As security industry professionals, there’s a significant expectation that falls to us. Understanding how to best keep people safe and secure in a range of different environments, as well as the strategies for managing and de-escalating conflict, are crucial skills for an effectively trained security guard.
Alongside those key skills, the SIA license is an absolute necessity for anyone working in the security industry in any capacity. But what is an SIA license, and why is it such an integral component for anyone looking to work in security? We’ll explore:
- What Is An SIA license?
- Why Is An SIA License Important?
- What Are The Different Types Of SIA licenses?
- How Can I Get An SIA license?
- How Much Does An SIA license Cost?
- Do I Need To Renew My SIA license?
At Churchill Support Services, we fully comprehend the need for effective licensing in the security industry, and what that means for the exceptional professionals who work for us. With this article, we’ll break down the importance of this, as well as what it means for your career.
What Is An SIA license?
The SIA (Security Industry Authority) license is a mandatory certification required to engage in any security-related job or sector. It is the fundamental qualification for becoming a security officer or guard, or for operating as a door supervisor at properly licensed venues and events.
Background of the Security Industry Authority
The Security Industry Authority was formed in 2003 to enhance the regulation and quality of the private security industry, aiming to bring more stability to a crucial aspect of both private and public sectors. It grants necessary licensing to security workers and also certifies private security firms to join its distinguished Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
Benefits and Roles Enabled by the SIA license
Holding an SIA license enables professionals to work in various sectors and roles, such as:
- Door Supervisor: Managing entry and exit at approved locations like pubs, bars, or private events.
- Security Guard: Ensuring the safety of properties or areas, often visible at high-traffic entry points like supermarkets, hotels, or hospitals.
- Mobile Security: Conducting patrols to secure premises, typically overnight or during the day in vacant or extensive properties.
- Close Protection: Providing personal security for individuals, typically VIPs or diplomats, also known as bodyguard services.
- CCTV Operator: Monitoring CCTV systems at large venues like universities or hospitals, and responding to incidents.
- Key Holding: Managing access to a premises by holding keys, ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry.
- Vehicle Immobilisation: Specific to Northern Ireland, involving vehicle clamping or movement restriction, with a fee charged for release.
The Importance of Holding an SIA license
The SIA license serves as a necessary permit for those aiming to engage in the UK’s security industry. Holding this license is not only a legal mandate for anyone working in private security or as a door supervisor at any venue but also a mark of professionalism and commitment to the sector.
Securing a license through the Security Industry Authority validates your dedication to a security career. It signifies that you have completed robust training, making you capable of providing high-quality security services and ensuring you have a clean background that supports your role.
Obtaining an SIA license often leads to opportunities for better roles with higher pay. This is particularly true for private sector security jobs, which typically offer better pay and more flexible working hours compared to in-house security positions, like those in supermarkets.
Possessing an SIA license also paves the way for career advancement within the security field, potentially leading to supervisory or managerial positions. Many senior managers at Churchill Security started their careers this way.
Additionally, holding this license allows you to pursue further training such as first aid certifications, making you a more attractive candidate to employers. Security personnel often being the first responders in emergencies, skills in first aid or CPR are highly valued.
Types of SIA licenses
There are primarily two categories of SIA licenses: a front line license and a non-front line license. Each type has distinct roles and responsibilities, which we will detail below.
Front Line SIA license
A front line SIA license is essential for individuals who are directly involved in security tasks and interacting with the public, addressing security concerns as they arise. This license is commonly associated with SIA-certified professionals.
Categories of Front Line SIA licenses:
- Security Guarding license: This license covers roles such as security guarding and using CCTV to monitor areas and identify potential threats or unauthorized access.
- Door Supervision license: This extends the coverage to include door supervision at events, managing entry and overseeing event security.
- Close Protection license: This license is specific to personal protection, focusing on the safety of VIPs or specific individuals.
- Cash & Valuables In Transit license: Holders can protect and transport valuables in vehicles designed for high security, such as armoured vehicles.
- Public Space Surveillance license: This enables the licensee to use CCTV to monitor public spaces, aiming to prevent disorder and protect both people and property.
Note: All front line licenses also encompass the responsibilities permitted under non-front line licenses, meaning no separate license is needed for those duties.
Non-Front Line license
The non-front line license applies to more administrative or indirect roles within the security industry. Responsibilities under this license include:
- Key Holding: Managing keys for properties to ensure access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Roles in Management and Supervision: This includes managerial, supervisory, or employer responsibilities for personnel engaged in front line duties.
- Director or Partner Roles: Being a director or partner in firms that deal with security services.
For those entering the security sector, a front line license is typically recommended due to its broad coverage of direct security duties and the added flexibility of performing non-front line tasks.
