Booking your training for SIA licensing is one of the most important steps in starting or progressing your security career. But getting it wrong can mean delays, wasted money, or even being turned away on the day of your course. From selecting the wrong course type to choosing an unapproved provider, the most common mistakes are entirely avoidable.
In a fast-moving industry with increasing regulation and high demand for qualified professionals, it pays to get your SIA training right the first time. Here are the five most common pitfalls learners face and how you can avoid them.
Common SIA Training Booking Mistakes: Quick Overview
- Booking the wrong course for your licence type
- Letting your first aid certificate expire before training
- Choosing a non-approved or low-quality training provider
- Confusing full, top-up, and refresher courses
- Not bringing the correct ID or documents on training day
Mistake #1: Booking SIA Training Without Verifying Licence Requirements
Not every SIA training course qualifies you for every security role. Booking the wrong course can mean you’re not legally allowed to work in your desired role, which may force you to start the process again and pay for a second course.
Different Training for SIA Roles Explained
Each SIA licence aligns with a specific training course. The door supervisor licence includes physical intervention and allows you to work in venues like pubs and clubs. The security guard licence covers static roles like retail or office security but excludes licensed premises. The CCTV operator licence prepares you for surveillance and control room roles and requires its own course.
How to Match the Course to Your Intended Licence
Think about where you want to work. Want to work at events or licensed venues? You’ll need door supervisor training. For retail or reception roles, security guard training may be enough. Surveillance roles require the CCTV operator course. If you’re unsure, explore our range of SIA security courses to choose the right training.
Mistake #2: Overlooking First Aid Certificate Validity
Since April 2021, most SIA training courses require learners to hold a valid emergency first aid at work (EFAW) certificate before attending. Many candidates are unaware of this or assume they can complete it after their main course.
What Counts as Valid First Aid Certification?
Your certificate must be issued by a recognised provider, be valid (not expired) at the start of your course, and cover core topics like CPR, the recovery position, and managing bleeding or choking. According to HSE’s first aid training guide, this ensures you’re prepared for real emergencies.
What Happens If It’s Expired Before Your SIA Course?
If your certificate is expired or missing, you won’t be allowed to join the course, and you’ll likely lose your booking fee. To avoid this, book your first aid course together with your SIA training through a bundle.
Mistake #3: Choosing an Unverified or Poor-Quality Training Provider
Picking a provider that isn’t approved or doesn’t meet industry standards can lead to wasted time and money. Worse still, it could mean your training isn’t accepted by the SIA or employers.
What to Look for in a Trusted SIA Training Provider
Always confirm the provider is SIA-accredited. Look for transparent pass rates, real learner reviews, and accessible customer support. You can check the legitimacy using the SIA’s official register. Also, consider checking Trustpilot and customer reviews to see what past learners say.
Recommended Read: Top 5 Security Courses For 2025
Get Licensed’s Commitment to Quality and Support
Get Licensed only works with verified providers. Booking through our platform guarantees you’re enrolling with a legitimate trainer. You’ll get same-day results for many courses, unlimited exam retakes (terms apply), and dedicated support throughout the process.
Mistake #4: Booking the Wrong Course Type or Level
It’s easy to get confused between full, top-up, and refresher training, especially if you’re renewing your licence or returning to the industry after a long break. Booking the wrong one could mean repeating unnecessary modules or missing out on a licence renewal.
Refresher, Top-Up, or Full SIA Training – What’s Right for You?
Full SIA training is for first-time applicants. Top-up training was mandatory for those individuals who were renewing their licences after 2021. Since April 2025, top-up training has been replaced with refresher training. You will need SIA refresher training if your licence is nearing expiry soon and you want to renew it.
Check out our refresher training checklist to help you prepare for your SIA refresher training.
How to Confirm the Course Matches Your Licence Renewal Needs
Check your current licence’s issue date. If it predates major SIA updates, refresher training is usually required. Still not sure? We’ve covered it in our blog on SIA licence renewal changes and guidelines.
Mistake #5: Not Preparing Proper Documentation for Your SIA Training
One of the most common reasons learners are turned away from their course is not bringing the right ID. It’s an easy mistake to make, but one that can completely derail your training plans.
What Documents You Need to Bring
You’ll need to bring:
- A valid photo ID (passport or full UK driving licence)
- Two recent proofs of address (dated within the last 3 months)
- A valid emergency first aid certificate (if required)
Common ID Issues That Cause Course Entry Refusals
Common issues include expired ID, documents with mismatched names, low-quality scans, or only bringing one proof of address. Always check your confirmation email and follow our preparation guide to avoid being turned away.
FAQs on Booking SIA Training
Q: Can I book SIA training without first aid?
No. Since 2021, first aid certification is a mandatory prerequisite for most SIA courses. Check the specific course requirements for your desired training to ensure you meet the prerequisites.
Q: What documents do I need for booking my SIA training course?
You need a valid photo ID, two recent proofs of address, and a first aid certificate.
Q: Can I take SIA training online?
You can complete certain theory sections for some SIA courses online, but you will have to appear for practical training and physical assessments on-site for in-person training.
Q: How long does each SIA course take?
The course duration depends on the type of SIA training you opt for:
- Door supervisor: 6 days
- Security guard: 4 days
- CCTV operator: 3 days
- Close protection: 16-19 days
Q: What happens if I fail the exam?
Get Licensed offers unlimited free retakes with many courses (terms apply).
Q: How often should I refresh my training?
SIA refresher training has been made mandatory since April 2025 for door supervisors, security guards, and close protection officers renewing their licences. You’ll need to get refresher training once your licence expires after it’s three year validity to stay compliant with employer and regulatory expectations.
Q: How do I know if I need SIA top-up refresher training?
If your licence was issued before 2025 and is expiring soon, you’ll need SIA top-up refresher training to renew your licence.
Booking Your Training for SIA Licence: A Smarter Way Forward
Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, stress, and unnecessary expenses. By booking the right course type, confirming your first aid status, choosing an approved provider, and arriving fully prepared, you’ll ensure a smooth path to getting licensed.
Getting your SIA licence is a significant step toward building a long-term, respected career in the UK security industry. With job demand rising and regulations becoming stricter, now is the time to approach your training with clarity and confidence. Preparation is the key to success. And the right training partner makes all the difference.
Get Licensed takes the guesswork out of booking. With verified courses, bundled training options, and expert support, we help you get it right the first time, so you can get licensed, get working, and get ahead. Don’t risk delays or costly errors—book your SIA training now.
Leave a Reply