Regulated and Non-Regulated Qualifications

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Gaining the relevant regulated qualifications to obtain your SIA licence, allowing you to work legally in the Private Security Industry (UK).

The SIA states that the Level 3 Working as a Close Protection Operative in the Private Security Industry Qualification is the "minimum" requirement to gain an SIA license.

The Close Protection Industry is a specialised professional field therefore, the minimum requirement is not enough.

These are qualifications that are officially recognised and overseen by a government-appointed regulator. For example:-

• Ofqual (England)
• Qualifications Wales
• SQA Accreditation (Scotland)
• CCEA Regulation (Northern Ireland

Key Features:

• Appear on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF)
• Awarded by recognised awarding organisations (AOs).
• Meet specific standards for quality and assessment.
• Often required for compliance in certain professions for example, SIA security licenses.

Note: Qualifications do not have to be Ofqual-regulated to be considered industry standard.  

These are qualifications or courses that do not fall under a national framework and are not formally recognised by a regulatory body.

Key Features:

• Can be delivered by private training providers or organisations.
• Often tailored to specific industry needs or development.
• No formal national oversight, though some may be accredited by professional bodies. For example, many AOs will provide an accreditation, but the course may still not be governed by Ofqual or appear on the RQF.
• Can still be valuable for skills development or demonstrating competence.

Non-regulated qualifications and courses written and designed by subject matter experts (SMEs).

• Developed based on real-world experience and expertise.
• Tailored to meet industry-specific needs or organisational goals.

Key Benefits:

• Up-to-date content reflecting current practices and challenges.
• Bespoke expert training for niche areas.
• Ideal for Continued Professional Development (CPD).
• Can be endorsed by a professional body, even if not formally regulated.

Not all regulated qualifications are developed by subject matter experts, although some do involve SME input and advice but the content is usually influenced by:

• Government frameworks and standards.
• Qualification regulators.
• Generic learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
• Broad market demand.

As a result, the depth and relevance of regulated qualifications can vary, particularly in highly specialised fields.

SME - designed qualifications offer several key advantages, particularly in specialist industries.

• Industry Relevance - designed around real-world experience.
• Flexibility - not restricted by national frameworks.
• Specialisation - ideal for niche subjects that are not covered in regulated qualifications.
• Practical Focus - often more hands-on, scenario-based and actionable prioritising skills over theory.

While regulated qualifications have their place for compliance and standardisation, SME - designed programmes excel in delivering cutting-edge knowledge tailored to specific roles or sectors.