What is the cost of an SIA licence?

The licence application cost is £184. This fee is paid directly to the SIA, which is the licensing authority for the private security industry.

How long is the SIA licence valid for?

An SIA licence is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued.

Who needs an SIA licence?

Anyone working in a licensable frontline security role such as door supervision, security guarding, CCTV operations, or close protection needs a valid SIA licence for that specific activity. Different licences are required for different roles.

How long does it take to get an SIA licence?

It usually takes 25 working days for the SIA to process a licence application. In some cases, it may take up to 6 weeks due to additional background checks.

What checks are done when applying for an SIA licence?

The SIA conducts checks on your course qualification, identity, and criminal background as part of the licence application process.

Can I apply for an SIA licence without passing the course?

You can apply for a non-frontline SIA licence without passing a course. However, to apply for any frontline SIA role such as Door Supervisor, Security Guard, or CCTV Operator, you must first pass the relevant SIA training course.

HOW TO GET AN SIA LICENCE

It is a legal requirement to get an SIA licence to work in the private security industry. Learn how you can apply for your licence and work legally as a Door Supervisor, CCTV Operator, Security Guard or Close Protection Officer.

Find The Right Licence Download Guide

How to apply for your licence

Follow these steps to get your SIA licence and start your security career

Book and pass your SIA training courses

Enroll in an SIA-approved course, which typically takes around 6 days to complete.
The course includes exams and practical assessments. Once you pass, you’ll
receive a certificate required for your licence application.

~ Estimated time 6 days

Complete licence application on the SIA website

With your training certificate, complete the online licence application on the official
SIA website. The application fee is £184.

~ Estimated time 1 day

Complete identity checks

You will need to verify your identity to satisfy parts of your SIA application, namely
your photo ID. The easiest way to do this is at your local Post Office.

~ Estimated time 1 day

Await application processing

After submitting your application and completing identity verification, the SIA will
process your application. This includes background checks and can take up to
4-6 weeks.

~ Estimated time 4-6 weeks

Receive your 3 year licence in the post

Once approved, your licence will be mailed to you and will be valid for 3 years.

*Result times may vary depending on the course plan you purchase.

what country are you from?

Find all the information you need to navigate the application process, document
requirements, and other essentials, specifically tailored for your nationality

Compare SIA Licences

Different roles in the security industry require different training and licences.

Select a job role to see which licence is right for you.

Door Supervisor
Patrol Officer
Security Officer
CCTV Operator
Retail Security
Nightclub/Doorman
Revenue Protection
Static Security Guard
Control Room Officer
Security Concierge
Bodyguard
VIP Security

Door Supervisor Licence

View details

Security Guard Licence

View details

CCTV Operator Licence

View details

Close Protection Licence

View details

Career & Earning potential

How much can you earn?

Earning Potential

up to £23 per hour
up to £48k per annum

Earning Potential

up to £18 per hour
up to £37k per annum

Earning Potential

up to £20 per hour
up to £42k per annum

Earning Potential

up to £100 per hour
up to £60k per annum

Where can you work?

Retail, Events, Offices, Licensed premises, Static guarding, Manned guarding - covers all Security Guarding roles

Where can you work?

Static guarding, Manned guarding, Key-holding, Retail

Where can you work?

CCTV operator, Control room, Public space surveillance

Where can you work?

Bodyguard, VIP security, Maritime, Asset protection, International assignments

Training & Costs

Training duration
The length of the course

Course Length

6 days

Course Length

4 days

Course Length

3 days

Course Length

14 days

Training fee
Cost of the training and exam
(^*Prices inclusive of VAT)

Training from

from £239.99

(^*Prices inclusive of VAT)

Training from

from £189.99

(^*Prices inclusive of VAT)

Training from

from £219.99

(^*Prices inclusive of VAT)

Training from

from £1,999

(^*Prices inclusive of VAT)

SIA licence fee
Cost of the SIA application

SIA Application cost

£184

SIA Application cost

£184

SIA Application cost

£184

SIA Application cost

£184

Time to recover costs
How long you have to work
before you recover the costs

Time to recover costs

6 days

Time to recover costs

5 days

Time to recover costs

5 days

Time to recover costs

4 days

Course Dates More Info

Ready to get your
SIA licence?

Start your new career by enrolling on your SIA training
course. Find your nearest course today.

View Courses Near Me View Courses Near Me

Explore SIA training courses

🔥 Employers prefer this

Door Supervisor Training

Work at pubs, clubs, events, shops, and offices. Best choice for flexible, higher-paying jobs.

Starting at just £229.99

Book Now Learn more

🛡️ Static guarding

Security Guard Training

Ideal for static guarding at offices, shops, and warehouses. No door work or nightlife covered.

Starting at just £189.99

Book Now Learn more

🎥 Control room jobs

CCTV Training

Monitor shops, offices, warehouses from control rooms.

Starting at just £219.99

Book Now Learn more

🕶️ Private Security

Close Protection Training

Get licensed to work as a Bodyguard for VIPs, celebrities, and high-profile clients. Exclusive, high-paying security work.

Starting at just £1994

Book Now Learn more

🔄 Licence Renewal

SIA Top-Up Refresher Training for Security Guard

For individuals renewing their Security Guard or Officer licence. Quick refresher to keep you job-ready.

Starting at just £99.99

Book Now Learn more

🔄 Licence Renewal

SIA Top-Up Refresher Training for Door Supervisor

Renew your Door Supervisor licence and stay qualified for door work, events, nightlife, and beyond.

Starting at just £109.99

Book Now Learn more

View all courses

Explore Security careers

A diverse selection of roles to choose from

How to Become a Nightclub Doorman

Licence required: Door Supervisor Training

Earn up to: £12.50-£25 20 to 48 hours a week (usually includes weekends)

View Details

How to Become a Retail Security Officer

Licence required: Door Supervisor Training

Earn up to: £7-£15 20 to 48 hours a week usually includes weekends

View Details

How to Become a Control Room Operator

Licence required: CCTV Training

Earn up to: £9-£13 20 to 48 hours a week usually includes weekends

View Details

How to Become a Front of House Officer - Get Licensed

Licence required: Door Supervisor Training

Earn up to: £9-£15 20 to 48 hours a week usually includes weekends

View Details

How to Become a Loading Bay Supervisor

Licence required: Door Supervisor Training

Earn up to: £10-£14 20 to 48 hours a week usually includes weekends

View Details

View all careers

Have a question? We have answers

The licence application cost is £184. This is paid directly to the SIA, the licensing authority for the security industry.

A newly issued SIA licence is valid for 3 years.

The roles that you can undertake will depend on which SIA licence you have. A holder of an SIA CCTV Licence can watch public images but can’t work as a security guard. In the same way a holder of an SIA Door Supervisor licence can’t work as a CCTV Operative.

It can take 25 working days to process a licence application. In some cases, this can take up to 6 weeks due to additional security checks.

It is illegal to work in the security industry without an SIA Licence. However, some employers can qualify for exemptions under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

The SIA will check the course qualification, identify and criminal background during the licence application process.

You may apply for a non-frontline SIA licence without passing the course. For all frontline roles such as Security Guarding, Door Supervisor, CCTV Operator, Close Protection etc you must pass the course before applying for the licence.