The most common question from people starting out is which SIA licence to get. The answer depends on the work you will actually do, because each licence covers different activities and a licence for one role does not let you do another. This guide helps you choose, using the official GOV.UK guidance and the SIA licensing criteria.
The short version: work out where you will work and what you will do. Guarding a licensed venue needs a door supervisor licence. Guarding other premises or property needs a security guard licence. Watching people through public space cameras needs a CCTV licence. Protecting people needs close protection. Each licence fee is £204 and lasts 3 years, with training paid for separately, and close protection courses can cost thousands.
The four licences most people choose between
- Door supervisor: guarding licensed premises against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour. "Licensed premises" means a venue licensed to sell alcohol on site or to provide regulated entertainment. The work includes searching people and their belongings. See the door supervisor guide.
- Security guard: guarding premises or property against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour, for example shops, offices, building sites and events. See the security guard guide.
- CCTV (public space surveillance): using closed circuit cameras to identify people or monitor their activities, to prevent disorder or damage or to protect people from injury. See the CCTV guide.
- Close protection: guarding people against physical assault or injury. See the close protection guide.
A quick way to choose
- Standing on the door of a pub, bar, club or similar venue: door supervisor.
- Patrolling or guarding a shop, warehouse, office or site: security guard.
- Sitting in a control room watching public space cameras: CCTV.
- Looking after a specific person, such as a client or executive: close protection.
- Keeping keys and responding to alarms: key holding, which needs no training qualification. If the call-out includes guarding, you also need the front line licence for that.
- Transporting cash or valuables: cash and valuables in transit.
- Managing or employing licensed staff and not working as an operative yourself: a non-front line licence.
Licences do not cover each other
This is where people go wrong. A security guard licence does not cover door supervision, so you cannot work a licensed venue door on it. It also does not extend to using CCTV to prevent disorder or assault, which needs a CCTV licence. If your job mixes activities, you may need more than one licence.
The SIA applies a 50% discount to each additional licence on the same application. That discount applies only to licences applied for together, since 1 June 2026.
What training does each one need?
- Door supervisor: Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry, plus first aid.
- Security guard: Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry, plus first aid.
- CCTV: Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) within the Private Security Industry.
- Close protection: Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives Working in the Private Security Industry, plus a level 3 first aid qualification. A one-day Emergency First Aid at Work certificate is not accepted for close protection.
For door supervisor and security guard, the first aid qualification must have at least 12 months left when your training starts. See the first aid guide.
Do you need a licence at all?
Not every security-related job needs one. Volunteers with no payment agreed, ticket checkers who do not refuse entry or remove people, and some in-house roles are exempt, but door supervision at licensed premises needs a licence even in-house. Read working without an SIA licence and, if you are unsure, check the official GOV.UK page or ask the SIA.
If you are still not sure
- Ask the employer which licence the job requires, in writing if you can. It is the employer who must make sure the right licence is held.
- Ask the training provider before you book, because they can tell you which qualification matches the licence you want.
- Check the SIA if your role does not fit neatly into one category.
Once you know, compare approved courses on the Praesova training marketplace. Then follow our step-by-step guide to getting a licence.
Quick questions
Can a security guard work as a door supervisor?
No. A security guard licence does not cover door supervision at licensed premises. You need a door supervisor licence for that.
Which SIA licence is the easiest to get?
None skips the requirements. Door supervisor and security guard need a Level 2 award plus first aid, CCTV needs a Level 2 award, and close protection needs a Level 3 certificate and level 3 first aid. Key holding and non-front line licences need no training qualification.
How much does each SIA licence cost?
The SIA licence fee is £204 for one licence, valid for 3 years (checked on GOV.UK on 8 November 2026). Training courses are extra and paid to the provider; close protection courses often cost thousands of pounds. Extra licences on the same application get a 50% discount. The vehicle immobiliser licence applies only in Northern Ireland and lasts one year.
Can I hold more than one SIA licence?
Yes, if your work needs more than one. Apply for them together to get the discount on the additional licences.
Which licence do I need for a shop or warehouse?
Usually a security guard licence, if you are guarding the premises or property. Some in-house roles are exempt, so check the official guidance.
Keep your licence in one place
Add your licence and qualifications to your free Praesova Career Passport. We check your licence on the official register and email you from 4 months before it expires.
Build my free Career PassportRelated guides
- How to get an SIA licence
- Door supervisor licence
- Security guard licence
- Working without an SIA licence