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One of the key aspects of becoming a security officer is the SIA licence. It’s a must-have for anyone working in the security industry in any capacity. But what is an SIA licence, and why is it so important for anyone looking to work in security?
This complete guide to private security licensing breaks down what an SIA licence is, how to get an SIA licence, what the different types of licensing are (and which is right for your career), and how much it costs to become a security officer.
An SIA Licence is the qualification you must have to work in any area of security in the UK. It allows you to work in any security role, including as a security guard, door supervisor, or night security officer.
For example, if you wanted to work for ProFM Group, we only accept security officers who hold an SIA licence – it’s part of being a legally recognised and professional security company. You cannot work with ProFM (or any other SIA-licensed security company) without a licence.
In 2003, the SIA (Security Industry Authority) was created to help ensure the quality of the private security industry. It helps provide greater stability and security to both private (such as shops, hotels, and offices) and public (such as hospitals and schools) businesses.
In 2004, the SIA licence was first introduced. Having an SIA licence has been a firm requirement for working in security for over 20 years, and that hasn’t changed. It helps keep security safe, and gives businesses confidence that they’re employing a security officer who knows what they’re doing and cares about keeping people safe.
There’s no alternative or way around getting an SIA licence – it’s an essential part of working in the security industry. It offers reassurance to potential employers that you understand the importance of your role as a security professional.
By getting your SIA licence, you’re certifying that you’re committed to a career in the security sector. It shows that you’ve undergone the proper training and that you’re capable of delivering an effective security service. It also proves that you’ve got no prior criminal convictions or offences that could impact that.
There are two different types of SIA licences – a front-line SIA licence and a non-front-line SIA licence.
These are very different, and if you’re asking “what is the SIA licence I need for security guarding”, you’ll require a front-line licence. If you just want to be a keyholder for a business, or you’re looking to move into management, you’ll only need a non-front-line licence.
Let’s look at what that means for your career.
A front-line SIA licence allows you to get directly involved with security activities, dealing with the general public and responding to any issues or threats to security. It’s what many look for when they want to get an SIA licence, and if you’re unsure of how to get an SIA licence to be a security officer, this is where you’ll start.
There are several different categories of front-line SIA licences.
This is the most popular answer to “what SIA licence do I need?” Most people view it as the ideal step into a career in security, and it opens more opportunities for you, especially in busy cities or towns.
It’s a more complicated licensing process than the security guard option, but it allows you to do more, including working at licensed venues (like pubs, bars and clubs), monitoring the attendance of events, dealing with demanding guests, and supporting vulnerable or at-risk guests in getting home safely.
This is the basic, entry-level SIA licence. It allows you to work as a security guard, act as a protective presence, use CCTV to monitor the site, and identify and address trespassers or potential threats. It’s how some get started on their security career path, and it offers an idea of whether this is the right role for you.
If you only have a security guard licence, you cannot work around alcohol or at places where alcohol is served, like bars and restaurants. This is because the course doesn’t equip you for dealing with the issues that can arise from alcohol use, such as drunk and disorderly behaviour, assault, or increased vulnerability.
A more specialist SIA licence, this is also called a camera or CCTV operator licence if you want to work in a Control Room (such as those in a shopping centre) or as part of key public services, like Highway Maintenance.
This SIA licence allows you to utilise CCTV equipment to watch members of the public, identify particular people, protect the general public from any risks, and otherwise guard property, premises and people.
The close protection licence is essential if you’re looking to work as a bodyguard or close protection operative. It provides extensive training in providing detailed, personalised security for VIPs and high-net-worth individuals, as well as advanced threat detection, tactical planning, and residential security.
This is by far the most expensive option for an SIA licence and is only recommended for those who are serious about pursuing a security career.
This licence allows you to guard property against theft or damage, as well as transport it in a vehicle that’s designed for secure transportation (such as an armoured vehicle). It’s a less common licence and isn’t often seen outside vans that visit major retailers like supermarkets or support banks and money lenders with cash points.
An SIA licence that’s exclusive to Northern Ireland. This licence allows you to undertake any work that involves clamping or otherwise restricting the movement of a vehicle and charging the owner a fee to release it (such as a parking attendant or private enforcement company).
One thing to note here is that all front-line licences allow you to perform the duties afforded by non-front-line licenses. This means that if you’ve got any of the above SIA licences, you don’t need an additional one to perform any non-frontline duties.
While a front-line SIA is the ideal option for those wondering how to become a security guard, a non-front-line SIA licence is still a good option if you want to work in the industry but don’t want to be in an active role.
A non-frontline licence qualifies you for a select few duties that relate to the security industry. This includes:
We would advise those looking to get into the security industry to opt for a front-line SIA licence, as this allows you to experience security duties on the front line while still being able to complete the roles mentioned above.
