5 Tips For Joining the Security Industry

Finding the perfect career can be a frustrating task. We know… we’ve all been there; but as with most sectors, tapping into the security industry can be a toughie.

With plenty of textbook ‘How To Get a Job’ articles flooding the Internet, we’ve decided to make a handy list of things to avoid when you kick-start your job in security. Yeah yeah, we’ve heard it all before: ‘don’t focus on the negatives guys, focus on the positives’ “motivational team high five”.

But seriously, trust us, we’ve got this like you’ve got that menacing thief in Westfields (when you’ve landed your dream job in security, that is).

1. “Who needs SIA training when I’ve got ‘life experience.”

Woah there tough guy, hold your horses! Top tip #1, DON’T play the ‘tough guy’ routine. Getting into security is a serious step and making sure you’re professionally trained by an SIA certified trainer is the first step to a successful career as a security operative. It is now a legal requirement that individuals working in the private security industry undergo a structured training programme, which results in a recognised SIA qualification. Your first step is to make sure you book your course with a trusted, well-known company like Get Licensed. We only advertise fully approved trainers with high exam pass rates on our course finder to ensure you have the best start to your career.

2.   Class clown? Shush now and get your head down!

You have taken our advice and used Get Licensed to book a security course with an fully qualified trainer in your SIA training location. So, let’s swiftly get to Top Tip #2, don’t play class clown.

To apply for an security licence, it is important to understand that you have to PASS an exam… or two. Get Licensed take pride in the standard of all our training providers advertised on our site, as well as their dedication to making sure your preparation is the best in the industry. Nonetheless, no matter how smart you are or how great your security training is, you can’t play around in class. Boasting some of the highest pass rates in security training, our trainers will ensure you have the best opportunity to pass your exams. That aside, it is important to think, engage and listen to your trainer. You never know, the security skills you learn in class, could save a life (or even lives) one day.

 3. Don’t be over confident!

Well done, you’ve completed your SIA training and after an engaging and exciting few days in the classroom, all you have to do is pass those pesky exams. Preparing for the tests may seem like a real effort, but trust us, revising is the key to becoming a fully licensed Door Supervisor, CCTV Operative or Security Guard. Your booked trainer will fully brief you before the exams, however we’ve created an easy and fun way for you to revise.

Introducing the Get Licensed SIA Exam preparation app on iTunes; the only SIA mock exam app available for both Android and iPhone. Take unlimited mock exams for SIA courses and use Practice Mode for instant feedback. Each test is randomly generated so you’ll never take the same exam twice.

4. Exam Passed? Let’s forget about the licence application and just start applying for jobs.

You’ve passed your exams with flying colours and you are well on your way to starting a career in the private security sector. Now that you’re trained you have one more thing to do before applying for those all-important jobs. You must apply for your SIA license. So here’s our Top Tip #4, make sure you apply for your SIA licence!

Yes that’s right, to work in the UK legally as a security operative, you must be granted an SIA licence. The process can take up to three weeks, but don’t fret; while your application is being assessed, you can still apply for security jobs as long as you’ve passed your Level 2 exam with a certified SIA trainer!

5. Exam Failed? What not to do now?

Oops, so we guess you didn’t get the memo about Step #3 eh? Only joking… These things happen, and the one thing not to do is give up when you fall at the first hurdle. Our Top Tip #5 is not to worry; Get Licensed offers UNLIMITED re-takes and reschedules. That’s right, we understand mistakes happen from time to time. To be eligible for unlimited re-takes, simply ‘opt in’ to our Pass+ guarantee scheme at the checkout for an additional £29 to avoid any further exam costs.

How to work in the security sector

If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain a SIA Licence.

To obtain a SIA Licence, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.