Free Online Security Courses

This page brings together several different learning routes. They should not be treated as interchangeable. The Security Guard short course provides a broad introduction to security and facilities-related topics, the Security and Risk Management course focuses on risk assessment and incident preparation, and the AI for Security Monitoring course examines automated surveillance, real-time alerts and predictive analytics.

You can also browse the complete OHSC course catalogue or compare the wider range of security management courses if you want a different level, subject focus or study route.

Compare the Free Security Courses

Free Study and Optional Certification

Enrolment and access to the learning materials for the free courses listed here are available without a course fee. Certification is optional and is not included automatically with free study.

After successfully completing an eligible course, you may choose to purchase a certificate according to the options available for that programme. Certificate type, format, course level and delivery choice can affect the price. Review the current certificate options and ordering information before making a purchase.

A course certificate should not be treated as an SIA licence, professional security registration or an Ofqual-regulated qualification unless that exact status is stated and verified for the individual programme.

Security Guard Training and SIA Licensing

The free online Security Guard short course is general educational study. It is not an SIA licence-linked qualification, does not lead to an SIA licence or badge and does not authorise regulated security work in the UK.

If your goal is to work in a UK role that requires Security Industry Authority licensing, check the current official requirements and choose the appropriate licence-linked training. OHSC also lists a separate SIA Door Supervisor Course, which is a classroom-based route with its own attendance, assessment and licensing requirements. Do not confuse that programme with the free online courses on this page.

Which Security Course Should You Choose?

Choose the Security Guard Short Course for a broad introduction

This 20-hour course covers security within a wider organisational and facilities setting. Topics include risk, safety, communication, operations, people management, technology, quality, property and business considerations. It is suitable for exploratory learning, but it does not replace role-specific workplace training or licensing.

Choose Security and Risk Management for risk-focused study

This 30-hour introductory course looks more directly at how organisations identify threats and vulnerabilities, assess risk, select proportionate controls and prepare for incidents. It is designed for general education rather than professional licensing.

Choose AI for Security Monitoring for technology-focused study

This course concentrates on AI-assisted surveillance and monitoring. It explores automated analysis, real-time alerting, predictive analytics and the limitations of AI outputs, including accuracy, bias, privacy, cybersecurity and the need for appropriate human oversight.

Who Can Study These Courses?

The free courses are designed for flexible online study and can suit learners exploring security for the first time, existing staff looking to broaden their understanding, facilities or operations personnel, and people interested in risk or monitoring technologies. Entry requirements differ by programme, so review the individual course page before enrolling.

Completion can provide evidence that you have undertaken structured learning, but it does not guarantee employment, promotion, employer acceptance or professional status. Employers may also require specific licences, regulated qualifications, practical competence, background checks or workplace training.

Study Online at Your Own Pace

Each course is delivered online, allowing you to work through the available materials around your existing commitments. The stated study hours are estimates or published course durations rather than fixed attendance schedules. Use the individual course page to confirm the current syllabus, course level, assessment and certification arrangements.

If you want to compare subjects beyond security, browse OHSC's free online course collection. For broader distance-learning options, explore the home study courses guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these online security courses free?

Yes. The courses listed on this page can be studied without paying a course fee. Optional certificates are separate paid products.

Do I receive a free certificate automatically?

No. Free study does not automatically include a certificate. After successful completion of an eligible course, you may choose to purchase one of the certificate options available for that programme.

Will the free Security Guard course give me an SIA licence?

No. The free Security Guard short course is not an SIA licence-linked qualification and does not lead to an SIA licence or badge.

What is the difference between the Security Guard and Security and Risk Management courses?

The Security Guard short course provides a broader introduction to security in an organisational and facilities context. The Security and Risk Management course focuses more directly on identifying threats and vulnerabilities, assessing risk and preparing for incidents.

Is AI for Security Monitoring a security guard qualification?

No. It is an educational course about AI-assisted monitoring and related risks. It does not provide security licensing, CCTV licensing or professional status.

Where can I compare other security courses?

Visit the Security Management course category to compare additional security-related study options.