If you want to work in the security industry in the UK, you already know the rules are strict. You cannot just apply for a job and start working the next day. You need an SIA badge (also called an SIA licence), and before you can even apply for that badge, you need a first aid qualification called EFAW.
So the question most people ask first is simple: how much does EFAW training cost in London, and why do I even need it for my SIA badge?
This guide answers that question in plain, easy English. We will cover the real cost of Emergency First Aid at Work training London providers charge, what affects the price, what is included, hidden extra costs, and how to pick a training centre that will not waste your time or money. By the end, you will know exactly what to budget and what to expect on the day of your course.
What Is EFAW and Why Does It Matter for an SIA Badge?
EFAW stands for Emergency First Aid at Work. It is a short, practical first aid course that teaches you how to react calmly if someone gets hurt or becomes unwell at work. Think CPR, using a defibrillator, dealing with bleeding, choking, and handling someone who has fainted or is having a seizure.
The course is usually completed in one single day, and it is a Level 3 Ofqual-regulated qualification, which means it is officially recognised across the UK.
Here is the important part: since April 2021, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) made it compulsory for anyone applying for a Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence to hold a valid EFAW certificate (or an equivalent first aid qualification) as part of their training. Without it, your SIA licence application will simply be rejected. It does not matter how good your security training is otherwise — no EFAW certificate, no badge.
This is why EFAW has become one of the most searched topics for anyone starting a career in security, close protection, door supervision, or even CCTV operations in London.
Quick Answer: What Does EFAW Training Cost in London?
Let’s get straight to the number people are searching for.
In London, EFAW training on its own typically costs somewhere between £70 and £150 per person, depending on the provider, the venue, and whether you book a public class or a private one-to-one session.
If you are combining EFAW with your full SIA Security Guard or Door Supervisor course (which many people do, since both are required anyway), bundled packages can range from around £150 up to £350, depending on what is included and how many days of training the full package covers.
On top of the training fee, remember there is a separate SIA licence application fee, which is currently in the region of £190 to £220 and is paid directly to the SIA, not to your training provider. This fee is completely separate from the cost of your EFAW course.
So your full budget, roughly speaking, looks like this:
| Item | Typical Cost in London |
|---|---|
| EFAW course only (public class) | £70 – £150 |
| SIA Security Guard/Door Supervisor course including EFAW | £150 – £350 |
| SIA licence application fee (paid to SIA) | £190 – £220 |
| SIA badge renewal (every 3 years) | Similar to the original licence fee |
Keep in mind these numbers move around depending on demand, location within London, and time of year, so always check directly with a provider like Emergency First Aid at Work training for the exact price on the date you want to book.
Why Does the Price of EFAW Training Vary So Much?
New students are often confused when they see one provider charging £70 and another charging £150 for what looks like the exact same course. The truth is, not all EFAW courses are created equal. Here are the main reasons prices differ.
1. Group Size and Class Type
Public classroom courses with 8–12 people are usually cheaper per person because the cost of the trainer and venue is shared. Private one-to-one sessions, or small group bookings for a company, cost more because you are paying for a dedicated trainer’s time.
2. Location Within London
Central London venues (near Zone 1, close to major transport hubs) tend to charge slightly more than training centres based in outer boroughs. Venue hire in Central London is expensive, and that cost gets passed on to the student.
3. Accreditation Body
EFAW courses must be accredited by a recognised awarding body such as QNUK, Qualsafe, Highfield, or similar Ofqual-regulated organisations. Reputable providers that keep their accreditation current, insurance in place, and small class sizes for quality control often charge a bit more than budget operators.
4. What’s Included in the Fee
Some providers include the certificate fee, workbook, refreshments, and even help with your SIA licence application inside one flat price. Others advertise a low headline price but then charge extra for the certificate, materials, or a “fast-track” processing fee. Always ask exactly what is included before you book.
5. Combined Packages
If a provider bundles EFAW together with the full Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence-linked qualification, the total price will naturally be higher than a standalone one-day EFAW course, simply because you are paying for more days of training and more modules.
6. Trainer Experience
Courses run by trainers with genuine frontline experience (paramedics, former nurses, security industry veterans) sometimes cost slightly more, but many students say the extra confidence and real-world scenarios are worth it, especially since you will actually be expected to use these skills on the job.
What Exactly Do You Get for Your Money?
A proper one-day EFAW course in London should include the following, regardless of the exact price you pay:
- Classroom or practical training, usually lasting around 6 hours including breaks
- Hands-on CPR practice on training manikins
- Use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) demonstration and practice
- Choking response training, both for adults and, in some courses, basics for children
- Bleeding and wound management, including how to control severe bleeding
- Recognising and responding to shock
- Dealing with someone who is unconscious but breathing (recovery position)
- Basic understanding of workplace first aid law and your responsibilities
- A multiple-choice or practical assessment at the end of the day
- A certificate, valid for 3 years, which you then use to support your SIA badge application
If a course you are looking at skips the hands-on manikin practice or the assessment, be cautious — a certificate without proper hands-on training may not be accepted, and more importantly, you won’t actually be prepared to help someone in a real emergency.
