A Step-By-Step Guide To Getting An SIA Licence

Introduction

I'm not going to discuss here whether the job market is booming or facing challenges. But one thing is for certain: there's a growing demand for security professionals. Whether it's due to an increase in security threats or a rise in the need for personal safety, the SIA security industry is on the rise. And if you're considering a career in security, getting an SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence is a crucial step.
In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of applying for and securing an SIA licence, opening up opportunities for you in this thriving industry. So, can you guess what this licence could do for your career prospects?
Let's dive in and discover all about the SIA licence to ensure a smooth and rewarding journey towards a career in the security sector.

Importance of Holding an SIA Licence

Holding an SIA licence is important if you want to work in the private security industry. Here are some key points that will explain the importance of holding this licence.
Legal Requirement: It is a legal requirement in many security roles to hold a valid SIA licence. In case you fail to obtain a licence when required, it can result in legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment.
Improved Job Prospects: You will get more job opportunities by acquiring this licence. It demonstrates that you have competent, dependable, and thoroughly vetted security checks to work in the security industry.
Ensure Safety and Security: SIA licensing guarantees that people employed in the security industry have undergone appropriate background checks, including criminal record checks. It also ensures that aspirants have enough expertise to maintain security standards within the private industry.

What Are The SIA Licence Application Checks?

Applying for the licence doesn't ensure that you will get one. To successfully get the licence, you need to pass all these application and eligibility checks accurately. Here are some checks you need to pass before you apply for the application fee because it is non-refundable.

Submit Documents For Identity Verification

You have to prove your identity by providing real documents such as your valid passport and driving licence. SIA approves the authenticity of the documents by proper verification.

Provide Information For Residential Verification

You must provide all of your contact information, including the addresses you lived at over the past five years. This is for criminal record check purposes

Undergo Mental Health Check

Before applying for the SIA licence, you must meet the mental health check. You will be asked if you've been subjected to any mandatory measures (such as a community treatment order) under the Mental Health Act in the last five years. For this, you have to answer questions and also go through diagnostic tests to show that you have stable mental health.

Fulfil Minimum Age Requirement

The minimum age to possess an SIA licence is 18. So, you must be 18 to apply for the SIA licence.

Criminal Record Check

SIA checks your criminal record by sending a disclosure request to one of the organisations; Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Disclosure Scotland in Scotland, or AccessNI in Northern Ireland. This investigation helps identify any relevant charges that help in assessing whether the candidate is suitable for the job or not.

Complete Required Qualification

Depending on the job role, the candidate must complete the SIA-approved training and qualification.

Provide Proof Of Right To Work

Applicants must provide proof of their legal right to work in the United Kingdom. This verification ensures that applicants are legally permitted to work in the country.

How To Apply For An SIA Licence?

Applicants for the SIA licence must go through a procedure and fulfil the desired requirements.

• First, you need to complete the accredited licence-linked SIA training for the respective job in the security industry.

• You have to meet all the application checks.

• Once you have completed your training course and application checks, you can apply for the licence on the UK government website by creating an online account and submitting the application form.

What Is The Cost Of An SIA Licence?

From 6 April 2023, the cost of an SIA Licence is 204 which you have to submit when applying for the SIA licence. If you're applying for more than one licence, a discount of 50% will be implemented on the licence fee. It implies that you will pay 204 for the first SIA licence and 102 for any additional licences within the same application.
It is important to note that the SIA licence fee is non-refundable, so make sure you apply with authentic documents and the correct licence. In case, your application gets rejected because of invalid documents or some other reason you will lose the money you spent on the licence.

Licence Expiration And Renewal

Once you get your SIA security licence, it is valid for three years. To avoid any inconvenience and disruption at your job, you must have to renew it before it expires or come closer to the current expiration date. It's best to renew your SIA licence when you have about four months of validity left out of the three years.

Licence Approval And Arrival Time

The time for your licence to be processed varies on several factors such as how quickly your documentation gets approved and the number of licences you're applying for. If the application form is submitted correctly and completely (including all required identification documents), the SIA promises to process it within 25 working days.
However, in some cases that might encounter some issues, you can expect a delay. It could take up to 6 weeks or more when issues with identity checks or questions about criminal records arise. During this time, a decision on whether or not to issue a licence will be made.
SIA Licence Withdrawal / Suspension
SIA can suspend your licence for several reasons. Some of the reasons might be:
Fail to meet the licence requirements
Whether you have the right to work in the United Kingdom
Incomplete address history
Criminal record checks

What Is The Market Salary For Different Security Jobs After Getting SIA Licence?

Where Can I Get Approved Training For SIA Licence?

To meet the terms of an SIA licence in the UK, you must first complete a licence-linked training course, also known as an SIA licence course or SIA licence training. You must rely on an authentic training provider for the licence-linked course. Hurak Learning is one of the most reliable and authentic training providers. You can get SIA licence courses for different security jobs at affordable prices.

Perks and Benefits of Choosing Hurak

• Approved by the SIA

SIA may disapprove the licence-linked training if you get it from an invalid provider. Our institute is approved by SIA and also meets the standards provided by the SIA.

• Complete Guidance and Prep Material for Course Exam
  To pass the course assessment, we provide complete prep material. Also, we offer complete guidance on how to process an application and fulfil the requirements.

• Cost-effective and Price Match Guarantee
  We provide courses and training at reasonable prices. We ensure that you get our courses at a lesser fee than our competitors. Our training costs range from $200 to $250, depending on the course you take for a specific security job licence. So, get your training now and obtain your SIA licence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What information do I need for the SIA licence application? For a licence application, the first thing you have is a reference number. SIA will send you an application reference number. Within three months of completing your online Security Industry Authority licence application, bring this to a participating branch. Secondly, you must have original documents instead of photocopies. The SIA post office will check your documents, take your photograph, record your signature, and accept the payment. Will the Post Office deliver my documents to the SIA directly? Yes, there will be an extra fee to cover the cost of postage and an envelope if you ask the Post Office to send any additional documents to the SIA. A cover note containing your reference number, full name, and address is also required. What happens if I don't have an SIA licence application reference number? Only those who have been given a licence application reference number are eligible to post their documents. To submit your application, the reference number is a must. In your online SIA account, you can find the reference number for your licence application. How old must I be to take the SIA course and obtain an SIA licence? To get the course, there are no upper- or lower-age restrictions. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an SIA licence. I haven't lived in the UK for long. Is this going to affect my application process? While applying for an SIA licence, you have to provide complete details of your residential address history for the last five years. If you have lived abroad for six months or more in the last five years, you must provide a criminality certificate from each country. If you fail to provide criminality certification, your application cannot proceed.

Conclusion

So, let's wrap it up. Getting an SIA licence can be a game-changer for your security career. It's not just a piece of paper; it's a ticket to a world of opportunities. By following the step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the application process like a pro.

As the demand for security professionals continues to rise, having an SIA licence will give you a competitive edge that can't be ignored.

So, don't wait any longer. Take charge of your future, invest in your potential, and unlock the doors to a fulfilling and prosperous career in the security industry. Trust me, it's a decision you won't regret.