How to Obtain an SIA license
To secure an SIA license, you must complete an SIA-accredited course. We recommend using the official SIA Training Providers Page to find these courses due to the presence of fraudulent providers.
Approved Training Providers Include:
- The British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) – Offers qualifications for door supervisors and security guards.
- Highfield Qualifications – Provides qualifications for close protection, door supervisors, and security guards.
- Laser Learning Awards/Trident Security – Offers door supervisor and security guard qualifications.
- Qualifications Network (QNUK) – Provides close protection, door supervisor, and security guard qualifications.
These courses vary in cost, with door supervision averaging £240, and close protection qualifications starting at £2,000. This financial commitment is a necessary initial investment in a security career. More details on costs will be covered in the following section.
Application Process for the SIA license:
After completing the accredited training, apply for your SIA license through the SIA website by creating an account. Here’s what you need for a smooth application:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Identification: A driving license and/or a valid UK passport.
- Residential History: Details of all addresses from the past 5 years.
- Criminal Record: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be conducted.
- Mental Health: Information regarding any detentions under the Mental Health Act in the last five years.
The application spans approximately 10 pages and requires at least 20 minutes to complete. Ensure you have adequate time to verify your information, as any inaccuracies can compromise your application.
Additional identity verification documents might be needed, which can be submitted online as photographs or scanned copies through the SIA account.
SIA license Cost Overview
Initial Costs and Training Fees
As mentioned previously, obtaining a license from the Security Industry Authority involves several expenses. The primary expenditure is for the required qualification courses:
- Security Guard training averages about £200.
- Door Supervision training typically costs around £240, a popular choice for entering the security field.
- Close Protection training is notably pricier, generally exceeding £2000.
After completing your chosen course, a fee is required for SIA accreditation. This fee supports the operational costs of the SIA and contributes to funding and development programs within the security industry, confirming your dedication to a career in this sector.
license Fees and Types
The fee for your first SIA license is £184. It’s worth noting that some licenses provide coverage for multiple roles. Here is a brief description of the different licenses:
- Public Space Surveillance license: Allows the holder to use CCTV to guard property and people, observe the public, spot potential threats, and collaborate with emergency services.
- Security Guard license: Covers basic security duties and may include the use of CCTV.
- Door Supervisor license: Includes the privileges of the Security Guard license with additional permissions for door supervisory positions.
- Close Protection license: Combines the benefits of the Door Supervisor and Security Guard licenses, suitable for bodyguard roles.
- Cash & Valuables In Transit license: Permits the holder to protect and transport valuable items using specialized vehicles.
Many opt for the Door Supervision license as their initial choice to quickly start working in the field. The high cost of the Close Protection course and its rarity make it a less common choice, usually pursued by those with more industry experience.
Discounts on Multiple licenses
Purchasing additional licenses comes with a discount. The SIA offers a 50% reduction for subsequent licenses, lowering the cost to £92 each. This option is appealing if you have gained further qualifications or wish to expand your capabilities within the security sector.
Example Total Cost
If starting from scratch and aiming to become a licensed door supervisor, the total initial cost would be approximately £424. This includes £240 for the Door Supervision course and £184 for the SIA license. Note that the Vehicle Immobilisation license, only available in Northern Ireland, is not eligible for discounts and costs £184.
Should You Renew Your SIA Licence?
Your SIA licence is valid for three years, after which you must complete a renewal or “top-up” course. This is necessary to keep you informed about the latest updates in the security sector and to ensure your skills remain sharp.
You can start the renewal process up to four months before your existing licence expires. It is wise to apply early to prevent any work interruptions due to processing delays.
Any remaining time on your old licence will be transferred to the new one, so you lose nothing. Furthermore, the new licence becomes effective from the date it is issued, so your work is not disrupted.
Renewing your licence costs £184, the same as a new licence. This fee is a standard part of maintaining your eligibility to work in the security industry. The same checks required for a new application are also applied to renewals.
Sometimes, extra training may be necessary if new, critical topics have been introduced. For instance, in April 2021, the SIA mandated a new training module on first aid.
Why Choose ZAM FM Ltd for Your SIA-Licensed Security Needs
At ZAM FM Ltd, we take immense pride in the security professionals we collaborate with, particularly our highly skilled and SIA-licensed security staff. Our team comprises top-tier guards, supervisors, and close protection experts, each equipped with full SIA licensing and required certifications.
We select only the best in the industry, maintaining the excellent reputation we have established over the past 27 years through superior service, sheer professionalism, and deep insights into the security sector.
If you are considering joining our team, please visit our vacancies page. Alternatively, if you need specialized security solutions for your event or business, reach out to our expert team today to receive a complimentary, no-obligation quote.