Security is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries, with demand for licensed professionals increasing across retail, events, corporate, and construction. It’s accessible work with a low barrier to entry: no degree, no experience, and minimal downtime.
To become a security guard in the UK, you need to complete an SIA-approved security guard training course (4 days), pass a criminal record check, and apply for an SIA security guard licence (£204). The whole process takes around 5–6 weeks, and no formal qualifications are required to get into security work.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Does a Security Guard Do?
Security guards protect people, property, and premises. As a security guard, you’ll patrol buildings, monitor access points, respond to incidents, and write reports as part of your day-to-day activities.
Most shifts are uneventful—the job is about preventing problems through presence and vigilance. That said, you may be in for a surprise on seemingly mundane days and be required to intervene in or diffuse stressful situations.
You can work in retail stores, corporate offices, construction sites, hospitals, events, and residential estates. The variety means if one environment doesn’t suit you, plenty of others will.
Types of Security Work
Before training, understand the different roles available—this helps you choose the right licence.
Static guarding and mobile patrol are covered by the security guard licence. You’ll protect sites like retail stores, offices, warehouses, or travel between locations, responding to alarms.
Event security covers festivals, concerts, and corporate functions. Depending on the venue, you may need either a Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence.
Door supervision is different. If you want to work at pubs, bars, or nightclubs, you’ll need a door supervisor licence instead (6-day course). How to become a doorman is a separate path—though many start there because that licence also covers standard security guard roles.
How to Become a Security Guard: Step-by-Step
Here’s exactly how to become a security guard in the UK:
- Complete Your SIA Training
The security guard course runs over 4 days, covering working in the private security industry, conflict management, and security guard duties. Assessment is through multiple-choice exams—no essays or complicated practicals. You’ll also need a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before you start your training.
Courses are run by experienced training instructors, many of whom have worked in security themselves. Nervous about exams? Practice beforehand with our free SIA mock exams. - Apply For Your SIA Licence
Once passed, apply for your security guard licence through the official SIA website. You’ll need your training certificate, photo ID, addresses for the last 5 years, and £204 (non-refundable). This is how to get a security licence in the UK; there’s no alternative route.
Processing takes approximately 25 working days - Start Working
Your SIA badge arrives by post. Once licensed, register with security agencies, check job boards and download the GuardPass app—many graduates find their first role through it. Being flexible with shifts (nights, weekends) helps when starting out. Make sure you display your SIA badge visibly while working.
The licence is valid for 3 years, after which you’ll need to complete security guard refresher training to renew your SIA badge.
What Do You Need to Be a Security Guard?
The security guard requirements are straightforward:
- Age: 18 or older
- Right to work: UK citizenship, settled status, or valid visa
- Criminal record check: DBS check (having a record doesn’t automatically disqualify you—the SIA assesses each case)
- SIA Training: Complete an SIA-approved security guard course
No fitness tests, no formal qualifications to be a security guard, no previous experience needed. The course teaches everything from scratch—legal responsibilities, conflict management, and emergency procedures.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
| Security guard training | From £199.99 |
| SIA licence application | £204 |
| Total | From £383.99 |
Get Licensed offers payment plans available through Klarna and PayPal that let you pay in 3 instalments. Already hold a different SIA licence? Your second licence costs just £92.
How Much Do Security Guards Earn?
Entry-level roles start at minimum wage, with earnings increasing through experience, specialist skills, and location. Night shifts typically pay more.
| Experience | Hourly | Annual |
| Entry-level | £12.50–13 | £24,000–£26,000 |
| Experienced | £13–15 | £26,000–£29,000 |
| London | £14–17 | £28,000–£33,000 |
Try our Salary Calculator to calculate your potential earnings.
Career Progression
The security guard role is often an entry point, not a ceiling. With experience, you can move into team leader/supervisor roles, CCTV operations, training and assessment, site management, or specialist work like close protection. Large security companies promote from within—the SIA licence is a foundation you can build on.
Security Guard vs Door Supervisor
Security guards work in retail, corporate, and construction. Door supervisors (doormen) can work everywhere a security guard can, plus licensed venues—pubs, clubs, and events serving alcohol.
| Security Guard | Door Supervisor | |
| Training | 4 days | 6 days |
| Licensed premises | No | Yes |
| Physical intervention | No | Yes |
| Price | From £199.99 | From £229.99 |
A door supervisor licence offers more flexibility. If you’re unsure which role suits you, a door supervisor is often the better investment due to its versatility.
Recommended Reading: What’s the Difference Between a Door Supervisor and a Security Guard?
FAQs on Becoming a Security Guard in the UK
Training takes 4 days. Licence processing takes ~25 working days. Total: around 5–6 weeks.
None. No GCSEs or formal qualifications required—the course is designed for complete beginners.
Possibly. The SIA assesses each case individually. Old or minor offences often aren’t a barrier.
Entry-level: £12.50–13/hour. Experienced: £13–15/hour. London: £14–17/hour.
No. Working without a valid SIA licence is a criminal offence.
You’ll need a door supervisor licence, for which you need to complete the door supervisor training course (6 days).
Most find it manageable. Get Licensed offers a 95% pass rate, multiple-choice assessments, free SIA mock exams, and experienced trainers who make the journey easier.
Ready to Get Started?
Becoming a security guard in the UK really is that easy! Just four days of training, a licence application, and you’ll be working within weeks.
Get Licensed runs courses at 85+ locations across the UK with flexible dates and payment options. Book your security guard training course today to get started!
