and have someone reliable to check all the information you are providing is correct; but most importantly that all the questions are answered in full. An obvious outcome of this process is that each photocopy should be exactly the same.

There are portions of the form that you might think are relatively unimportant and their completion should have no bearing as to whether the application is valid; never assume anything of this kind, every question is there for a specific reason and many of what might appear insignificant questions are in fact compulsory but may not be marked as such.

The most common errors

Not submitting the correct number and types of documents. The SIA licensing board will only accept approved documents which are relevant to your application; these may vary for Security Guards, Door Supervisors or CCTV Operators. The best place to check is here: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk and follow the links to Identity Document Checklist. There’s also a handy booklet to download here called: How to fill in your SIA License Application Form, the download costs nothing use it wisely.

Question B2 on the form is frequently overlooked, although it may not be marked as mandatory you must answer this question. It’s a tick box asking yes or no to the question; ‘Have you ever been issued with an application or license number not listed above?’ It’s easily ignored and not answering could cost you your license.

You’ll find a section on the form for Counter-Signatories. Be sure that whoever is counter signing for you provides all the information required as well as signing and dating the back of your photograph. Full details are in the download booklet.

Another very simple question that’s often by-passed is; ‘Do you have a current overseas Passport?’ This question requires a simple yes or no in the tick boxes and again is a compulsory answer.

Last but not least, and vitally important are your address details for the last five years, there must be no gaps between the dates here. If you’ve lived at the same address for the last five years then it’s simple, if not and you’re unsure of the exact dates get some help to refresh your memory. Don’t forget the photocopy exercise you can make as many mistakes as you like on these but not on the actual submission.

As well as the useful booklet download from the website above there is also an example of an accurately completed form to assist you but remember it’s your personal information that’s required not the copied content of the example.

If you’re not entirely confident completing the form the Get Licensed team provides a service dedicated to helping all our qualified candidates to complete the application form, don’t be afraid to ask us for help.

“We already have a whole raft of social networking initiatives where candidates can go to find excellent career information and news like, Twitter, FaceBook, Google+ and of course our news items on the main Get Licensed site.

To complement all these projects we’re now consolidating all our information into one place. We’re hoping that as the site grows our trainees will use it as a base to find helpful information, including interview planning and training advice.

More importantly the site will be highlighting networking possibilities at events throughout the UK where our qualified trainees and existing candidates can meet important figures in the industry.

Although The Gl Focus is still in its infancy, judging by the extraordinary visits and comments we’ve had so far it’s set to be a huge asset for Get Licensed and all our trainees new and existing”

Paul Delve PR Manager Get Licensed

To find out more log on to www.theglfocus.com

What does the course cover?

This is a QCF course and has four Units, you must complete and pass all units to gain the qualification.

Unit1: Working in the private security industry

Unit2: Working as a Door Supervisor

Unit3: Conflict Management

Unit4: Physical Intervention

What kind of a job can do after I get my SIA Licence?

You can work as a Security guard in retail stores like Tesco, Sainsbury, Waitrose or work as a Door Supervisor for bars, nightclubs, concerts and events.

How do i apply for SIA Licence:

Simple and straightforward, once you have passed your SIA course, fill the SIA application form and send it to the SIA with £225, yes thats the 3 year fee for the SIA Licence. The SIA will check your qualification, and do a CRB check before issuing you with the licence.

Why do I have to do the course with Get Licensed?

Get Licensed has been offering SIA Licence security training since last 6 years and has trained over 50,000 people. We have some of the best instructors offering Door Supervisor and other security courses, and we pride ourselves for our good customer service.

Can you please tell me more about the content of the course?

The course covers topics like health and safety, fire safety, drugs awareness, conflict management, law, terrorism awareness, physical intervention and the law, reasonable force, this course is 60% theory, 40% practical and we try to make it as much fun as possible.

You will have the option to attend a weekday or a weekend course, we are well aware of the traffic and train delays in a metropolis like London and for your convenience we run these SIA Licence training courses in Central London, Southall, Wembley, Woodgreen, Hendon, Southwark, Waterloo, Brixton, Croydon, Lewisham, Ilford, East Ham and Walthamstow.

Our SIA training in London and other cities are delivered by some of UK’s best instructors who have relevant working experience and also know how to engage the class and make this course fun. In our recent satisfactio survey 97% people said they were happy about the training they received and would recommend Get Licensed.

If you are looking to change your career, start a new career or simply get an SIA Licence to do some part time work, this is the right time to attend one of our SIA Training in London.

See you on a course soon.

Our vision is to be the UK’s No.1 provider of high quality security training leading to sustainable employment for our customers.

Below you will find some reviews from people who have attended our courses over the last 3 months, these reviews have been taken from Qype and can also be viewed there.

