How to Get an SIA Licence in the UK (2026): Cost, Training and Security Guard Pay

Security is one of the quickest ways into steady, full-time work in the UK, and you can be qualified in around a week. But you cannot legally work most security jobs without a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This guide explains which SIA licence you need, the training and first aid you must complete, what it all costs in 2026, how long it takes and what security guards and door supervisors actually earn.

What Is an SIA Licence?

The SIA is the government body that regulates the private security industry across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you do licensable work, such as guarding premises, working on the door of a pub or club, or monitoring public CCTV under contract, you need a valid SIA licence. Working without one is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and the SIA regularly prosecutes both unlicensed workers and the companies that supply them.

Most licences last three years, after which you renew. Front line licences come as a card you must wear while working.

Types of SIA Licence

The four licences most people apply for are listed below. A door supervisor licence also lets you do security guard work, which is why many newcomers choose it even if they plan to guard shops or sites.

In Scotland the equivalent qualifications are awarded at SCQF Level 6. There are also licences for key holding and vehicle immobilising, but these are far less common.

Who Can Get an SIA Licence?

• Age: you must be 18 or over.
• Training: you must hold the right licence-linked qualification from an approved training provider.
• Identity: you need one Group A document (such as a passport or photocard driving licence) and two Group B documents, one showing your current address.
• Criminality check: the SIA checks your criminal record. Some offences lead to refusal, depending on how serious and how recent they are. The SIA's Get Licensed criteria explain how this works.
• Overseas checks: if you have spent six continuous months or more outside the UK in the last 10 years, you need to provide overseas criminal record evidence.
• Right to work: most applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The SIA checks Home Office records for non-UK citizens.

A criminal record does not automatically rule you out, but be completely honest on your application. Leaving out convictions is treated seriously and can lead to refusal.

Training and First Aid Requirements

For door supervisor, security guard and close protection licences, you must hold a valid first aid qualification before you start the security training. It needs to be valid for at least another 12 months. Most people take a one-day Emergency First Aid at Work course, and many training providers bundle this into their package.

Course length depends on the licence and on how much self-study the provider uses. As a rough guide, door supervisor training runs for about four to six days, security guard courses about three to four days, CCTV about three to four days, and close protection around 12 days or more. Each course ends with exams, and the door supervisor course includes a practical physical intervention assessment.

If you are renewing, or you held a licence in the last three years, door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives also need to pass a shorter refresher qualification before applying again.

How Much Does an SIA Licence Cost?

There are two main costs: the training and the licence fee. The licence fee is paid to the SIA and is the same everywhere. Training prices are set by private providers, so shop around.

Some older websites still show a lower licence fee, which is out of date, so always check the current fee on GOV.UK. Some employers will cover or refund your licence fee once you start, so ask during interviews.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your SIA Licence

1. Decide which licence you need. If unsure, door supervisor gives you the widest choice of jobs.
2. Find an approved training provider using the SIA's search tool on GOV.UK, and check the awarding organisation is recognised.
3. Complete Emergency First Aid at Work (if required) before your security course starts.
4. Complete the security training and pass the exams. The provider uploads your results to the awarding body.
5. Create an SIA online account on GOV.UK and apply, uploading your identity documents and paying the £204 fee.
6. Respond quickly to any SIA requests. If you are asked for right to work evidence, you have 21 days to send it or your application is cancelled.
7. Once approved, your licence card is posted to you. Check the public register to confirm it is active before you start work.

How Long Does It Take?

Training itself usually takes one to two weeks including first aid, depending on course dates. The SIA does not promise a fixed processing time, and its online decision timescale indicator gives the latest estimate. Straightforward applications are often decided within a few weeks, but criminal record issues, overseas checks, missing documents or right to work checks can add delays. Some employers will let you start under a licence dispensation once your application is in, but only if they are an SIA approved contractor with that arrangement.

How Much Do Security Guards Earn in the UK?

Most entry-level security jobs are paid hourly, and many sit a little above the National Living Wage. Pay is higher for night shifts, door work at busy venues, London roles and specialist contracts.

Hours are often long, with 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends and bank holidays common. That can boost your weekly take-home through overtime, but check how overtime is paid before accepting a job.

Where to Find Security Jobs

• Find a job (GOV.UK): the government's free job board, with many security vacancies.
• Large security companies: major firms such as Mitie, Securitas, Allied Universal and Corps Security recruit nationwide.
• General job boards: Indeed, Reed and Totaljobs list thousands of SIA roles.
• Event and venue security firms: good for door supervisors who want flexible or weekend work.
• Jobcentre Plus: some areas run sector-based work academies that can help fund training if you are claiming benefits.

Career Progression in Security

Security is not just standing at a door. With experience you can become a team leader, site supervisor or control room operator, then move into area or contract management. The Security First Line Manager Level 3 apprenticeship is one route upward. Others specialise in close protection, counter-terrorism awareness, loss prevention or event security, and some go on to set up their own security business, which needs an understanding of SIA approved contractor rules.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unapproved or fake training providers: only train with a provider approved by a recognised awarding organisation. The SIA does not run courses and takes no part of course fees.
• Qualifications from awarding bodies the SIA no longer accepts: the list of recognised awarding organisations can change, so confirm with the SIA's guidance who will certify your course before you book.
• Paying for a 'guaranteed job': no training company can guarantee you work or a licence. Be wary of upfront fees tied to job promises.
• Working before your licence is issued: unless your employer has a valid licence dispensation, this is illegal for you and the company.
• Letting your licence or first aid expire: apply to renew well before your three years are up, and remember you will need refresher training.
• Buying or using a fake licence: the SIA prosecutes forged licences, and it can end your career in security.

Final Thoughts

For the cost of a short course and a £204 licence fee, security can get you into full-time work quickly, with real chances to progress. Be honest on your application, train with an approved provider, and go in knowing the shifts can be long and sometimes challenging. Treat it as a career, not just a stopgap, and doors genuinely open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Fees, training rules, licence criteria and pay rates change. Always check the latest requirements on GOV.UK and the SIA's official guidance, and confirm course details directly with an approved provider before paying.