Why you need an SIA Licence
to work
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry and maintaining all aspects of SIA licensed jobs. They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, established in 2003 under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their mission is to help protect society by developing and achieving high standards within the private security industry. They also look after the compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry. In other words, they need to approve you to work in the industry. An SIA licence is how you get that approval.
Without an SIA licence you can’t legally work in the security industry. So if you are thinking about landing a job as a Door Supervisor or as a Security guard keep on reading.
Choosing the right SIA Licence
So now you know why you need an SIA licence to work in the security industry the next question is which licence is the right one for you? Knowing which SIA licence you need doesn’t need to be hard. The licenses cover different areas of the private security industry so knowing where you want to work will narrow it down. There are two main distinctions in SIA licenses.
Front line licence
A front line licence is required if you are going to be doing a licensable activity (this is doing any work in the security industry, from Door Supervision to CCTV operation). A front line licence is in the form of a plastic SIA card that must be worn at all times while you are carrying out your role.
Non front line licence
A non-front line licence is required for those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activities. This SIA licence is issued in the form of a letter.
Which SIA Licence is right for me?
SIA Door Supervisor Licence
The SIA Door Supervisor Licence is the most versatile SIA licence and lets you work in a wide variety of environments. From retail security to working the doors in high-end night spots this licence lets you do it all.
The right course - Door Supervisor training course
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SIA CCTV Operative licence
The UK is watched over by millions of CCTV cameras. If you are looking to work in the CCTV industry you will need to hold a SIA CCTV Operative licence. This licence is often held with the SIA Door Supervisor licence and together they mean you can do almost any job in the private security industry.
The right course - CCTV training course
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SIA Security Guard licence
The SIA security guard licence is closely linked to the Door Supervisor licence but is more limited. A holder of the Door Supervisor licence can work in many environments the Security Guard holder can only work in retail environments.
The right course - Security Guarding or Door Supervisor training (recommended)
Find Out More
Choosing the right SIA Training Course
Now you know which licence is right for you the next step is finding the right SIA training course. From Door Supervisor training to CCTV training knowing which one is the right one can be time-consuming! Luckily we have 11 years experience in this and have helped millions of people find the perfect courses for them. Our handpicked SIA Training Partners are the best in the business and experts at helping you pass and get your SIA Licence. With over 70 locations, all over the UK, it will be easy to find the course that suits you best.
How to find the perfect SIA training course easily with Get Licensed
We make it easy to find and compare the best SIA training courses in the UK.
- Search for your perfect course
- Choose from different training providers that fit your dates and times for the best prices
- Book you perfect course with Get Licensed and you are covered by our training guarantee
- Sit back and learn
- Get Licensed
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How to get an SIA Licence
Now you have pinpointed the SIA licence and SIA training course for you. The next steps are how you get licensed. The process for getting your SIA licence is:
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Complete your SIA training course
Getting licensed all starts with an SIA training course. Find your perfect course and get started.
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Pass your SIA training course
The next step is to pass your SIA training course. Our training partners are the highest quality and have some of the best pass rates in the industry so passing will be easy.
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Complete the Security Industry Authority application
Once you have passed your SIA training course you are ready to apply for your licence.
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You are now the proud holder of an SIA Licence.
What jobs can you do with an SIA licence?
Whichever SIA card you think is right for you getting licensed opens the doors to a whole new world of work. You can now start applying for SIA licenced jobs and landing that dream job. With your shiny new valid SIA licence you will be able to work in environments like:
… and many more
