If you are an individual interested in working in the UK’s security sector, the first step to your career is obtaining an SIA licence. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences oversee the positions related to door supervision, guarding, CCTV operations, and close protection, ensuring that all personnel comply with industry standards and safety requirements. In the article below, we will guide you through the entire process of applying for your very first SIA licence.
SIA Licence Explained
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a British organisation that oversees licensing of people employed in various security roles. The licence confirms that an individual possesses the necessary skills for the job, has completed the required checks, and has the permission to carry out specific security duties.
Step 1: Decide on the SIA Licence Type Required for Your Position
In the UK, you will come across two classifications of SIA licences:
·Front Line Licence: These licences are mandatory for personnel who carry out security tasks related to front-line activities, including on-site guarding and CCTV monitoring jobs. This type of licence must be carried and displayed while working at all times.
·Non-Front-Line Licence: This licence is designed for individuals whose role involves the supervision or management of personnel who are carrying out front-line activities.
Depending on the position that you seek to obtain, you may need one of the following front-line licences:
● Licence for a Security Guard
● Licence for Door Supervision Personnel
● Licence for Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Operator
● Licence for Close Protection Officer
·Front Line Licence: These licences are mandatory for personnel who carry out security tasks related to front-line activities, including on-site guarding and CCTV monitoring jobs. This type of licence must be carried and displayed while working at all times.
·Non-Front-Line Licence: This licence is designed for individuals whose role involves the supervision or management of personnel who are carrying out front-line activities.
Depending on the position that you seek to obtain, you may need one of the following front-line licences:
● Licence for a Security Guard
● Licence for Door Supervision Personnel
● Licence for Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Operator
● Licence for Close Protection Officer
Step 2: Complete Training Course
Prior to applying for an SIA licence, you will first need to undertake an SIA-endorsed training for the specific licence that you have selected. Training varies depending on the role:
● Door Supervisor: Requires approximately 6 days of instruction and a valid first aid qualification.
● Security Guard: Typically includes 4-6 days of training and EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) certification.
All courses combine theoretical classes with hands-on skill evaluations.
● Door Supervisor: Requires approximately 6 days of instruction and a valid first aid qualification.
● Security Guard: Typically includes 4-6 days of training and EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) certification.
All courses combine theoretical classes with hands-on skill evaluations.
Do remember that your first aid qualification must have at least 12 months’ validity at the time of the Security Industry Authority application.
Step 3: Register for an SIA Account Online
Your next step is to create your personal account on the official SIA portal. You can do this as follows:
● Visit the website: Apply for an SIA licence - GOV.UK
● Select "Register for a personal online account"
● Complete registration by inputting your personal information and verifying your email.
Your personal account is the platform for managing the application and checking its status.
● Visit the website: Apply for an SIA licence - GOV.UK
● Select "Register for a personal online account"
● Complete registration by inputting your personal information and verifying your email.
Your personal account is the platform for managing the application and checking its status.
Step 4: Apply for an SIA Licence and Finalise Application
As soon as the registration has been completed and you successfully log into your account, you can start the application process to obtain the SIA licence:
- Select “Apply for a new licence”
- Specify the licence category
- Complete all required fields (including your name, address, training details, ID, etc.)
- Submit the application fee payment (£184)
Note that the application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome
Step 5: Complete Identity Verification In-Person
Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will then be instructed to attend a UK Post Office in order to:
● Submit the originals of your IDs for verification
● Complete biometric recording (your photograph and signature)
During the SIA application process, you will be provided with a list of the Post Offices where you can easily complete your identity verification.
● Submit the originals of your IDs for verification
● Complete biometric recording (your photograph and signature)
During the SIA application process, you will be provided with a list of the Post Offices where you can easily complete your identity verification.
Step 6: Await Necessary Checks and SIA Decision
Your application will now enter the SIA verification phase, where the SIA will complete a few mandatory checks. This includes:
● Criminal record assessment
● Permission to work in the UK
● Mental health history
● Training compliance
Typically, decisions are issued in 25 working days (longer if additional information is needed).
Use your personal account on the SIA platform to track the status of your application.
● Criminal record assessment
● Permission to work in the UK
● Mental health history
● Training compliance
Typically, decisions are issued in 25 working days (longer if additional information is needed).
Use your personal account on the SIA platform to track the status of your application.
Step 7: Licence Delivery
Successful applicants will receive their SIA licence card by post. Welcome to the UK security profession!
A Few Final Considerations
● Timing: Begin your application early, as the entire process will take a few weeks.
● Paperwork: Maintain your ID and training files valid and keep them safe.
● Duration: Standard licences are valid for 3 years (excluding Close Protection Licence, which is valid for 12 months).
● Renewal: Timely renewal of your licence is mandatory for legal employment.
● Paperwork: Maintain your ID and training files valid and keep them safe.
● Duration: Standard licences are valid for 3 years (excluding Close Protection Licence, which is valid for 12 months).
● Renewal: Timely renewal of your licence is mandatory for legal employment.
Your Career in Security Starts Here
The process of applying for your initial SIA licence is quite simple: be sure to complete each step, keep your paperwork organised, and you will step confidently into your security career!
