The SIA exists to manage the licensing of the private security industry as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001 which established a system of inspection for providers of security services.

The objective of the SIA's Approved Contractor scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities.

ISO stands for International Organization of Standardisation. In complying with ISO 9001:2000 standards, each company must say what it does through documentation and processes, do what it says through action, and prove it to an independent, objective third party.

ISO 9001: 2000 - has been described as the quality certificate with a small name and a large agenda! Its aim is to make efficiency, profitability and corporate desirability a realistic part of your company manifesto, easily and with minimum financial burden.

NSAI Establishes standards for security providers to achieve accreditation including requirements for insurance cover, personnel identification and display thereof, induction training, command and control, and requirements that vehicles as well as uniforms used be readily distinguishable from those of the civil protection services.

For event security, requirements are provided for an operational plan/method statement, site survey, and risk assessment.

As the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland, the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) gives people the opportunity to gain recognition for learning in education or training centres, in the work place and in the community.

Programmes leading to FETAC awards are offered nationwide by a wide range of providers in diverse settings, including BIM, Fáilte Ireland (CERT), FÁS and Teagasc centres, VEC's, adult and community education and training centres, Institutes of Technology and in the workplace.

1st4sport Qualifications is an awarding body recognised and regulated by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).

They work in partnership with a variety of organisations to develop and award qualifications for the active learning and leisure industry.

They aim to provide a cost-effective yet quality-assured service to our partners, approved centres and candidates.

Edexcel is the largest awarding body in the UK. It develops a diverse range of academic and vocational qualifications, prepares course specifications, assesses, examines and provides quality control of qualifications and certifies achievement.