How to get an SIA licence
Step by step: who needs an SIA licence, the requirements, the training you must pass first, what ID you need and how to apply. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideWhich SIA licence do you need?
Door supervisor, security guard, CCTV or close protection? What each SIA licence covers, how to choose, and what training each needs. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideSIA licence qualifications: do you need maths and English?
The qualification each SIA licence needs, whether you need maths or English to get one, and what counts as proof of English. Checked against GOV.UK and the SIA.
Read the guideFirst aid for your SIA licence
The first aid qualification you need before SIA door supervisor, security guard and close protection training: what counts, how long it must stay valid and what to check before you book. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideSIA licence for non-UK citizens
Right to work checks, the ID you need, overseas criminal record checks and applying from abroad if you are not a UK citizen. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideHow much does an SIA licence cost?
The current SIA licence fee, the discount for more than one licence, what is not covered and who can pay. Checked against GOV.UK on 8 October 2026.
Read the guideHow to renew your SIA licence
When you can renew your SIA licence, what it costs, which refresher training you need, and what to do if it has expired. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideCan you get an SIA licence with a criminal record?
How the SIA assesses convictions, cautions and fines, how long it looks back, and what to do if you are refused.
Read the guideWhat happens if your SIA licence expires?
What to do if your SIA licence has expired: you cannot renew it, you cannot work, what training you need and the 3 year rule. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideSIA licence conditions: what you must report
The conditions every SIA licence holder must follow, the 2-day and 7-day reporting deadlines, what to do if your licence is lost, and what happens if you break them.
Read the guideHow to check an SIA licence
How to check whether a security worker has a valid SIA licence using the official register, and what it shows.
Read the guideLost, stolen or changed SIA licence details
What to do if your SIA licence is lost, stolen or damaged, or you change your name or address: who to tell, the deadlines, the £7 replacement fee and your new licence number. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideDoor supervisor licence
What a door supervisor licence covers, the qualification and first aid you need, the cost and how to renew. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideDoor supervisor refresher training
What the SIA door supervisor refresher is, who needs it, the first aid rule, what the course involves and how it fits with renewing your licence. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideSecurity guard licence
What a security guard licence covers, the qualification and first aid you need, what it costs and how to renew. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideCCTV operator licence
What the public space surveillance (CCTV) licence covers, the qualification you need, the cost and how long it lasts. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideClose protection licence
What a close protection licence covers, the Level 3 qualification and first aid you need, the cost and renewal rules. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideKey holder, cash in transit and other licences
What the key holding, cash and valuables in transit, non-front line and vehicle immobiliser licences cover, and what training each needs. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideNon-front line SIA licence explained
Who needs a non-front line SIA licence, how it differs from a front line licence, who does not need one and what you do not have to do. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideWorking without an SIA licence
When you need an SIA licence, the activities that are exempt, and the offence and penalty for working or supplying staff without one. Checked against GOV.UK and the Act.
Read the guideMartyn's Law: what it means for security
What Martyn's Law requires, which venues and events are covered, the SIA's role as regulator and when it is expected to start. Checked against GOV.UK.
Read the guideWorking abroad as a security professional
Is an SIA licence valid abroad? What close protection and hostile environment work overseas usually requires, and what to check first.
Read the guideMore guides are on the way. Praesova is not part of the SIA or the Home Office, and guides are general information, not legal advice.