Sia Application process
DO I NEED CLOSE PROTECTION LICENCE?
Close Protection operatives often need to deal with high pressure and the threat of assault or other injuries. Therefore, if you work as a bodyguard, or guard one or undertake the licensable activities of a close protection operative, you need a close protection license.
There are 2 types of licence:
- - A front line licence for bodyguards.
- - A non-front line licence for managers, supervisors and other staff who don’t carry out front-line duties.
Unless your employer or company has been given an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it is a criminal offence to undertake the licensable activities of a close protection operative without an SIA licence. Unless your employer or company has been given an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it is illegal to undertake the licensable activities of a close protection operative without an SIA licence.
COST OF CLOSE PROTECTION LICENCE
Your close protection licence lasts for three year with a licence application fee of £220, which is not refundable. If you pay your own licence fee, you can claim tax relief - worth £44 for basic rate tax payers. If you are an employer paying an employee’s licence fee, there will be no tax or National Insurance liability.
50% discount: Some people may need more than one licence; in such cases the second licence will be discounted by 50%. See more information about the licensing discount.
CLOSE PROTECTION TRAINING & LICENCE APPLICATION
When you apply for a front line Close Protection license you must show that you have obtained the qualification of “Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative within the Private Security Industry”, or one of the older licence-linked qualifications.
To get the qualification, you will need to attend and take two following training modules and pass an exam.
- - Working in the Private Security Industry
- - Working as a Close Protection Operative and Conflict Management.
At Get Licensed, our training courses also include the following elements at no additional cost:
- - First Aid at Work + Defibrillator Training
- - Evasive Driving and/or Convoy Driving
- - Introduction to Short Firearms
- - Close Combat Training
- - Anti Ambush Training
- - Accommodation
After the successful training, candidates need to meet the following requirements in order to apply to the close protection licence at the SIA:
- - Be at least 18 years of age
- - Pass an identity check
- - Pass a criminal record check
Read more about the SIA Licence Application Process
LICENCE RENEWAL
There are no requirements to take refresher training if you currently have a licence and you are looking to renew it.
LICENSING INTEGRATION
In some cases, the SIA allows the individuals who meet licensing criteria for one licensable activity to carry out other licensable activities.
For example:
People who have a close protection licence can work as door supervisors.
People who have a door supervisor licence can work as security guards, CCTV operators, and keyholders.
Learn more about SIA licensing integration.
