If you already hold a door supervisor licence, you do not have to repeat the full course to renew it. You take a shorter refresher instead. This guide explains who needs it, what you must have before you book, and what the course involves.
The short version: to renew a door supervisor licence you need the Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher), and an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or equivalent) that is valid for at least another 12 months. You can apply to renew up to 4 months before your licence expires.
Who needs the refresher?
Anyone renewing a door supervisor licence needs the refresher, in addition to the licence-linked qualification they already hold. You do not have to retake training you have already completed.
If your licence has already expired, GOV.UK says older qualifications are accepted only if it has been less than 3 years since you last held a door supervisor licence, and you also hold the refresher. If it has been longer, check with the SIA or a training provider what you need before you book anything.
An expired licence cannot be renewed: you apply for a new one. Our renewal guide covers that.
The first aid rule
You need a first aid qualification before you can take the refresher. It must be an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or an equivalent, and it must be valid for at least another 12 months. You show it to your training provider when you register.
So check the date on your first aid certificate before you book. If it runs out within a year, you will need to renew your first aid first, or the provider cannot take you.
What does the course involve?
The qualification is made up of two refresher units: one on the principles of working as a door supervisor, and one on applying physical intervention skills. Awarding bodies list it as 21 guided learning hours with a minimum of 11 hours 15 minutes of contact time with a trainer. It is assessed with multiple-choice exams and a practical assessment.
How it is delivered varies by provider. Some run it as a couple of days in a classroom, and some combine online study at home with classroom days. Ask the provider how long you will need to give it and when the first aid is included.
How much does it cost?
The course fee is set by each training provider and varies by area and format, so compare a few. It is separate from the £204 SIA licence fee, which you pay when you apply to renew. Compare refresher courses by price, location and date on the Praesova training marketplace.
Switching to a security guard licence
When you renew, you can take the security guard refresher (the Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)) and switch to a security guard licence instead. The same first aid requirement applies. A security guard licence does not cover door supervision, so only switch if you are happy to stop working on the door.
What no longer counts
The old "top-up" qualifications are no longer accepted, as of 1 April 2026. Make sure the course your provider offers is the current refresher, not an older top-up.
A simple plan
- Check your licence expiry date and your first aid certificate date today.
- If your first aid has less than 12 months left, renew it first.
- Book the refresher well before you want to apply. Popular dates fill up.
- Apply to renew on GOV.UK once you are within 4 months of expiry. Any time you have left is added to the new licence.
Quick questions
Do I need to retake the full door supervisor course to renew?
No. If your licence is still valid you take the refresher, as long as you also hold a first aid qualification valid for at least another 12 months.
How long is the door supervisor refresher?
Awarding bodies list it as 21 guided learning hours, with at least 11 hours 15 minutes of contact time. Providers deliver it in different ways, so ask how it is split.
Do I need first aid for the refresher?
Yes. You need an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (or equivalent) valid for at least another 12 months before you take it, and you show it when you register.
Can I take the refresher if my licence has expired?
Possibly, if it has been less than 3 years since you last held a licence and you hold the refresher. An expired licence cannot be renewed, so you would apply for a new one. Check with the SIA if unsure.
Can I switch to a security guard licence?
Yes. At renewal you can take the security guard refresher and switch, but a security guard licence does not let you work as a door supervisor.
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