According to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), 67 of those mistakenly given certificates also hold SIA close protection licences.
The problem is the result of an error in Edexcel’s systems.
Each of the candidates successfully completed their assessed portfolio and practical assessments but failed to pass the theoretical part of the qualification.
The SIA is now contacting the affected close protection licence holders to let them know their certificates have been cancelled by Edexcel. It is essential for close protection licence holders to attain a full Level 3 certificate and therefore the SIA will be revoking every affected licence.
Edexcel has written to each candidate affected by the mix-up and is offering them the chance to re-sit their theoretical assessment at no extra cost.
The exam board notified its regulator, the Qualification and Curriculum Authority, and the SIA as soon as it discovered the error.
The SIA wants everyone involved to let them know within 21 days whether they intend to retake the 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.
Mistakenly-issued licences could still be in use but employers are urged to check their staff against the SIA’s Register of Licence Holders, which contains details of every certified operative.
