Home Security SIA Licences

SIA Licence – Your
Official Pass to
Working In Security

An SIA licence allows you to work legally in the UK’s private security industry. Complete the required training course and submit your application to get
your SIA licence and start earning fast in a growing industry.

SIA licence cards for Door Supervisor, Security Guard, and CCTV Operator
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What is an SIA licence?

SIA licence proves you’re legally qualified to work in most private security roles in the UK. It is issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to individuals who meet the necessary requirements.

With this SIA licence, you can:

  • Legal proof you're qualified to work in security.
  • Required for roles like door supervisor & security guard.
  • Issued after training, checks & approval.
SIA Door Supervisor licence card

Get your SIA licence in 3 simple steps

1

Book and pass your SIA training

Pick your licence below and book a course near you. No experience needed to start.


3 to 6 days
2

Apply to the SIA

Make your application on the SIA website and pay the £204. See which documents you need.


1 to 2 days
3

Your licence arrives in the post

The SIA runs its checks, then your licence lands in the post. Start working the day it arrives.


2 to 5 weeks

Obtain an SIA security licence to kick-start your career

SIA Door Supervisor Licence

Door Supervisor Licence


Valid 3 years View details
SIA Security Guard Licence

Security Guard Licence


Valid 3 years View details
SIA CCTV Operator Licence

CCTV Operator Licence


Valid 3 years View details
SIA Close Protection Licence

Close Protection Licence


Valid 1 year View details
SIA Cash and Valuables in Transit Licence

CVIT Licence


Valid 3 years View details
Drone Operator Licence

Drone Licence


Valid 12 months View details

What are the requirements for an SIA licence?

We guide all our learners through the process, making it easier to meet the SIA licence document requirements without confusion.

Need more info?

Read the full SIA Licence process

Before you can apply for your SIA licence,
you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Possess the right to work in the UK
  • Pass a recognised SIA licence course
  • Hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate (for some licences)
  • Clear a criminal background check

Which licence do you need?

Pick the job you want and we will point you at the right licence.

  • 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
Retail security is covered by the Door Supervisor licence.
Door Supervisor Licence
Most versatile

Door Supervisor Licence

Doors, events, retail, offices. Covers all guarding roles

Pay

£13 to £25 an hour


Training

6 days


Training from

£229.99


SIA licence

£204


Estimated total

£433.99

Security Guard Licence
Quickest to get

Security Guard Licence

Static guarding, patrols, key-
holding, retail

Pay

£12.71 to £18 an hour


Training

4 days


Training from

£189.99


SIA licence

£204


Estimated total

£393.99

CCTV Operator Licence
Indoor, tech-leaning

CCTV Operator Licence

Control rooms, public space
surveillance

Pay

£12.71 to £20 an hour


Training

3 days


Training from

£219.99


SIA licence

£204


Estimated total

£423.99

Close Protection Licence
The specialist route

Close Protection Licence

Bodyguard, VIP security, asset
protection

Pay

£25 to £100 an hour


Training

16 to 19 days


Training from

£1,994


SIA licence

£204


Estimated total

£2,198

Plenty of security officers hold two licences. The common pairing is Door Supervisor with CCTV: doors and events out front, control room work indoors.

Renewing your SIA licence

SIA licences don’t last forever—most need to be renewed every three years. To stay legally compliant and avoid work disruption, make sure you plan your licence renewal ahead of time and complete the required SIA refresher training.

Man holding an SIA licence card

Real stories from real people

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"Very informative at all times helping to keep confidence of people of age not feel out of place. Good demonstration and clear communication and even exam reminded me of my a levels years ago. Well done"


Andrew Shaw
July 14, 2026
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For the last two days, I had Matt as my trainer and he was exceptional, super friendly, answered questions with precision and expanded his knowledge so that I could fully understand.
Absolutely brilliant Matt, Thank you. Read more

Our graduates work at

G4S
Securitas
Mitie
Tesco
Amazon
Heathrow
JD Group
Wembley

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Help centre
The SIA licence is a legal requirement to work in the private security industry in the UK. Holding this licence allows you to work in various security roles and proves you’ve completed training and passed background checks.
Take the required SIA licence training course and clear the exams. Once done, you can apply through the SIA website.
Most SIA security licence courses are completed in 4 to 6 days, although close protection training takes longer. After completing your training, you can submit your licence application, and it will typically be processed within 3 weeks.
An SIA licence application fee is £204, not including the training cost.
No, you must wait until your licence is approved or renewed. Working without an SIA licence is illegal.
An SIA licence is valid for 3 years, after which it needs to be renewed.
At Get Licensed, we simplify the entire process, from helping you choose the right SIA licence course to guiding you through the application process. Our SIA licence courses include training for door supervisors, security guards, CCTV operators, and close protection officers. Get started today!

Do you need help?

Our team’s got your back.

Help centre
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