A common question from people thinking about a security career: "Can I get an SIA licence without maths and English?" The honest answer is different for each subject, and it depends on which licence you want. This guide sets out what the SIA actually requires.
The short version: the SIA's training rules set no maths or numeracy requirement that we could find. English is required for the licence-linked courses: your training centre must make sure you can read, write, speak and listen well enough, but you do not need GCSEs, and there are several accepted ways to show it. Key holding and non-front line licences need no qualification at all.
Maths
The SIA's Get Training requirements (the rules for training centres and awarding organisations) contain no maths or numeracy requirement for learners, and the GOV.UK page on what training you need does not mention one either. You do not need a maths GCSE or any maths qualification to be put forward for the training.
Individual training providers can set their own entry checks on top, and some run a short maths and English assessment before they accept you. That is the provider's rule rather than the SIA's, so ask before you pay.
English
This one does apply. The SIA says it is essential that security operatives can communicate effectively, because they may have to call the emergency services or resolve conflict. The training centre must make sure every learner is competent enough in English (or Welsh) before putting them forward, and all assessment is done in English and/or Welsh.
The minimum is language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening equivalent to any one of these:
- a B2 qualification on the Home Office's list of recognised English tests and qualifications
- a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- an ESOL qualification at Level 1 on the Ofqual register (England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
- an ESOL qualification at SCQF Level 5 from the SQA (Scotland)
- Functional Skills Level 1 in English
- SQA Core Skills in Communication at SCQF Level 5
- Essential Skills Wales Communication Level 1
GCSE English is not on the SIA's list, and you do not need it. The training centre must keep a record of how it checked each learner against all four skills for at least 3 years.
If you do not have a certificate
Training centres can use their own English assessment, as long as they have agreed it with their awarding organisation. So you may be able to sit a test at the centre instead of holding a certificate. Ask the centre what it accepts before you book. If you would rather get a certificate first, Functional Skills Level 1 in English and ESOL Level 1 are both on the list, and many colleges run them.
Qualifications by licence
Most front line licences need a licence-linked qualification from an approved training provider. First-time applicants must have gained it within the last 3 years.
Door supervisor
- Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry (Scotland: Award at SCQF Level 6)
- First aid needed before the course; refresher for renewals
- You must be 18 or over to enrol
Security guard
- Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry (Scotland: SCQF Level 6)
- First aid needed before the course; refresher for renewals
- 16 and 17 year olds can enrol, but cannot hold a licence until 18
CCTV operator (public space surveillance)
- Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) (Scotland: SCQF Level 6)
- GOV.UK lists no first aid or refresher requirement
- 16 and 17 year olds can enrol, but cannot hold a licence until 18
Close protection
- Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives
- First aid needed before the course; Level 2 Award for Close Protection Operatives (Refresher) for renewals
- You must be 18 or over to enrol
Cash and valuables in transit
- Level 2 Award for Working as a Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative
- You must be 18 or over to enrol
Key holding and non-front line
- No qualification required
Vehicle immobilising (Northern Ireland only)
- Level 2 Award in Vehicle Immobilisation
For door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives, the first aid qualification must be valid for at least another 12 months when you start the course. The old "top-up" qualifications stopped being accepted on 1 April 2026, and the SIA no longer accepts BIIAB qualifications gained on or after 11 August 2026. See the door supervisor, security guard, CCTV, close protection and key holder and cash in transit guides for each one.
Changes that may be coming
The SIA ran a public consultation from 28 August to 23 October 2026 on changes to the knowledge and skills behind licence-linked qualifications. One of the ideas it asked about is changing how learners demonstrate the necessary level of English. It also asked whether door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives should always have to hold a valid first aid certificate, and the SIA says some people will need to do more training than they do now. Trade press reports that the SIA is considering an independent English test for first-time applicants, and new qualifications are reported for 2027.
None of this is confirmed. The consultation has closed and the SIA says it is analysing the feedback and will publish the outcome on its consultation page. Check it before you book training, and check with your provider about what applies to you.
Before you book a course
- Ask the provider what English evidence they accept and whether they run their own assessment or any maths check.
- Check the provider is approved to deliver the licence-linked qualification you need. The SIA does not provide training itself.
- Sort first aid first if you are going for door supervisor, security guard or close protection.
- Compare courses on the Praesova training marketplace.
Quick questions
Do I need GCSE maths and English to get an SIA licence?
No. The SIA does not ask for GCSEs. There is no maths requirement in its training rules, and English can be shown in several ways, including Functional Skills Level 1, an ESOL Level 1 qualification, a B2 level test or an assessment run by your training centre.
Is there a maths test for the door supervisor or security guard course?
The SIA sets none. A particular training provider may run its own maths check, so ask them before you book.
What if English is not my first language?
You still need to meet the minimum level in reading, writing, speaking and listening, because the course and its assessment are in English or Welsh. A B2 test or ESOL Level 1 qualification are both accepted.
Which licences need no qualification?
Key holding and non-front line. Every other front line licence needs a licence-linked qualification.
Can a 16 or 17 year old take the course?
For security officer, CCTV and vehicle immobilising courses, yes, but they cannot hold a licence until 18. Door supervisor, close protection and cash and valuables in transit courses need you to be 18 or over.
Will the English requirement change?
The SIA has consulted on changing how learners show their English, but nothing is confirmed yet. Check the SIA's consultation page for the outcome.
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