Congratulations, you’ve just earned your Level 3 certificate from the Security Industry Authority (SIA)! Now that you’re a qualified trainer in the security sector, it’s time to start educating the next generation of security staff.

But before you begin teaching, it’s important to understand the continuing education requirements you must meet to maintain your trainer status over time. Let’s take a detailed look at what’s expected of Level 3 trainers for staying up-to-date.

Why Continuing Education Matters

In the dynamic security industry, strategies and best practices change all the time. New technologies emerge and regulations shift frequently.

As a trainer, you are responsible for providing trainees with the most current knowledge and competencies required in the field.

That’s why the SIA mandates ongoing continuing professional development (CPD) for Level 3 trainers. Completing annual CPD demonstrates your dedication to refreshing your skills and expanding your expertise. It ensures you can deliver high-quality instruction that prepares new security staff for today’s challenges.

SIA CPD Requirements for Level 3

To maintain active Level 3 status, you must complete a minimum of 36 hours of accredited CPD each year. This CPD must cover both sector-specific learning and general instructional skills training.

Some specific CPD requirements from the SIA include:

  • At least 24 hours of security sector-related CPD
  • Up to 12 hours of non-sector learning like new teaching methods
  • At least 50% of CPD from accredited formal activities
  • The rest from self-directed learning
  • Maintaining a CPD logbook to document activities
  • Producing your CPD records for inspection when requested

How to Meet Your CPD Obligations

With 36 hours of CPD required annually, how can you ensure you fulfill this obligation? Here are some smart ways to complete your continuing education:

  • Enroll in refresher courses: Take updated training in security topics to stay current.
  • Attend industry conferences: Conferences let you learn sector developments.
  • Sign up for webinars: Useful for self-paced learning at your convenience.
  • Study new regulations: Reviewing new policies relevant to your sector counts.
  • Shadow experienced trainers: Observe other teaching methods firsthand.
  • Research teaching strategies: Explore new educational approaches like gamification.
  • Expand your knowledge: Self-study security books, articles and videos.
  • Take formal assessments: Validate your skills through examinations.

Why Ongoing Learning Matters

Completing CPD provides many benefits beyond maintaining your SIA status:

  • Enhanced teaching skills: Learn new instructional approaches to engage classes.
  • Greater student outcomes: More effective training translates into better equipped security staff.
  • Career advancement: Keeping skills current can lead to new job opportunities.
  • Industry awareness: Stay up-to-date on the latest security sector developments.
  • Personal development: Continued learning is rewarding and develops new talents.
  • Reputation: Demonstrates your dedication to excellence as a security educator.

Top Tips for Meeting CPD Requirements

Follow these best practices for getting the most from your continuing education:

  • Set a CPD learning plan for each year to hold yourself accountable.
  • Seek out accredited and formal CPD activities for easy compliance reporting.
  • Balance sector-specific CPD with general instructional skill development.
  • Select engaging CPD formats like interactive workshops.
  • Take notes on CPD lessons learned to reinforce the concepts.
  • Discuss your CPD experiences with other trainers to exchange learnings.

Partnering with Bs Security

At Bs Security, we offer accredited CPD courses to help Level 3 trainers meet their continuing education needs.

Our programs cover:

  • The latest developments in key security sectors
  • Instructional skills like coaching techniques
  • Preparation for delivering new course content
  • Guidance for training diverse learner groups
  • Support for advancing your career

We provide engaging instructor-led sessions, e-learning modules, and blended formats to suit all schedules. And we leverage the most effective educational practices to create rewarding and impactful CPD.

Bs Security understands the challenges trainers face staying current in this fast-paced industry. That’s why we offer flexible pathways for Level 3 trainers to gain the requisite 36 hours of accredited CPD each year.

Final Thoughts: Committing to Continuous Growth!

Earning your Level 3 trainer certification was just the first step. Maintaining this status through continuing education is equally important for remaining an effective educator.

But don’t view CPD as a chore – see it as an exciting chance to evolve your skills and provide better outcomes for your students. Staying committed to continuous learning also enables you to take your career further.

The team at Bs Security is here to support you in achieving your CPD requirements. Let us help you uphold the highest standards as a security sector trainer.

Book your course today Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns. You can contact us by phone at 02089650955 or 02084230169, or email us; Courses@Bssecurity.com.