There is a choice of routes to gaining approval. Each route is designed to be equivalent to the others to ensure that the standards required of all Approved Contractors are consistent.

Standard
Fast Track
Passport

Standard

If you do not qualify for Fast Track or for Passport and want to become an Approved Contractor, you should use the Standard route which commences with the Self Assessment Workbook.

1. Download the ACS Self Assessment Workbook and associated Guide. Assess your organisation and determine your scores.
2. Register on the SIA website to access the ACS on-line achievement record and record your scores and summary evidence. Ensure that you meet the required ACS Standard for all indicators in the Self Assessment Workbook, enabling you to move to the next step.
3. Request ACS application pack via the on-line system.
4. Send application to the SIA with relevant payment and submit your achievement record via the on-line system.
5. Choose an assessing body from the SIA-approved list and arrange for a visit to verify your self-assessment.
6. Following successful verification, your application will be approved provided you also meet the decision criteria.

Fast Track

If you have ISO9001:2000 certification from a UKAS-accredited certification body and conform with British Standards* you may choose the Fast Track route. The certificates must have been held for a minimum of six months.

1. Ensure ISO9001:2000 and British Standards certification is up to date and has been held for a minimum of six months. Download the current Self Assessment Workbook and associated guide from our website.
2. Ensure that you meet the required ACS Standard for all indicators in the Self Assessment Workbook.
3. Register on the SIA website to access the ACS on-line achievement record and for the items not already covered by certificates, record your scores and summary evidence in the ACS on-line achievement record. You also need to confirm that you are at the level expected for your ISO9001:2000 and British Standards certification.
4. Request ACS application pack via the on-line system.
5. Send application to the SIA with relevant payment and submit your achievement record via the on-line system.
6. Choose an assessing body from the SIA-approved list and arrange for a visit to take place within six months to verify your self-assessment.
7. Your application will be approved provided you also meet the eligibility criteria. Verfification must be completed within six months; this verification may be via a Passport scheme, when available.

*British Standards relevant for your industry sector, i.e.:

• BS7960 - Door supervision
• BS7499 - Security guarding
• BS7984 - Keyholding
• BS7872 - Cash and valuables in transit
• BS7958 - Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
• BS7858 - All sectors (relates to the security screening of personnel employed in a security environment)

For Close Protection and Vehicle Immobilisation there is no relevant British Standard, except BS7858. Applicants for these sectors should follow the Standard route unless they can demonstrate conformance to a recognised and relevant code of practice, as well as BS7858.

Passport

Assessing Bodies have an option to submit a scheme to us that we may accredit as being equivalent to the ACS standard. These accredited schemes are detailed here.

1. Gain accreditation to an SIA-approved scheme and obtain copy of relevant certificate.
2. Review the SIA website for the latest information on the application process.
3. Request ACS application pack via the on-line system.
4. Send application to the SIA with relevant payment.
5. Your application is approved provided you also meet the decision criteria.

If you are an assessing body and you wish to operate a Passport scheme, please go here.