Security Questions? FAQ Blog to the Rescue!

If you are puzzled about how can I find answers to security questions? Without a doubt, a weekly FAQ blog should be your ultimate guide to all the common questions related to security. With expert insights and easy-to-understand answers, navigating the security world has never been easier.

Reapply for the licence after 10 years? 

Q1. Hi, I started my course around 10 years ago but got rejected for my licence. I’ve got the certificates. Can I reapply, or do I have to sit the course again

Answer: It depends; if the SIA changes the qualification of a course, and your licence expires, then you need to do a top-up course to renew your license.

1. Check the validity of your certificates: Confirm that your Door Supervisor training certificates are still within their expiration date. Most qualifications remain valid for three years.

2. Review SIA requirements: Visit the Security Industry Authority (SIA) website and review their current licensing criteria and guidelines to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

3. Contact the SIA: Reach out to the SIA directly through their helpline or customer support channels to discuss your situation and seek guidance on whether reapplying with your existing certificates is acceptable.

4. Submit a new application if required: If it is determined that you need to reapply, follow the standard application process outlined by the SIA, which may involve submitting new documentation, completing any additional required training or assessments, and paying relevant fees.

It’s essential to consult with the SIA directly as they have final authority on accepting previous qualifications for licensing purposes.

Can you reapply after the suspension of your licence? 

Q2. Hi, my SIA badge was revoked and suspended almost five years ago. Can I reapply and get my badge back to get back into work?

Answer: If your SIA badge was revoked and suspended almost five years ago, reapplying for a new SIA licence may be possible. Here’s what you can do:

1. Review the reason for revocation and suspension: Understand why your previous SIA badge was revoked and subsequently suspended. This will help you determine if there are any specific conditions or requirements that need to be addressed before reapplying.

2. Reflect on any changes or improvements: Consider whether there have been any significant changes in your circumstances, behaviour, or qualifications since the revocation/suspension occurred that could support a successful reapplication.

3. Contact the Security Industry Authority (SIA): Contact the SIA directly to discuss your situation and seek guidance on reapplying for a new badge given the previous revocation/suspension.

4. Follow their instructions: If the SIA advises to proceed with a new application, carefully follow their guidelines regarding documentation, training requirements, fees, and any other necessary steps.

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and ultimately, it is at the SIA’s discretion to decide whether to issue a new licence based on individual circumstances.

What is the eligibility for becoming a trainer?

Q3. Do you need Two years of full-time experience for the Trainer course, or will part-time experience be accepted? I have many years of experience but in the last five years. I was working part-time.

Answer: For the SIA Trainer course, you must typically have at least two years’ experience in the security industry. Here are some crucial points to consider:

1. Full-time vs part-time experience: The SIA generally prefers applicants with full-time experience, but they may also consider part-time experience depending on the specific circumstances.

2. Demonstrating competence: It’s vital to demonstrate your competence and knowledge during the application process by providing evidence of your relevant work experience, whether full-time or part-time.

3. Recent experience: While having many years of overall experience is valuable, the SIA often emphasises recent work history (within the last five years) when assessing eligibility for training roles.

4. Contacting training providers: To get more specific guidance regarding your situation and eligibility for the SIA Trainer course, it’s recommended that you directly contact approved training providers who offer this course i.e. Get Licensed SIA Trainer course. You can simply book our Train the Trainer course, master class and even get the chance to work with Get Licensed by providing training. You can get further clarification based on our specific requirements.

Remember to gather all necessary documentation and be prepared to showcase how your part-time work has contributed to your expertise to strengthen your application.

How to Boost your CV?

Q4. I am searching for a job, give me some suggestions on how to improve my CV.

Answer: Absolutely! In the GuardPass app, you can craft your own profile which essentially serves as your CV. This allows you to apply for jobs directly within the app. Additionally, you have the option to download your profile and share it with recruiters or potential employers.

• Make your CV fit: Change your CV for each job you apply to, showing your desired skills and experiences.
• Add a summary: Start with a quick overview of you, your skills, and what you want in your career.
• List critical skills: Show necessary skills for security jobs like handling challenging situations, watching areas, helping people, or first aid.
• Share your work: Tell about your past jobs, what you did, and how you helped.
• Show your training: List courses or certificates you have, like the SIA licence.
• Talk education: Share if you have degrees or studies that help in security jobs.
• Volunteer experience: Did you volunteer? If you helped at events or places related to security, say that.
• Add references: List people from past jobs who can say good things about you. Check their contact info, but sometimes giving these later is okay.
• Check everything: Look for mistakes in spelling or grammar. Maybe have a friend check, too.
• Keep it short: Use bullet points and aim for two pages or less.