SIA Badge Requirements: Where Does EFAW Fit In?
To make sure you understand the full picture, here is a simple breakdown of what the SIA actually requires before it will issue you a licence:
- Right to work in the UK — you need to prove your eligibility.
- Identity checks — passport, driving licence, and proof of address documents.
- Criminal record check — the SIA carries out its own background check as part of your application.
- Completion of the relevant licence-linked qualification — for example, the Level 2 Certificate for Security Guarding or the Level 2 Certificate for Door Supervisors.
- A valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, completed as part of, or alongside, your licence-linked training.
- Payment of the SIA licence application fee.
- Submission of your application through the SIA’s online portal.
Most approved training centres in London now build EFAW directly into their Security Guard or Door Supervisor course, so you do not need to book it separately with a different provider. This saves time and often works out cheaper than arranging it yourself with two different companies.
How Long Does EFAW Training Take?
The classroom part of EFAW usually takes one full day, roughly 6 hours of actual training time. Some evening or weekend options exist for people who work full-time and cannot attend on a weekday.
Certification is often issued on the same day or within a few working days, depending on the awarding body’s processing time. If your provider is combining EFAW into a larger 3-day or 4-day Security Guard course, the first aid element is typically slotted into one of those days rather than being a separate booking.
Public Course vs Private/Onsite Training: Which Is Cheaper?
Public Courses
These are the classic option — you book a seat in a scheduled class alongside other students. This is almost always the cheapest route for an individual, since the venue and trainer costs are split between everyone in the room. If you are a single applicant trying to get your SIA badge, a public course is usually your best value option.
Private or Onsite Training
If a company needs to train five, ten, or more staff members at once, many providers will send a trainer directly to the workplace. While the total invoice is higher, the cost per person often works out lower than sending each employee to a separate public course, and it saves everyone travel time. This option makes the most sense for security companies, retail chains, and event staffing agencies preparing multiple staff for their SIA badges at once.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When comparing prices for Emergency First Aid at Work training London providers, keep an eye out for these common extras:
- Certificate replacement fees if you lose your certificate later and need a copy
- Retake fees if you fail the practical or written assessment first time
- Booking or admin fees added at checkout that were not shown in the headline price
- Travel or parking costs if the venue is not near a train or tube station
- Rescheduling fees if you need to move your booking date
A transparent provider will list all of this clearly on their course page before you pay. If a website is vague about what is and is not included, it is worth sending a quick message to ask before booking.
Does the SIA Licence Fee Come Separately?
Yes, and this catches a lot of new applicants off guard. Your EFAW/security training fee and your SIA licence application fee are two completely separate payments, made to two completely separate parties:
- You pay your training provider for the EFAW course and the Security Guard or Door Supervisor qualification.
- You pay the SIA directly (through their official online portal) for the licence application itself.
The SIA fee currently sits in the region of £190–£220, though it is worth checking the SIA’s own website for the exact current figure, since government fees do change from time to time. Your training centre cannot waive or reduce this fee — it goes straight to the regulator, not to them.
Does EFAW Expire? What About Renewal?
Yes. Your EFAW certificate is valid for three years from the date you pass the course. Since your SIA badge is also valid for three years, many people renew both around the same time.
When your certificate is close to expiring, you will need to either:
- Complete a full EFAW course again (most common route), or
- In some cases, complete a shorter requalification/top-up course, if your certificate has not yet expired and your provider offers this route
It is a good habit to book your renewal a few weeks before your current certificate runs out, rather than waiting until the last moment, since course availability in London can fill up quickly, especially around badge renewal deadlines.
How to Choose the Right EFAW Training Provider in London
With so many training centres competing for your business, here is a simple checklist to help you choose wisely:
1. Check Accreditation
Make sure the course is accredited by a recognised Ofqual-regulated awarding body. This is non-negotiable — an unaccredited certificate will not be accepted by the SIA.
2. Read Recent Reviews
Look for recent, genuine feedback from people who actually completed the course and successfully got their SIA badge afterward.
3. Confirm Class Size
Smaller classes generally mean more hands-on time with the trainer and better practical learning, especially for CPR and AED practice.
4. Ask About Certificate Turnaround Time
If you are on a tight deadline for a job offer, ask exactly how long it takes to receive your certificate after the course.
5. Compare What’s Included
Don’t just compare the headline price — compare what is actually included: materials, certificate fee, refreshments, and support with your SIA application.
6. Location and Transport Links
Choose a venue that is easy to reach by public transport, especially if you are travelling across London for a one-day course.
If you are looking for a straightforward, well-reviewed option, the Emergency First Aid at Work training course page is a useful place to check current pricing, course dates, and exactly what is included before you commit.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your SIA Badge Using EFAW Training
Here is the full journey laid out simply, from zero to badge:
Step 1: Decide which SIA licence you need Door Supervisor, Security Guard, CCTV Operator, and Close Protection all have slightly different training requirements, but EFAW is a common requirement across most of them.
