7 December 2007: Qualifications awarding body Edexcel has discovered that a number of candidates have been wrongly issued with BTEC Level 3 Close Protection certificates. This is the result of an error in their systems.

Edexcel notified the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (its regulator) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as soon as it discovered the error. Edexcel has now written to all of the candidates concerned to explain the situation.

Each of the candidates successfully completed their assessed portfolio and practical assessments but failed to pass the theoretical element of the qualification.

Edexcel is offering each candidate a re-sit of the theoretical assessment at no extra cost, and is offering additional support where appropriate.

For holders of an SIA Close Protection licence it is essential that a full Level 3 certificate is attained. The SIA is contacting those Close Protection licence holders affected, to inform them that their certificates have been cancelled by Edexcel and that consequently the SIA is minded to revoke their licence.

The SIA is asking those involved to contact them within 21 days to share their plans to retake the theoretical assessment. On passing the re-sit, Edexcel will issue candidates with a new certificate and the SIA will cease the licence revocation.

Those who fail to pass their re-assessment will have their licences revoked.

Notes to Editors:

• Any enquiries relating to the certificate recall should be directed to Edexcel: www.edexcel.org.uk or 020 7190 5191.