SIA Security Guard Licence

Everything you need to know about getting licensed to work legally as a security guard in the United Kingdom.

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What is the SIA Security Guard Licence?

The SIA security guard licence gives individuals the authority to work legally in the UK as security guards. A security guard licence is issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and remains valid for three years. A security guard professional must renew their security guard licence every three years to remain compliant.

This licence also permits you to carry out the licensable activity of a security guard at a variety of premises — from office buildings and shops to council buildings and courts.

Who Can Apply for a Security Guard Licence?

Before applying, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Minimum Age

Must be 18 or over to hold an SIA licence

Right to Work

Legal right to work in the UK

Certified Training

Complete & pass SIA-approved course

Background Check

Pass the SIA criminal background check
You must have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for a security guard licence.

What is the SIA Security guard course?

To obtain the Security Guard Licence, you need to attend and complete a security guard training course, as required by the SIA. Check the guidance on what training you need to get a security guard licence.

The Security Guard training course is a 4-day course and contains the following 3 units:
  • Working in the Private Security Industry
  • Security Guarding or Working as a Security Guard
  • Conflict Management

Where Can You Work as a security officer?

Holders of the security guard licence can protect property from theft and damage, and work on public safety across a wide range of locations:

Office Buildings

Shops & Retail

Council Buildings

Courts

NHS Buildings

Shopping Malls

Care Homes

Reception Areas

This licence does not permit work on licensed premises operating CCTV systems for guarding against disorder, damage, or injury. A separate CCTV Licence is required for those activities.

How to Apply for Your SIA Security Guard Licence

Follow these four steps to obtain your SIA security guard licence
1

Pass the Security Guard Course

Security guard training lasts 4 days. Book your course with an SIA-approved provider, complete the training, and achieve your certificate. Upon successful completion, you’ll be awarded the Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Guard within the Private Security Industry.
2

Complete the SIA Licence Application

All applications for SIA licences and renewals should be completed through your personal online account. Open an account with the SIA through the official website. Fill in all your details, provide the required information, and submit your application.
3

Identity Verification

Bring your ID and two proofs of address to your nearest Post Office that offers licence application services. Verify your identity and make your payment in person. You can read the guidance on the licence application.
4

Criminal Background Check & Approval

The SIA will conduct an identity and criminal background check. If you have been residing in the UK for fewer than five years, they may request additional documents such as a police clearance certificate from your home country. Processing typically takes around 25 working days.
For further information, see our licence guidance.

SIA Security Guard Licence Cost in the UK

These fees are payable directly to the SIA and do not include the cost of your training course.
FROM APRIL 2026

£184

We charge only the training course fee. The SIA licence application fee is paid separately and directly to the SIA.
Security guards must renew their SIA licence every 3 years to remain compliant with industry standards and regulations. Renewal requires completing additional training and passing a criminal background check. SIA security guard licence renewal training is a compulsory programme you must complete before your licence renewal.

Other SIA Licences

We offer a full range of SIA-approved security training courses in London, for both new applicants and licence renewals.

A Door supervisor refresher qualification is required for existing SIA-licensed Door supervisors applying to renew their license. Upon completion of the refresher course, qualified learners can apply to renew their licenses with SIA.

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£168.00

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SIA Refresher Training With First Aid. Security guards and door supervisors to renew their SIA  licences and SIA course in london, Our SIA refresher training sia security course with emergency first-aid at work. Renew your SIA license. Do SIA Security course.

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£199.98

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SIA CCTV training  for SIA CCTV operator licence to work in CCTV control as a private security CCTV operator in london and all over UK

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£249.98

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SIA security training which SIA door supervisor security officer training with first aid, complete sia training wo get sia licence to become a sia security officer like sia door supervisor or security guard in london.

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Price range: £298.00 through £298.99

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An SIA-approved door supervisor course is highly beneficial for those seeking a career in the private security industry as a door supervisor/security officer SIA training. By obtaining a SIA  license, be able to work in most business sectors, giving you the opportunity to earn £12 to £18 an hour or more.

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£258.00

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A SO refresher qualification is required for existing SIA-licensed Security officers applying to renew their license. Upon completion of the refresher training, qualified learners can apply to renew their licenses with SIA.

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£178.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

You must be 18 years old, have the right to work in the UK, complete and pass security guard training, and obtain certification before applying. The SIA will also carry out a criminal background check, which you must pass.
The security guard course is a four-day training programme introducing the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in the security industry. Upon successful completion, you’ll be awarded the Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Guard within the Private Security Industry.
It varies. According to the SIA, processing takes approximately 25 working days, though it can sometimes take longer if additional checks are required.
They are similar roles, but with the security guard licence, you face restrictions on working at licensed premises where alcohol is sold. A door supervisor licence does not carry this restriction, giving you a broader scope to work in hospitality and nightlife venues.
The SIA security guard licence application fee is £204, payable directly to the SIA. This does not include the cost of your training course.
Holders of the security guard licence can work in shopping malls, office buildings, council buildings, courts, NHS buildings, care homes, and reception areas. Typical earnings range from £13 to £18 per hour.
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