Your first SIA licence costs £184. This is just the cost for the licence itself, and does not include the cost of completing your security guard training. Let’s break down what that costs in total:
For example, if you wanted to go from no prior experience to a fully qualified and SIA-licenced door supervisor, you’d need to pay approximately £424. That includes approximately £240 for your initial Door Supervision course, and £184 for your SIA licencing fee.
Most people choose the Door Supervision licence as their first. This offers the most employment opportunities (including working in pubs, clubs and bars), while not being as expensive as the Close Protection licence.
You can also choose to purchase multiple SIA licences, which provides a 50% discount on any subsequent licences you purchase. This makes the price £92 instead of £184. You might choose to do this because you’ve got an additional qualification, or you’d like to become licensed to further develop in the security sector.
The only exception to this is the Vehicle Immobilisation licence (only available in Northern Ireland), which isn’t subject to the same discount and so will cost £184 regardless.
There are a few different options available for free SIA licences, but these can be difficult to complete or require you to have been out of work for an extended period of time.
The most popular method for getting an SIA licence for free is through the government’s Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Part of the Department for Education, this provides funding for adults looking to apply for a course that will improve their career.
More guidance on how to use the ESFA to receive a free SIA licence can be found on their official government page.
Some security companies may offer funding if you’ve not yet completed your course or if you’re looking to expand on your current SIA licence. This depends on the specific employer, and while you’ll be getting your SIA licence for free, you will need to pay it back over time.
If you’re out of work, there are certain funded courses that you can apply for. Take this course offered by New City College in London, which offers a place on a free SIA course for those who are unemployed.
To get an SIA licence, you’ll first need to complete a training course before applying through the official SIA portal for your physical licence. You must have this licence before you can work as a security guard.
We’ve put together an easy, step-by-step guide you can follow to get your SIA licence.
Before you find out how to get an SIA licence, you’ll first need to have completed the right training course. This is an essential part of joining the security industry. Even if you feel like you would be a great security officer, or you’ve got experience in a career like the Police, you still need to complete the training before you can receive your certificate.
We recommend using GetLicensed for this. They’re one of the most trusted providers of security training in the UK. Alternatively, you can choose your own provider from the official SIA Training Providers Page, all of which have been reviewed by the SIA, so you know you’re getting a recognised certificate.
As part of your training, you’ll address many of the key aspects of being a good security officer. That includes:
Once you’ve received your certificate (this may be through the post, or via email – you’ll need to check with your chosen training provider), you’ll need to apply for your SIA licence.
Once you’ve completed an accredited SIA training course, you’ll need to apply for your SIA licence by creating an account on their official website.
This is a simple process, but there are certain things you’ll need to have with you to ensure that the application is completed as smoothly as possible:
The application process is around 10 pages and can take upwards of 20 minutes to complete, so ensure you’ve got plenty of time to double-check what you’ve said. Any false information can delay your application and even result in being disqualified from applying for the SIA.
You may also be asked to provide documentation to support your identity, name, and address, which can be submitted as a photograph or a scanned copy through the SIA online portal.
Once you’ve applied for your licence, you’ll receive regular updates via the SIA Licencing portal and your email address about its status. Once you’ve passed all the checks, you’ll need to wait for your licence to arrive.
You cannot legally work as a security guard without your licence. It takes around 4 – 6 weeks to receive your licence in the post, after which time you can apply for jobs and work legally as a security officer.
Yes. Your SIA licence lasts for 3 years, before you need to renew it with a “top-up course”. This ensures you’re up to date on the latest developments in the security industry and confident in your abilities.
The cost of an SIA licence renewal is the same as a new SIA licence – £184. All of the same checks are carried out on renewals as they are on a new SIA licence application.
You’re able to apply for an SIA licence renewal up to 4 months before your current licence expires. We’d advise submitting your renewal request sooner rather than later, so that you can avoid being unable to work if there’s a delay in processing your licence.
Any time you have remaining on your licence will then be added to your new licence, meaning you don’t lose out on anything. Plus, your new licence will be activated from the day it’s granted so that you won’t be out of work.
Occasionally, you may be required to take additional training as part of this renewal process, but this is only when new topics have been added that are integral to you performing your role. A good example of this occurred in April 2021, when the SIA introduced a compulsory first-aid training module.
At ProFM Group, we’re exceptionally proud of all the people we bring on board with us, and that’s especially true of our superb security personnel. All of the guards, supervisors, and close protection professionals we employ hold full SIA licenses and the necessary qualifications.
If you’re looking to work for us, check out our vacancies page. Alternatively, if you’re looking for superb, tailor-made security solutions for your event or business, get in touch with our knowledgeable team today for your free, no-obligation quote.
CCTV & Electronic Systems
John has a proven track record for motivating and leading high performance teams and has helped mentor and develop many people at ProFM who now hold key or senior positions within the business. John is committed to delivering only the finest services, exercising compelling leadership, maintaining good internal morale and striving to resolve any challenges efficiently and effectively.
