A security guard licence needs the Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry: the licence says guard, the qualification says officer.[1] These papers and practice questions cover what that qualification assesses, and the qualification itself is gained through an approved training provider.[2]
The SIA guidance and the Pearson specification quoted here apply across the UK.
The work the qualification prepares you for
Pearson’s specification names retail, corporate, asset protection, educational establishments and the health and care sector as settings for security officer roles.[3] The responsibilities it lists run from protecting life and deterring crime to controlling who comes on and off a site.[4]
Its security guarding topics include:[5]
Before you book the course
Skills you show in person
The specification asks you to demonstrate searching people and their property, including a pat-down search, rather than describe it.[12]
That is assessed on the course. See what online practice can and cannot do.
What this guide does not cover
- Exams set by any awarding organisation other than Pearson. Their formats are not verified here.
- The practical demonstrations, which are assessed in person.
Where to go next
Sources
Each passage below is quoted from the copy of the document we checked on the date shown. Follow the link to read it in full on the publisher’s site.
Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry
1. Security Industry AuthorityCheck what training you need to get an SIA licence (opens in a new tab)Qualification for a security guard licenceUK wide · Checked 12 Sept 2026You must get your training from an approved training provider.
2. Security Industry AuthorityCheck what training you need to get an SIA licence (opens in a new tab)Search for a training providerUK wide · Checked 12 Sept 2026Retail; Corporate; Asset protection; Educational establishments; Health and care sector (NHS).
3. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 1.1, page 71UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Protect life; Prevent and deter crime; Prevent loss; Protect property and assets; Respond to incidents and emergencies; Control site access/egress
4. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 1.2, page 71UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026State the purpose of access and egress control
5. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 2.1, page 73UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Identify how the different types of electronic and physical protection system can support the security officer role
6. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 3.1, page 76UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Identify responsibilities for personal safety at work
7. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 4.1, page 79UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026Identify a security officer’s right to search
8. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.2, page 87UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026State the purposes of patrolling; To ensure all is in order; Visual deterrent
9. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 7.1, page 96UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026You must have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for a full qualification or the refresher qualification. Your first aid qualification must be valid for at least another 12 months.
10. Security Industry AuthorityCheck what training you need to get an SIA licence (opens in a new tab)Qualification for a security guard licenceUK wide · Checked 12 Sept 2026If you are renewing your security guard licence or you held a security guard licence within the last 3 years, then you must hold both of the following: a full licence-linked qualification the ‘Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)’ qualification
11. Security Industry AuthorityCheck what training you need to get an SIA licence (opens in a new tab)Qualification for a security guard licenceUK wide · Checked 12 Sept 2026Demonstrate how to search people and their property
12. Pearson Education LimitedBTEC Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry: Specification (opens in a new tab)Unit 2, criterion 6.7, page 90UK wide · Checked 5 Sept 2026
SIA Mock Test UK is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the Security Industry Authority, GOV.UK or any awarding organisation. Practice questions are original and are not live exam questions. This service does not replace mandatory licence-linked training, practical assessment or first-aid requirements. Always confirm current requirements with GOV.UK, your approved training provider and your awarding organisation.
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