As your career in the security industry evolves, it’s natural to consider new challenges and opportunities. You might find that the late nights of a door supervisor are losing their appeal, and a role as a CCTV Operator seems like a more stable fit. Or perhaps you’re a security guard with ambitions to move into the high-stakes world of Close Protection. This ambition often leads to a crucial question: can I transfer my SIA licence to a different role?
The short and direct answer is no. You cannot directly transfer an SIA licence from one sector to another. Each licence is intrinsically tied to the specific, rigorous training you completed for that role, and the SIA does not permit them to be interchanged.
However, this doesn’t mean your career path is set in stone. Our comprehensive SIA licence guide covers all the pathways available to security professionals, and this article will show you the strategic ways to pivot, add new skills, and advance your security career.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot directly transfer an SIA licence; each security role requires its own specific licence.
- The door supervisor licence is the most versatile, as it also legally permits you to work in security guard roles.
- Holding dual SIA licences is the smartest way to increase your job opportunities, and the SIA offers a 50% discount on additional licences.
- You can effectively switch roles when your licence is due for renewal by completing the training for a different licence type instead of a refresher course.
- Planning your career path by choosing the right first licence or adding a second one strategically can significantly boost your earning potential and job security.
The “Master Key” of SIA Licences: The Door Supervisor Advantage
While transferring SIA licence credentials isn’t possible, one particular licence offers a level of flexibility that makes it stand out: the door supervisor licence. The training for this role is the most comprehensive of the frontline licences, covering not only the specific skills needed for working at licensed premises but also encompassing all the core competencies required for a security guard.
This unique overlap means that with a door supervisor licence, you are legally qualified to work in any role that a security guard could, in addition to traditional door supervision roles. This opens up a vast range of security jobs, from retail and corporate security to mobile patrols and major public events.
This inherent versatility is why many security professionals, and those new to the industry, opt for the Door Supervisor course. It provides the broadest possible foundation for a career and keeps future options open.
Recommended Reading: SIA Licence Types Explained
The Smartest Career Move: Embracing Dual SIA Licences
Instead of thinking about transferring your licence, a more strategic approach is to think about adding to it. Holding dual SIA licences is very common among savvy security professionals. It makes you a far more valuable and flexible employee. An individual who can legally work as both a Door Supervisor on a weekend and a CCTV Operator during the week is an asset to any security company, able to fill more gaps in a rota and respond to diverse client needs.
Recognising the value of a multi-skilled workforce, the SIA actively encourages this by offering a 50% discount on the application fee for any additional licences you hold. After paying the full £184 fee for your first licence, a second one will only cost you £92. This makes adding a new qualification a surprisingly affordable investment in your career. The most popular and powerful combination is a door supervisor and CCTV operator licence, as this pairing opens up the widest possible range of job opportunities, from frontline public-facing roles to behind-the-scenes control room operations.
Many security professionals find that having more than one SIA licence significantly increases their employability and allows them to work year-round without seasonal gaps. If you’re wondering whether the investment is worthwhile, understanding whether an SIA licence is worth it can help you make an informed decision about your career path.
How to Switch Roles When Your Licence is Up for Renewal
If you are certain that you want to transition completely from one role to another, your renewal period is the perfect time to make the change. For example, if you have been working as a security guard for three years and have decided you want to move into the more technical field of CCTV operations, you would not take the security guard refresher course. Instead, you would book and complete the full 3-day CCTV operator training course.
Once you have successfully passed the course and received your new qualification, you will then log in to your SIA account and apply for a new CCTV operator licence. It is important to understand that the SIA treats this as a completely new application, not a renewal, which means you will pay the full £184 application fee. You must also time this process carefully. You cannot legally work as a CCTV operator until your new licence is in your hands, so if your old Security Guard licence expires before the new one is approved, you will face a period of being unable to work.
Understanding what happens if your SIA licence expires is crucial when planning this transition. The typical timeline from training to receiving your new licence is around 4-6 weeks, so factor this into your planning to avoid any employment gaps.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take to Get an SIA Licence?
The Path to Close Protection
Moving into the elite field of Close Protection (CP) is a significant career advancement. A close protection licence is the highest level offered by the SIA and requires a far more intensive, specialised, and expensive training course, lasting 16-19 days and costing upwards of £1,900.
You cannot simply “top-up” from another licence to get a CP one; you must complete the full, dedicated training. While you don’t need to hold another SIA licence to apply for a CP licence, many of the industry’s top professionals began their careers with a door supervisor licence to gain essential real-world experience before making the significant investment in close protection training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can apply for multiple licences simultaneously and benefit from the 50% discount on additional licences. Holding dual SIA licences opens up far more security jobs and makes you a more valuable employee. However, you cannot legally work in any role until the relevant licence is approved.
No, each licence has its own 3-year validity period from the date it was issued. If you hold dual SIA licences, you’ll need to track and renew each one separately. Plan ahead to avoid any gaps in your ability to work in either role.
You don’t need to transfer your SIA licence because a door supervisor licence already permits you to work in security guard roles. However, if you want to switch from being a security guard to a door supervisor, you’ll need to complete the full door supervisor training course.
Charting Your Course in the Security Industry
So, can you transfer your SIA licence to a different role? While direct transferring isn’t possible, you have a wealth of options for growth and change. By understanding the unique advantages of each licence type, particularly the versatility of the door supervisor licence, and embracing a forward-thinking strategy of dual SIA licences, you can build security careers that are both flexible and resilient.
The key is to plan ahead, align your training with your long-term goals, and never stop learning. Whether you’re looking to switch security roles entirely or add a second qualification to broaden your opportunities, the path forward starts with the right training.
Ready to expand your skill set and unlock new career opportunities? Browse our full range of SIA training courses and book your spot today.
