How Much Does It Really Cost to Get an SIA Licence in 2026?

Getting an SIA licence is one of the first steps towards starting a career in the UK’s private security industry. Whether you want to work as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard, CCTV Operator or in another licensed security role, understanding the full cost involved is essential before you begin.

Many people search online asking questions such as “How much does an SIA licence cost?” or “What is the total cost of getting an SIA licence?” Unfortunately, the answers they find often focus solely on the official licence fee and overlook the additional expenses most applicants must budget for.

In reality, becoming an SIA licence holder involves more than paying the application fee. Depending on the licence you apply for, you may also need accredited training, an Emergency First Aid qualification, travel expenses and, in some cases, refresher training if you are renewing an existing licence.

If you’re looking for the latest official fees, our dedicated SIA Licence Cost UK guide provides a complete breakdown of current charges, while our SIA training courses page lets you compare qualifications and upcoming course dates.

This guide explains every cost you should expect in 2026 so you can budget with confidence and avoid any unexpected surprises during the application process.

What Does the Cost of an SIA Licence Actually Include?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that an SIA licence only costs the amount shown on the Government website. While the official application fee is certainly part of the process, it is only one element of the overall investment required to become licensed.

The total amount you pay will usually be made up of several separate costs, including:

• The official SIA application fee
• Your required SIA training course
• Emergency First Aid qualification (where applicable)
• Travel to your training provider
• Identity document replacement (if required)
• Renewal costs in future years

Exactly how much you spend depends on the licence sector you choose and whether you already hold some of the qualifications needed before applying.

For example, someone booking a combined Door Supervisor and Emergency First Aid course may pay a different overall amount from someone who already has a valid First Aid certificate.

The Official SIA Licence Application Fee

The Security Industry Authority charges an official application fee whenever you apply for a new licence or renew an existing one.

As of 2026, the official fee is:

£204 per licence application

This payment is made directly to the Security Industry Authority and is completely separate from any training provider.

The fee covers the processing of your application, identity verification, criminality checks and the administration involved in issuing your licence.

If you apply for an additional licence sector within the same eligible application, reduced pricing may apply under the SIA’s current fee structure.

If you would like a complete explanation of current Government charges, visit our detailed SIA Licence Cost UK guide, where we explain the latest official fees in more detail.

Training Is Usually the Largest Cost

For most new applicants, the biggest expense is not actually the SIA application fee—it is the training needed before you can apply.

The qualification you need depends on the type of security work you intend to carry out.

Common examples include:

• Door Supervisor
• Security Guard
• CCTV Operator
• Refresher Training for existing licence holders

Each qualification has a different syllabus, course duration, and assessment process, so prices vary between courses.

At SecureXPS, applicants can compare a wide range of accredited security qualifications, including:

• Door Supervisor Courses
• CCTV Operator Courses
• Security Guard Training
• Door Supervisor Refresher Courses
• Combined First Aid packages

You can browse all available options on our SIA training courses page, where you’ll also find current prices and available training dates.

Don’t Forget About Emergency First Aid

Many applicants overlook the requirement for an appropriate Emergency First Aid qualification until they are ready to book their course.

For several front-line SIA qualifications, learners must hold a recognised First Aid certificate before completing the training.

Fortunately, many providers—including SecureXPS—offer combined packages that include both qualifications.

This can often be more convenient than arranging separate courses and may help reduce the overall amount of time spent preparing for your licence application.

If you are unsure whether your chosen qualification requires First Aid, it is worth checking before making a booking.

Hidden Costs That Many Applicants Forget

When budgeting for an SIA licence, it’s easy to focus on the course fee and the official application charge. However, there are a few additional expenses that can catch applicants by surprise if they haven’t planned ahead.

These costs won’t apply to everyone, but it’s worth considering them before booking your training.

Travel Costs

If you’re attending a classroom-based course, you’ll need to factor in the cost of travelling to and from the training centre. Depending on where you live, this could include fuel, parking or public transport.

Choosing a provider with convenient training locations can help reduce these expenses. You can view our latest training locations and course dates before booking.

Replacement Documents

During the application process, you’ll need to verify your identity. If your passport or driving licence has expired, you may need to replace these documents before applying for your SIA licence.

