An SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom for individuals working in the private security industry. The SIA is responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. It issues licences to individuals who work in certain roles within the industry, such as security guards, door supervisors, and CCTV operators.
An SIA licence is a type of certification that is required for individuals working in the private security industry in the United Kingdom. The SIA is a government agency that was established to regulate the private security industry and ensure that individuals working in the industry meet certain standards of conduct and competency.
To obtain an SIA license, individuals must pass a background check and demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the security industry. They may also be required to complete additional training in areas such as first aid and conflict management.
There are different types of SIA licenses depending on the type of work an individual will be doing. For example, there are separate licenses for security guards, door supervisors, and close protection officers. SIA licenses are typically valid for three years and must be renewed in order to remain valid.
An SIA Licence is a legal requirement in order to work in the security industry. For any of the below jobs, you must have a valid SIA Licence.
- Door Supervisor
- CCTV Operator
- Security Guard
- Close Protection
The SIA licence is valid for three years and must be renewed in order to continue working in a licensed role.
The purpose of the SIA licence is to ensure that individuals working in the security industry have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and professionally. It is also intended to help protect the public by ensuring that security staff are properly trained and vetted.
In the United Kingdom, the cost of obtaining an SIA (Security Industry Authority) license depends on the type of license you are seeking.
It costs £190 to apply for 1 SIA licence.
You may need to apply for more than 1 licence. If so, SIA will apply a discount of 50% to the additional licences. This means that:
- The first SIA licence will cost £190
- Each other SIA licence will cost £95
Please note that these prices are for the initial application fee only and do not include the cost of any training or exams that may be required to obtain the license. It is also important to note that these fees are subject to change, so you should check with the SIA for the most up-to-date information.
Door Supervisor Licence last for 3 years. This license allows you to work as a door supervisor at licensed premises, such as bars, clubs, and event venues.
Security Guard Licence last for 3 years : This license allows you to work as a security guard in a range of settings, including shopping centers, office buildings, and other commercial premises.
CCTV Operator Licence last for 3 years: This license allows you to work as a CCTV operator in a range of settings, including public and private sector environments.
All licences last for 3 years – except for a vehicle immobiliser licence, which lasts for 1 year.
To apply for an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence in the United Kingdom, you will need to follow these steps:
Determine which type of SIA licence you need: There are several types of SIA licences, including door supervisor, security guard, close protection, and CCTV operator. You should choose the licence that is most relevant to the work you will be doing.
Check that you meet the eligibility requirements: To be eligible for an SIA licence, you must be at least 18 years old and have the right to work in the UK. You must also pass a criminal record check and have the necessary qualifications or training for the type of work you will be doing.
Gather the required documents: You will need to provide documentation to support your application, including proof of identity, proof of right to work in the UK, and proof of any relevant qualifications or training.
Submit your application: You can apply for an SIA licence online or by post. You will need to provide the required documentation and pay the application fee.
Wait for a decision: The SIA will review your application and may ask you to attend an interview or provide additional information. If your application is successful, you will receive your SIA licence.
It is important to note that the SIA may request additional information or documents at any point during the application process, so you should be prepared to provide these if requested. You should also be aware that the SIA may reject your application if you do not meet the eligibility requirements or if you have a criminal record that makes you unsuitable for the work you will be doing.
Click here to Log in to your SIA Portal.
If you are applying for a licence for the first time, you must have got your qualification within the last 3 years. If you are applying for a licence you have held before, you need to get a new qualification if it is longer than 3 years since your old licence was active.
Before you start your application, please make sure:
- you have all the information you need for SIA checks
- you are likely to pass the checks (for example – you have the right qualification)
To obtain an SIA (Security Industry Authority) license in the United Kingdom, you will generally need to complete specific training that is relevant to the type of work you will be doing. The type of training required will depend on the type of license you are seeking.
For example:
Door Supervisor Licence: To obtain a door supervisor licence, you will need to complete an SIA-approved door supervisor course that covers topics such as conflict management, public safety, and customer care. The course typically lasts for six days and includes both theoretical and practical elements.
Security Guard Licence: To obtain a security guard licence, you will need to complete an SIA-approved security guarding course that covers topics such as the role and responsibilities of a security guard, patrolling techniques, and incident management. The course typically lasts for five days and includes both theoretical and practical elements.
Close Protection Licence: To obtain a close protection licence, you will need to complete an SIA-approved close protection course that covers topics such as protection techniques, surveillance and counter-surveillance, and emergency planning. The course typically lasts for six days and includes both theoretical and practical elements.
CCTV Operator Licence: To obtain a CCTV operator licence, you will need to complete an SIA-approved CCTV operator course that covers topics such as the legal framework for CCTV operation, monitoring techniques, and incident management. The course typically lasts for three days and includes both theoretical and practical elements.
How long does it take to get an SIA licence?
The SIA aims to process licence applications within eight weeks of receiving a completed application. However, the actual time it takes to process an application can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applications being processed at the same time.
Can I work in the security industry without an SIA licence?
No, it is a legal requirement to hold an SIA licence to work in the private security industry in the UK. If you are caught working without an SIA licence, you could be fined up to £5,000 and receive a criminal record.
Can I appeal if my SIA licence application is denied?
If your SIA licence application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can do this by writing to the SIA and explaining why you think the decision is wrong. The SIA will review your appeal and may overturn the original decision if they find that it was made in error.
Can I appeal if my SIA licence application is denied?
If your SIA licence application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can do this by writing to the SIA and explaining why you think the decision is wrong. The SIA will review your appeal and may overturn the original decision if they find that it was made in error.
How to renew SIA Licence?
If you hold an SIA License and you want to renew it, you will need to follow the steps below:
Check the expiration date of your current SIA Licence. You can do this by logging in to your account on the SIA website or by contacting the SIA directly.
Begin the renewal process at least three months before your current SIA Licence expires. This will allow you enough time to complete the necessary training and receive your new SIA Badge before your current SIA Badge expires.
Confirm that you are still eligible to renew your SIA Licence, you have the right to work in the UK, and pass a background check DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)
Depending on the type of SIA License you hold, you may be required to complete additional training, such as Emergency first aid training plus SIA Top Up Training, before you can renew your SIA Badge.
Submit an application for renewal. You can do this online through the SIA website or by contacting the SIA directly. You will need to provide personal and professional information, as well as pay the renewal fee.
Wait for your renewal to be processed. The SIA will review your application and conduct a background check. If everything is in order, you will receive a new SIA Licence. If there are any issues with your application, the SIA will contact you to resolve them.
It is important to renew your SIA Badge before it expires, as it is a criminal offence to work in the private security industry in the UK without a valid SIA Badge. If you do not renew your licence on time, you may not be able to work in your role and could face legal penalties.
What is an SIA Badge?
An SIA Badge is a physical identification card that is issued to individuals who hold a valid SIA License Certificate. It serves as proof that the holder is licensed to work in the private security industry in the UK. The SIA badge displays the holder’s name, photograph, and the type of SIA Licence they hold. It is worn on the front of the uniform and must be visible at all times while the holder is working.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a UK government agency responsible for regulating the private security industry. It issues SIA Licenses to individuals who have undergone training, passed a background check, and passed a written exam. The SIA Licence is a mandatory qualification for individuals working in certain sectors of the private security industry in the UK, and it is a criminal offence to work in these sectors without a valid SIA License.
In summary, an SIA Badge is an identification card issued to individuals who hold a valid SIA License, which is a qualification required to work in the private security industry in the UK. The badge serves as proof of the holder’s license and must be worn at all times while the holder is working.