Qualification Overview

OFQUAL QUALIFICATION NUMBER

603/5512/8

PURPOSE AND AIM OF QUALIFICATIONS

Pre-requisite for those seeking to work as a security officer in the private security industry.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age for registration is 16. Note, individuals must be 18 before they can apply for an SIA licence.
Learners must be able to communicate effectively in English (speaking, listening, reading and writing). Learners should as a minimum have English language skills equivalent to:
‍
• a B2 level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications
• B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Language (CEFR)
• an ESOL qualification at (Level 1) on the Ofqual registertaken in England,Wales or NorthernIreland
• an ESOL qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)and taken in Scotland
• Functional Skills Level 1 in English
• SQA Core Skills in Communication at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Level 5
• Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1

Learners must have achieved the Level 3 RQF/QCF Level 6 SCQF Emergency First Aid at Work EFAW qualification or equivalent. First Aid certificates presented by learners must be valid for at least 12 months from the start date of their door supervisor training course.

TOTAL QUALIFICATION TIME (TQT)

The Total Qualification Time for this qualification is 42. Total Qualification Time represents the totaltime a learner may take to achieve the qualification, including both guided learning and all other learning.

UNITS

To achieve the qualification, the learner must achieve all of the following three units:

• Principles Of Working In The Private Security Industry
• Principles Of Working As A Security Officer In The Private Security Industry
• Application Of Conflict Management In The Private Security Industry

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is by multiple choice examination, practical demonstration and trainer observations.

About the Qualification

A Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry is a pre-requisite for those seeking to work as a security officer in the private security industry (PSI).

Under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act (2001) individuals working in specific sectors ofthe private security industry must be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). One criterion for obtaining a licence is the achievement of a licence-linked qualification. The LASER Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry provides full coverage of the competences specified by the SIA and therefore meets its requirements for a licence-linked qualification.

A Security Guarding licence is required when manned guarding activity that does not fall under the descriptions of door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, or public space surveillance(CCTV) is undertaken.

The LASER Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry qualification is suitable for any new entrant to the sector without a previous award/qualification.

Successful learners will:

• Know the main characteristics and purposes of the Private Security Industry
• Understand legislation as it applies to a security operative
• Understand arrest procedures relevant to security operatives
• Understand the importance of safe working practices
• Understand fire procedures in the workplace
• Understand emergencies and the importance of emergency procedures
• Understand how to communicate effectively as a security operative
• Understand record keeping relevant to the role of the security operative
• Understand terror threats and the role of the security operative in the event of a threat
• Understand how to keep vulnerable people safe
• Understand good practice for post-incident management
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of security officers
• Understand the control of access and egress
• Know the different types of electronic and physical protection systems in the security environment
• Know how to minimise risk to personal safety at work
• Understand drug misuse legislation, issues and procedures relevant to the role of the security officer
• Know how to conduct effective search procedures
• Understand how to patrol designated areas safely
• Understand the principles of conflict management appropriate to the role
• Understand how to recognise, assess and reduce risk in conflict situations
• Understand the use of problem-solving techniques when resolving conflict
• Be able to communicate to de-escalate conflict.