Why you should get an
SIA licence

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?

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

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

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)

Always fancied yourself as a bodyguard? That dream won’t be realised without an SIA Close Protection licence.

The right course - Close Protection training