Although this isn’t an SIA fee, it’s still a cost worth including in your overall budget.

Assessment Resits

Most learners successfully pass their assessments after completing the course. However, if you don’t meet the required standard, your training provider may charge a fee for resitting the assessment.

Preparing thoroughly and attending all course sessions can significantly improve your chances of passing the first time.

Time Away from Work

If you’re currently employed, you may also need to take time off to attend training. While this isn’t a direct financial cost, it’s worth considering when planning your course dates.

How Much Should You Budget Overall?

Rather than asking, “How much is an SIA licence?”, a better question is:

“How much will the entire process cost?”

For most first-time applicants, a realistic budget includes:

Expense	Estimated Cost
SIA Training Course	£170–£300+
Emergency First Aid (if required)	£30–£60
Official SIA Licence Fee	£204
Travel & Other Expenses	Variable

For many applicants, the total investment is typically between £450 and £550, although this can vary depending on the course you choose and whether you already hold a valid First Aid qualification.

For an up-to-date breakdown of all current fees, visit our SIA Licence Cost UK page.

How to Save Money on Your SIA Licence

Although becoming licensed is an investment, there are several legitimate ways to reduce your overall costs without compromising on the quality of your training.

Book a Combined Course

If you need an Emergency First Aid qualification, booking a package that includes both courses is often better value than arranging them separately.

Compare What’s Included

Some providers advertise very low course prices but charge extra for learning materials, certification or First Aid training.

Always compare the complete package rather than choosing the lowest advertised price.

Avoid Leaving Your Renewal Until the Last Minute

If you’re renewing your licence, book your refresher training well before your licence expires. This gives you plenty of time to complete the course and submit your renewal application without unnecessary stress.

Our SIA Licence Renewal Guide explains the process step by step.

Check Whether Your Employer Will Help

Some employers reimburse training costs or pay for your licence as part of their recruitment programme.

If you’re applying for a new security role, it’s always worth asking whether funding is available.

Common Mistakes When Comparing Course Prices

Many people simply search for the cheapest SIA course available. However, the lowest advertised price isn’t always the best value.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing a provider based solely on price.
• Not checking whether the course is accredited.
• Forgetting to include the official £204 application fee in the overall budget.
• Overlooking First Aid requirements.
• Ignoring travel costs when booking a course far from home.
• Failing to read reviews before choosing a training provider.

A slightly higher course fee may offer better support, experienced trainers, more convenient locations and fewer hidden costs.

Is Getting an SIA Licence Worth the Cost?

For most people, the answer is yes.

An SIA licence opens the door to a wide range of security careers across the UK, including roles in retail security, corporate security, event security, construction sites, hospitality venues and CCTV monitoring.

Many employers require applicants to hold a valid SIA licence before they can begin work, making it an essential investment for anyone planning a long-term career in the security industry.

Once licensed, you’ll have access to a wide range of employment opportunities, and many professionals quickly recover the cost of their training and application through regular employment.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, browse our latest SIA training courses and find the qualification that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone pay the same SIA licence fee?

Yes. The official application fee is set by the Security Industry Authority and applies nationally, regardless of where you live in the UK.

Can I apply without completing training?

No. Most first-time applicants must successfully complete an approved qualification before submitting their SIA licence application.

Is the SIA application fee refundable?

Generally, no. Once your application has been submitted and processed, the fee is normally non-refundable, so it’s important to ensure all your details are correct before applying.

How long does an SIA licence last?

Most SIA licences remain valid for three years, after which you’ll need to complete any required refresher training and submit a renewal application.

Which SIA course should I choose?

The right qualification depends on the type of security role you want to work in. If you’re unsure, our team can help you choose the most suitable option before you book.

Ready to Start Your SIA Training?

Understanding the true cost of getting an SIA licence allows you to plan ahead and avoid unexpected expenses. While the official application fee is fixed, your overall costs will depend on the course you choose, whether you need First Aid training and any additional personal expenses along the way.

By choosing an accredited training provider and understanding exactly what’s included, you can make an informed decision and start your security career with confidence.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our SIA training courses, compare available qualifications and book online today. For a detailed breakdown of official Government charges, don’t forget to read our complete guide to SIA licence costs before submitting your application.