How to get an SIA Licence
It is a legal requirement to get an SIA licence to work in the private security industry. Learn how you can apply for your licence and work legally as a Door Supervisor, CCTV Operator, Security Guard or Close Protection Officer.
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Who can apply for an SIA licence?
18+
You are over 18 years old
You hold the valid SIA training qualification
You have documents to prove your identity
You have the right to work in the uk
Pass the course
Depending upon the type of Course, it may take around 6 days to complete. The training course is assessed by multiple choice exams and a practical assessment.
Complete the licence application on the SIA website
The cost of starting a licence application is ÂŁ190. The SIA will get back to you within 25 working days. In rare cases, this can take up to 6 weeks.
Complete identity checks
You will need to verify your identity to satisfy parts of your SIA application, namely your photo ID. The easiest way to do this is at the Post Office. You can also have someone with a British passport, who is not related to you, to sign the back of your photo ID.
Submit application to the SIA
The SIA will verify your identity and run a background check on your criminal record. If you have lived abroad for 6 months or more, you may be required to provide some supporting evidence.
Receive your 3 year licence in the post
You are finally licensed! Your SIA Licence is valid for 3 years.
Follow Carl’s entire journey from course to licence
Find the right licence
The training and licence you need depend on the career path you want to go on. Compare all licences or select a career to filter the right training.
- Door Supervisor
- Patrol Officer
- Security Officer
- CCTV Operator
- Retail Security
- Nightclub/Doorman
- Revenue Protection
- Static Security Guard
- Control Room Officer
- Security Concierge
- Bodyguard
- VIP Security
Earning potential
How much you can earn
Career options
Where you can work
Training duration
The length of the course
Training fee
Cost of the training and exam
SIA licence fee
Cost of the SIA application
Time to recover costs
How long you have to work before you recover the costs
Door Supervisor
ÂŁ10 - 14 per hour
ÂŁ24 - 40k per annum
Retail, Events, Offices, Licensed premises, Static guarding, Manned guarding - covers all Security Guarding roles
6 days
from ÂŁ199
ÂŁ190
6 days
Security Guarding
ÂŁ10 - 14 per hour
ÂŁ24 - 40k per annum
Static guarding, Manned guarding, Key-holding, Retail
4 days
from ÂŁ180
ÂŁ190
5 days
CCTV
ÂŁ10 - 12 per hour
ÂŁ24 - 32k per annum
CCTV operator, Control room, Public space surveillance
3 days
from ÂŁ180
ÂŁ190
5 days
Close Protection
ÂŁ50 - 100 per hour
ÂŁ40k - 60k per annum
Bodyguard, VIP security, Maritime, Asset protection, International assignments
14 days
from ÂŁ1,200
ÂŁ190
4 days
Still not sure? 🤔
Chat With A Career AdvisorSIA Licence Cost
SIA Licence Cost
The cost of applying for an SIA Licence is ÂŁ190. If you already hold a valid SIA Badge you can apply for another at a discounted rate.
The costs of the SIA card is non-refundable, so ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and correct licences before applying.
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Course finder
If you haven’t passed your SIA training course yet find your course with Get Licensed to search for the best training courses all over the UK.
How long does it take to get an SIA Licence?
There is no average length of time for getting your SIA licence but the SIA advise that this can take up to 25 working days. In rare cases where issues come up with identity checks or questions about criminal records, it could take up to 6 weeks or even more. During this time, a decision will be reached on whether a licence should be issued or not. The SIA will write explaining their decision and, if successfully granted, you will receive a licence that is valid for 3 years.
Factors that can affect how long the application process takes are:
Whether you have the right to work in the UK
An incomplete address history
Criminal record checks
If you have spent any time outside of the UK
WARNING: It is a legal requirement for anyone working in the United Kingdom Security Industry to have the necessary training and qualifications, accredited by the Security Industry Authority. To practice in the industry without a valid SIA Licence is a criminal offence, which means you could be fined and or sent to prison.
Renewing
Renewing your licence couldn’t be easier and as long as your licence is valid this can be done online through the security industry authority website. You can’t renew a licence unless you currently hold an active licence in that sector. If your licence has expired, you will need to apply for a new licence.
SIA Door Supervisor Upskilling
Door Supervisors and other security professionals renewing their licence after 1st October 2021 need to take the Upskilling course. That's because Top-Up Training for an SIA Licence includes new content, based on new skills needed in modern security work. Candidates should be qualified in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW). However, if you're yet to complete an EFAW course, you can take it as part of your booked course package.
DOOR SUPERVISOR TOP-UP TRAININGFrequently asked questions
The licence application cost is ÂŁ190. This is paid directly to the SIA, the licensing authority for the security industry.
A newly issued SIA licence is valid for 3 years.
The roles that you can undertake will depend on which SIA licence you have. A holder of an SIA CCTV Licence can watch public images but can’t work as a security guard. In the same way a holder of an SIA Door Supervisor licence can’t work as a CCTV Operative.
It can take 25 working days to process a licence application. In some cases, this can take up to 6 weeks due to additional security checks.
It is illegal to work in the security industry without an SIA Licence. However, some employers can qualify for exemptions under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The SIA will check the course qualification, identify and criminal background during the licence application process.
You may apply for a non-frontline SIA licence without passing the course. For all frontline roles such as Security Guarding, Door Supervisor, CCTV Operator, Close Protection etc you must pass the course before applying for the licence.
Certifications and Verifications
