What is the cost of an SIA licence?

The licence application cost is £204. 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.

Can I work in the security industry without an SIA licence?

No. It is illegal to work in the private security industry without a valid SIA licence, unless your employer qualifies for specific legal exemptions under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

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.

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SIA Licence on Ghanaian Passport

HOW TO APPLY FOR AN SIA LICENCE WITH A GHANAIAN PASSPORT

Are you a Ghanaian Passport holder seeking job opportunities in the UK security industry? This page guides you through the SIA Licence application process, improving your chances for a wide range of security jobs in the UK.

Find the right licence Download career 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

Enrol 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

Once you’ve received your training certificate, complete the online licence
application on the official SIA website. The application fee is £204.

~ Estimated time 1 day

Complete identity checks

You’ll need to verify your identity as part of your SIA application. Have your required
SIA licence documents ready, which you can submit 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 SIA licence via 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.

Compare SIA licences

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

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

View course dates Licence Guide

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

View course dates Licence Guide

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

View course dates Licence Guide

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

View course dates Licence Guide

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

SIA licence guides based on your passport

Get step-by-step SIA licence guidance tailored to your nationality.

Indian Passport

Nigerian Passport

South African Passport

Ready to get your SIA licence?

Launch a new career in security by enrolling in
SIA training. Find your nearest course today.

View courses near me View courses near me

Explore SIA training courses

Popular

SIA Door Supervisor Training

6 days

Work the door at pubs, clubs and events

From £229.99 View dates

SIA Security Guard Training

4 days

Static security shifts at shops, office and sites

From £189.99 View dates

SIA CCTV Operator Training

3 days

Monitor sites from the control room

From £219.99 View dates

SIA Door Supervisor Top-Up Refresher

2 days

Renew your Door Supervisor licence

From £129.99 View dates

SIA Security Guard Top-Up Refresher

2 days

Renew your Security Guard licence

From £99.99 View dates

SIA Top-Up Training for Close Protection

5 days

Protect VIPs and high-profile clients

From £350.00 View dates

View all courses

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.

Renew your SIA licence View refresher courses

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Help centre

Can my Ghanaian Passport be used for identity verification?

Yes, an up-to-date and valid Ghanaian Passport can serve as a primary identity document.

What if I'm a recent UK immigrant with a Ghanaian Passport?

If you've recently moved, be prepared to provide an address history and potentially police clearance from the Republic of Ghana.

What about 'Right to Work' for those with a Ghanaian Passport?

You must have a valid right to work in the UK. The SIA will check this against Home Office records.

Is there an age requirement for those with a Ghanaian Passport?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an SIA Licence. Other eligibility criteria apply as well.

How often do I need to renew my SIA Licence?

Your SIA Licence is valid for 3 years. It's important to apply for renewal before your current licence expires to ensure continuous employment eligibility in the UK's security industry. Keep an eye on the expiry date and initiate the renewal process well in advance.

Is the SIA Licence required in my home country?

Please note, the SIA Licence is a requirement to work in the UK Private security industry. However, different countries outside of the UK may have their own licensing or training requirements for security personnel.