How Much Does an SIA Licence Cost in the UK?

How Much Does an SIA Licence Cost in London

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To work in the security industry, including door supervision, CCTV operation, or close protection, you must hold a valid SIA licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA regulates private security and issues licences to ensure individuals meet training and vetting standards. This post explains the costs, types, and key considerations for obtaining an SIA licence.

Question now, what is an SIA License?

An SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence is a government-issued certification that authorises individuals to work in specific security roles. Types of SIA licences include:

·     Door Supervisor Licence: Required for those working in venues with public access, such as nightclubs or event spaces.

·     Security Guard Licence: For roles where security staff do not directly interact with the public.

·     CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Licence: Required for those operating surveillance systems in public areas.

·     Close Protection Licence: For bodyguards and similar roles providing close security.

Each licence requires specific training, exams, and background checks.

You need to hold the correct ‘licence-linked’ qualification before applying for these types of licences: security guarding, door supervision, close protection, and public space surveillance (CCTV). It is a criminal offence to work under a contract without a licence. You must take a training from an SIA-approved training provider like Securex Premium, get your qualification, and apply for the SIA Licence. An unlicensed security officer can face legal action and a penalty.

The Cost of an SIA License

The SIA charges a standard application fee of £184 for each licence type. This fee is non-refundable and covers a three-year period. For those applying for multiple licences, the fee remains the same for each application, although there are discounts for dual licences, which we’ll discuss shortly.

Additional Costs: Training and Certification

To qualify for an SIA licence, you must complete a recognised training course. Training costs vary by licence type:

·     Door Supervisor Course: Typically costs £250 to £350. The course lasts about four days and includes both practical and theoretical components.

·     Security Guard Course: Generally costs £250 to £300 and takes approximately three days to complete.

·    CCTV Operator Course: Costs around £230 to £350 and covers monitoring and operating CCTV systems according to SIA standards.

·     Close Protection Course: Due to the advanced nature of this work, costs range from £1,500 to £3,000. Training can take up to three weeks.

You must choose an SIA-approved training provider, such as Securex Premium, to ensure your certification is valid for a licence application.

Additional Costs to Consider

·     Renewal Fees: The renewal fee for your licence every three years is £184.

·     Replacement Fees: If your licence card is lost or damaged, the replacement cost could be £20 to £30.

·     Online Application Discount: Some training providers offer a small discount for completing your SIA application online.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The SIA licence application process typically takes up to 25 working days. Delays may occur if additional information is required. Background checks for applicants with international addresses can further extend the timeline.

BOOK YOUR SIA LICENCE TRAINING WITH SECUREX PREMIUM

Verify you have the correct documents to confirm your identity

 During the application, you’ll need to present proof of your identity. We recommend checking that you have the appropriate identity documents before beginning your application. You will be required to show all of the following:

• 1 document from group A

• 2 documents from group B

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