An SIA Course, or security guard classes taken at an SIA accredited security training centre, will basically cover the same information in the same formats. The SIA, or Security Industry Authority, has developed set standards for the information covered in security training classroom course, as well as the training exercises which take place in the practical training portions of an SIA course. This ensures that all security guard candidates receive the same education and skills training, which in turn results in a higher standard of quality personnel within the security industry.
While you can work in the security industry before having your security licence, there are certain job duties which you will not, by law, be allowed to perform until you have a licence. This is the reason why many who work in security are stuck in entry level positions, as advancement in the field will require you to be licensed and licensure can only be obtain after completing an SIA security course.
An SIA course can include sections on all of the following, though the type of training you receive will depend on previous experience and education, as well as the type of security jobs you plan to work in, as there are difference licenses available and the security classes you choose prepare you for achieving a particular security license.
- Physical Intervention Training – this security class will teach you how to safely take down and restrain a suspect. It focuses on intervention that will keep you, the suspect and the general public from harm.
- Security Guarding – this course covers all the aspects of basic security guarding, including everything from keeping a security log to patrolling a building or premises.
- Door Supervisor – this particular security class focuses on training guards to monitor entrances. It covers the search and checking in of visitors, as well as the observation and readiness measures which must be employed by door supervisors.
- Close Protection – this course is designed for those who will be providing protection to an individual or a high profile asset in public settings or in transit.
- Public Space Surveillance – covering closed-circuit television monitoring as well as active public crowd surveillance, this course is required of most security guards, regardless of specific job.
- Key Holding – any security guard who will be working in a facility that has locked entrances and limited admittance areas will need to take a course in key holding.
- Vehicle Immobiliser – security guards who are responsible for patrolling parking lots, garages or any other private, non-roadway, premises may need to take a vehicle immobilizer security class.
- Cash and Valuables in Transit – only those guards who will be traveling with assets or valuable in order to provide protection for property will need to take this class.