Up to £2,000 is available a year under this scheme with a 20% contribution from each individual. The funds are only awarded to accredited Level 3 (or above) training programs and the courses must be studied through an ELCAS official training provider and Get-Licensed are fully MOD approved.

To qualify for the ELCAS program ask for details when booking your course. It’s not a complicated process, but to qualify you will need to apply to ELCAS quoting a provider number. You’ll then receive a Claim Authorisation Note or CAN which we will need when you enrol. The Get Licensed Teacher Training Academy is an excellent guidance facility renowned for its influential work in the private training sector, especially in the security industry, as one of the most trusted organisations delivering training for SIA licensing.

A PTLLS qualification with Get Licensed is based on 30 classroom and 30 non-classroom learning hours. Our criteria centres around delivering expert tuition so candidates have the confidence to deliver on every required front.

You may have noticed on our main landing page the ELC logo and wondered what it means. ELC stands for Enhanced Learning Credits which is funding made available by the Ministry of Defence for ex-service personnel looking to re-establish their careers as part of the MOD’s resettlement program.

Up to £2,000 is available a year under this scheme with a 20% contribution from each individual. The funds are only awarded to accredited Level 3 (or above) training programs and the courses must be studied through an ELCAS official training provider which, as the logo tells you, Get-Licensed are fully MOD approved.

To qualify for the ELCAS program ask for details when you book your course with us. It’s not a complicated process, but to qualify you will need to apply to ELCAS quoting our provider number which is 3474. You’ll then receive a Claim Authorisation Note or CAN which we will need when you enrol.

To describe just how successful resettlement can be, our PR Manager Paul talked to Mark Keogh the Training Manager at Get-Licensed.

P. So Mark where did your career start off?

M. I joined the RAF in 1988 and used my time there to develop skills that would have been difficult to do accomplish in the private sector. Over a period of twenty two years I clocked up twelve specialist training qualifications such as NVQ Assessor, Defence Tactics Instructor and a Level 3 First Line Management Certificate.

P. Did you achieve any particular awards?

M. Yes, but lots of people do, you don’t do your job in the forces to win awards really, what you do is part of the work. I was awarded a Provost Marshall RAF Commendation for saving lives in a fire in Germany, but don’t forget it was a team effort too.

P. When you ended your time with the RAF was it a difficult transition to civilian life?

M. I’d be misleading you if I said no, when you’ve worked in such a structured environment and you’re no longer with your team you do feel slightly cast adrift. I was lucky enough to carry on working in training and personal development as an Advanced Training Instructor with a Police School. I was Course Administrator responsible for the level 2 and 3 Criminal Investigation program whilst I was still in the Military. Get-Licensed helped me with the transition through their excellent training taught by ex military personnel like myself. Military expertise is very similar to Get-Licensed and security industry values; they saw my potential and offered me a training management position.

P. You’d definitely say then that your past in the RAF helped your career?

M. It’s interesting you ask that question. Like I said earlier, aside from awards or accolades it’s all about operating as a team, if someone throws the ball you’ve got to be relied on to catch it. I come across ex service personnel all the time who forget how important their reliability, humility or motivations were. Putting aside the fact you might have been a member of the armed forces, sit down and list all the positive things the forces taught you, at the top of the list, I’d hope, is bound to be teamwork, you can’t read a book or sit an exam to get those collaborative skills. I’ve got over 22 years of theoretical, operational and managerial experience under my belt, but good co-operation and communication are still high on my list of priorities.

P. I’ve seen your CV and your qualifications are very impressive, but what training did you do to compliment your RAF background and find yourself as a Training Manager?

M. In 2007 I took a BTEC Level 4 Certificate that qualifies me to teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector run by Get-Licensed. Obviously the goal in sight was to pass on my past expertise, but without this level of qualification you can’t enter teaching, at least not in my specialist sector which is now the security industry.

P. What’s your role now?

M. I manage a team of 16 trainers responding to the Get-Licensed Directors and ensuring that the courses I’m involved with meet all their requisite compliance levels. I’m actively involved in training CCTV Operators, because of my background in Criminal Investigation, but I also train Door Supervisors, Physical Intervention and First Aid and PTTLS courses which I also asses.

P. Would you say the ELC program benefits ex service personnel?

M. Absolutely yes, but it’s not a hand out you have to be committed. The ELC initiative is an excellent way to put everything you’ve learned during your time in the forces into practice and use all those skills to your advantage.

We could have chatted for hours but Mark’s a busy guy. To sum up, Martina Navratilova, winner of over 18 grand slam tennis titles was once quoted as saying, “Whoever said, ‘participating is more important than winning’, didn’t want to win.” Reading what Mark has to say clearly defines this quote.

The ELC program will open up a lot of opportunities for you to find yourself in a winning career. If you’re an ex service person looking to improve your skills even further, contact our help desk for more information.