What is cost of an SIA licence?
The licence application cost is £190. This is paid directly to the SIA, the licensing authority for the security industry.
How long is the SIA licence valid for?
A newly issued SIA licence is valid for 3 years.
Who needs an SIA licence?
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.
How long does it take to get an SIA licence?
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.
Can I work in the security industry without an SIA licence?
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.
What checks are done when applying for an SIA licence?
The SIA will check the course qualification, identify and criminal background during the licence application process.
Can I apply for an SIA licence without passing the course?
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.
What is the age requirement for SIA Licence?
You must be 18 or over to hold an SIA licence.
How long does the SIA Top-Up Training course take?
The SIA Top-Up Training Course takes up to two days. Your training instructor assesses your skills with a mix of multiple choice exams and practical exercises.
What is the SIA Top-Up Upskills course?
If you are renewing your SIA Licence either on or after 1st October 2021, you need to complete the Top-Up Upskilling Course.
This is now a legal requirement to working in the security industry, because Top-Up Training covers new risks and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) knowledge.