SIA Security Guard Licence

Security Licence

Holding a Security Guard Licence makes you eligible to work legally as a Security Guard in shops, malls, and office buildings in the United Kingdom.

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What is the Security Guard Licence?

The Security Guard Licence is issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and allows the holder to carry out licensable activities associated with the security guarding role in the United Kingdom.

If you have an SIA Security Guard Licence, you can work in stores, shopping centres, and offices. Your main job is to ensure the public is safe and to guard personal property from theft, damage, or destruction.

The Security Guard Licence proves that holders have the qualifications and skills to work legally as a security guard. It also shows that holders understand the importance of safeguarding people, protecting personal property, and maintaining a secure environment.

Do I Need an SIA Security Guard Licence?

You need a Security Guard Licence if you want to work as a security guard, and your job role involves protecting property, patrolling areas, or preventing theft.

Note: Undertaking licensable activities without having an SIA licence is illegal in the United Kingdom. However, you can still work without an SIA licence if your employer has been granted an exemption under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Although having a Security Guard Licence is mandatory to work as a security guard in the UK, it also increases your chances of getting a good job.

Eligibility Criteria for Getting a Security Guard Licence

To get a Security Guard Licence, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

You must be 18 years of age,
Must possess the legal authorisation to work in the UK,
Completed the SIA Security Guard Training Course.

How to Apply for the SIA Security Guard Licence

Step 1: Pass the Security Guard Course

The first step to getting a Security Guard Licence is to complete the Security Guard Licence training course.

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It’s a four-day course, and you will be evaluated through a practical assessment and a multiple-choice-questions (MCQ) test.

Take our free SIA Licence Training Mock Exam to prepare for the MCQ test.

Step 2: Complete the licence application

Fill out the online application form provided on the SIA website. Here, you will need to provide complete information about yourself, such as personal details, qualifications, and employment history. You will hear back from SIA within 25 working days. However, it can take a maximum of 5 weeks in rare cases.

Step 3: Complete identity checks

The next step is to verify your identity. You can do it at the Post Office. Please find your nearest branch here. You will need to bring your SIA application reference number and the original copies of the necessary documents. At the Post Office, they will verify your documents, collect your electronic signature, and take your photograph.

After completing the identity checks, they will send all the required materials to the SIA on your behalf.

Step 4: Wait for the SIA to complete identity and criminal background checks

The SIA will take some time to complete identity checks and conduct a background check on your criminal history.

In some cases, if the applicants have resided in another country for six months or longer, they might need to provide some additional documentation.

Step 5: Receive your 3-year licence in the post

Once your SIA licence application is approved, you will receive your SIA Security Guard Licence, which is valid for 3 years.

If you want more information on how to apply for an SIA licence, read our blog, “A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting an SIA Licence.”

Requirements for Security Guard Licence Application

Original certificate of your qualification
Recent DBS check
2 countersigned photographs
Pay the £204 fee
Disclosure of convictions form (if applicable)

Security Guard Licence Mock Exam

Practising with this mock exam is a good idea before you take the Security Guard Licence test for your security guard training qualification. Good luck with your SIA Licence mock exam!

How Much Does a Security Guard Licence Cost?

The SIA Security Guard Licence application fee is £204 (non-refundable).

How Long Does a Security Licence Last?

The SIA Security Guard Licence is valid for 3 years. Once expires, you will need to renew your SIA licence.

SIA Security Guard Licence Renewal

For your SIA Security Guard Licence renewal, you’re not required to take refresher training if you have obtained one of the new qualifications introduced on 1 April 2021.

However, if you have one of the older qualifications, then you must take the ‘Level 2 SIA Top Up Refresher for Security Guard’ qualification.

It’s always best to begin the renewal process for your SIA licence 4 months prior to its expiration date. However, the new licence will only become effective once your current license has officially expired.

You can also check the details of your SIA licence with an SIA Licence Checker.

Jobs for SIA Security Guard Licence Holders

Manned Guarding
Patrol Officer
Key-Holder
Site Security Guard
Retail Security Officer
Building Reception
Store Detective
and more

If you want to earn more in a security guard role, you must flourish in Essential Security Guard Skills.

To learn more about SIA security jobs, read our blog, “A Comprehensive Guide to Top SIA Security Jobs.”

SIA Security Guard Training Course

You must complete formal training and pass the assessments to get the SIA Security Guard Licence.

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At Hurak Learning, SIA Security Guard Training Course is a four-day course for individuals seeking to pursue a career as a Security Guard in retail, office blocks, construction sites, and events. The course is designed to comply with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) standards.

There are three units in this course:

Unit 1: Working in the Private Security Industry

Unit 2: Security Guarding or Working as a Security Guard

Unit 3: Conflict Management

You can also get funding for free SIA training. For more information, read our blog, “How to Get Free SIA Training Courses.”

Pro Tip: Getting a Door Supervisor Course will offer you better value for money than a Security Guard Licence. You can have more employment opportunities with a Door Supervisor Licence than with a Security Guard Licence.

Other SIA Licences

SIA issues numerous SIA Licences for different security jobs. Some of the most popular SIA licences are:

Relevant SIA Security Courses for SIA Licences

Frequently Asked Questions

The Security Guard Licence Course at Hurak Learning costs you £179.99.

Yes, you can. But it depends on the offence type and how SIA deals with it. You can contact SIA by filling out this Contact Form for more information.

No, you cannot work in the security industry without an SIA licence because it’s illegal.

Since April 1st 2021, obtaining a first aid qualification has been mandatory before taking the SIA Security Guard Training Course. The requirement is to get an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate or higher.