Step 2: Book a licence-linked training course that includes EFAW Choose a provider that either includes EFAW inside the main course or lets you book it as a linked add-on.
Step 3: Attend and complete your EFAW training Show up on the day, take part in the hands-on sessions, and complete the assessment.
Step 4: Receive your EFAW certificate This usually arrives within a few working days, sometimes the same day.
Step 5: Complete any remaining modules of your licence-linked qualification If EFAW was only part of a larger course, finish the rest of the required units and assessments.
Step 6: Gather your identity and right-to-work documents Passport, proof of address, and any other documents the SIA asks for.
Step 7: Apply for your SIA licence online Submit your application through the official SIA portal and pay the licence fee.
Step 8: Wait for processing and approval Processing times vary, so apply as early as you can once you have your certificates ready.
Step 9: Receive your SIA badge Once approved, you are legally allowed to work in your chosen security role.
Tips to Save Money on EFAW Training in London
- Book early. Prices sometimes rise closer to the course date as spaces fill up.
- Look for bundled packages. If you need both EFAW and a Security Guard or Door Supervisor qualification, a combined package is usually cheaper than booking them separately.
- Ask about group discounts if you are training with friends or colleagues.
- Avoid last-minute bookings — rushed bookings sometimes come with rush fees.
- Double-check refund and rescheduling policies before you pay, so an unexpected clash does not cost you extra.
Common Mistakes People Make When Booking EFAW Training
- Booking an unaccredited course just because it is cheaper — this can mean your SIA application gets rejected, and you have to redo everything.
- Forgetting the separate SIA licence fee and being surprised by it later.
- Not checking certificate turnaround time, which can delay a job start date.
- Assuming EFAW and First Aid at Work (FAW) are the same thing — FAW is a longer, three-day course designed for higher-risk workplaces, while EFAW is the one-day course most security roles require.
- Letting the certificate expire without booking a renewal in time.
EFAW vs FAW: Quick Clarification
People often mix these two up, so here is the short version:
- EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) — one day, Level 3, suitable for most low-risk workplaces and the standard requirement for SIA badges.
- FAW (First Aid at Work) — three days, more in-depth, usually required for higher-risk environments like construction or manufacturing sites.
For almost everyone applying for an SIA Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence, EFAW is the one you need, not FAW.
Final Thoughts
Getting your SIA badge in London does not have to be confusing or expensive once you understand the full picture. EFAW training is the compulsory first aid step almost every security applicant must complete, and the cost is genuinely affordable compared to the value it adds — both for your career and for the safety of people around you at work.
Budget roughly £70–£150 for a standalone EFAW course, or £150–£350 if you are combining it with your full licence-linked security training, plus the separate SIA licence fee of around £190–£220 paid directly to the regulator. Choose an accredited, well-reviewed provider, check exactly what is included in the price, and book early to avoid last-minute price increases or fully booked classes.
If you are ready to book, take a look at the Emergency First Aid at Work training London course to check current availability and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does EFAW training cost in London?
Standalone EFAW courses in London typically cost between £70 and £150 per person, depending on the provider, venue, and class size. Bundled packages that include full SIA licence-linked training can range from £150 to £350.
2. Is EFAW compulsory for an SIA badge?
Yes. Since April 2021, the SIA has required applicants for Door Supervisor and Security Guard licences to hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, or an equivalent first aid qualification, before their application can be approved.
3. How long does an EFAW course take to complete?
Most EFAW courses take one full day, roughly six hours including breaks. Some providers combine it into a larger multi-day Security Guard or Door Supervisor course instead of running it as a separate booking.
4. Does the SIA licence fee include the cost of EFAW training?
No. The SIA licence application fee is paid separately, directly to the Security Industry Authority, and is completely different from the fee you pay a training provider for your EFAW or security course.
5. How long is an EFAW certificate valid for?
An EFAW certificate is valid for three years from the date you pass the course, which lines up conveniently with the three-year validity period of most SIA badges.
6. What is the difference between EFAW and FAW?
EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) is a one-day course suitable for lower-risk workplaces and is the standard requirement for SIA badges. FAW (First Aid at Work) is a longer, three-day course aimed at higher-risk environments such as construction sites.
7. Can I do EFAW training online?
The practical, hands-on parts of EFAW, such as CPR and AED practice, must be completed in person with a qualified trainer, since assessors need to see you perform the skills correctly. Some providers offer a blended format with online theory followed by an in-person practical day.
8. What documents do I need on the day of my EFAW course?
You will usually need a form of photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence. If the course is combined with your Security Guard or Door Supervisor training, you may also need proof of address and proof of your right to work in the UK.
9. What happens if I fail my EFAW assessment?
Most providers allow a retake, sometimes on the same day and sometimes requiring a short additional session. Policies vary between providers, so it is worth checking the retake policy before you book.
10. Can I renew my EFAW certificate before it expires?
Yes. Many training providers allow you to book your renewal a few weeks before your current certificate expires, which helps you avoid any gap in your qualification and keeps your SIA badge application or renewal on track.