Remember that these suggestions are general, and it’s important to adapt them based on your specific circumstances and the job requirements you’re applying for. Good luck with your job search!

What can happen if I commit violence against the public?

Q5. If security guards commit violence against the public, can they have their licence revoked?

Answer: Security guards can lose their SIA licence if they act violently. The SIA monitors guards closely for professional behaviour. If they hear about violence or other significant missteps, they’ll investigate. If a guard is found at fault, they’ll likely lose their licence, meaning they can’t work in SIA-regulated roles. Guards should always act safely and responsibly. Report any wrongdoings to the SIA promptly.

How can i change my Door Supervisor licence to retail guarding licence

Q6. If I do retail security, can I change my badge from doorman licence to retail guarding licence, and what course do I take for this, please

Answer: Since the you already have Door Supervisor’s licence, you can change it to Security guard Licence by doing Top-up Security Guard course. You are not required to do full Security guard course.  

    Top-Up Training for Security Guard covers the following Modules:

• Unit 1: Principles of Terror Threat Awareness In the Private Security Industry
• Unit 2: Principles of Minimising Personal Risk for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry

Licence expiration and renewal details

Q7. I would need a top-up course for security officers. I hear you have to do it three months before my licence expires. Does the new licence start when the old one expires or when I do the top-up? That would mean I lost three months that I paid for.

Answer: The validity of your new SIA licence will depend on when you complete the top-up course. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Finish the top-up course within three months before your current licence ends.

2. Apply before the current licence expires to ensure the new one starts right after.

3. If there’s a delay, but you complete everything within three months post-expiry, your new licence can cover the old expiry date.

4. Always refer to the SIA for current guidelines. Plan to avoid gaps in licensure.

Difference between Door Supervisor and Security Guard

Q8. Does a door supervisor licence cover security guards, or is that separate? 

Answer: A Door Supervisor licence and a Security Guard licence are separate licences in the UK. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Door Supervisor Licence: A Door Supervisor licence allows individuals to work as door supervisors at licensed premises, such as bars, clubs, or events.

2. Security Guard Licence: A Security Guard licence enables individuals to work as security guards in various settings, including retail stores, office buildings, construction sites, or private properties.

Door supervisors and security guards have different jobs. That’s why they need different licences from the SIA.

Even though the jobs differ, Get Licence suggests a door supervisor licence. Why? Because with it, you can work as a door supervisor and a security guard11. And there’s a bonus: if you’re a door supervisor, you can also work at places that serve drinks!

You should ask training centres if you’re wondering about the training you need for each licence. Or, you can check the SIA website. They have all the information you need.

Top-up course to renew Security Guard Licence

Q9. How early can I take the new top-up course for SG to renew? 

Answer: You can take the new top-up course for Security Guard to renew your SIA licence up to six months before the expiry date. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Timing: You can complete the top-up course within six months before your current SIA licence expires.

2. Early Renewal: Taking the top-up course early allows you to maintain continuous licensure without gaps once your current licence expires.

3. Application Submission: After completing the top-up course, submit your renewal application promptly, including all required documentation and fees, before your current licence expires.

4. Licence Start Date: If you complete the top-up course and submit your renewal application before your existing licence expires, the start date of your new licence should be immediately after the old one expires.

Be proactive about planning and scheduling in advance, so you have sufficient time to complete the top-up course and submit your application without any last-minute rush or potential gaps in licensure.

Do guards need Top-up training?

Q10. Do guards have to do the top-up training every three years

Answer: Yes, guards are required to do the top-up training. The certificate they receive upon completing the training is valid for three years. Once it expires, they must retake the course to remain updated with the latest industry standards and maintain their SIA license validity.

With the last question for the week, we conclude this week’s FAQ blog. I hope that the information was beneficial for you. We are looking forward to resolving any other security-related problems for you. In the meantime, try finding answers to questions with our cool security.ai.