Working in the private security industry requires you to be appropriately trained, experienced and qualified. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for regulating the UK private security industry, and issues licences for individuals to apply for - and undertake - different jobs.

What is an SIA Licence?

An SIA licence permits anyone to work in security, provided they have completed the relevant training course. Whether you need a licence is determined by the activities you undertake and the role you fill.

Individuals who do not have a valid SIA licence while working in the security industry risk facing imprisonment or hefty fines and penalties. 

The SIA ensures that licensed security operatives are properly trained and qualified to carry out their job. 

SIA licensing covers job roles such as: 

• Bodyguards
• Close Protection Officers 
• Keyholders
• Vehicle immobilisers
• Cash and valuables in transit
• CCTV operatives
• Door supervisors

SIA licences last for three years and must be renewed regularly if you continue working in any of the above positions.

Choosing the Right SIA Licence

Several SIA courses are available for delegates who wish to work in a particular field within the security industry. Here at ATR, we are authorised to conduct relevant training courses for delegates wanting to work in close protection, surveillance and more.

At the end of our training courses, not only will you walk away with the knowledge and situational awareness of how to resolve conflicts and respond to emergencies. You'll also have a firm grasp of everything you need to apply for your SIA security licence.
It's worth paying close attention to an SIA training course's specifics, as the respective licence you apply for forms a requirement for the job. These aren't necessarily transferable. In other words, if you obtain an SIA door supervisor licence, you can't suddenly walk into a role where you need an SIA close protection licence. You will need to undergo relevant training again, although you'll have the advantage of having learned many of the procedures which cross over.

There are two types of SIA licence, frontline and non-frontline.

Frontline licences - these are required for people undertaking licensable activities (except key holding). These licences must be shown at all times.

Non-frontline licences - for those who manage, supervise and/or employ people engaging in licensable activities, provided no frontline activity is being carried out.

Frontline licences

Frontline licences - these are required for people undertaking licensable activities (except key holding). These licences must be shown at all times.

Non-frontline licences

Non-frontline licences - for those who manage, supervise and/or employ people engaging in licensable activities, provided no frontline activity is being carried out.

How Much does an SIA Licence Cost?

Regardless of the specific licence, you are applying for, the cost for a three-year SIA licence is (as of April 2020) £190 and is non-refundable. This figure is still reviewed annually by the SIA. Also, this fee does not cover the costs of the specific training you wish to undertake.

You can apply for a licence renewal up to four months before your current licence's expiry date. The cost of which will be the same.

SIA Licence Training Courses

The SIA training courses you can enrol in can be broken down into four primary course types.

1. Door Supervisor Training - this type of training involves teaching people how to carry out operated guarding activities on licensed premises. The only exception to this is for roles which solely involve using CCTV or cash and valuables in transit.
2. Close Protection Training - these courses involve training delegates on guarding one or more individuals against unprovoked, violent assaults or injuries.
3. CCTV Training (Public Space Surveillance) - training which teaches participants how to monitor activities, identify people of interest and spot suspicious activity using CCTV equipment.
4. Cash and Valuables in Transit - training people on guarding property against damage, theft or unlawful obtainment. Also involves training delegates on the correct methods of secure transportation of property.
5. Security Guard Training - for manned guarding activities which do not fall under the descriptions of door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit or public space surveillance training. 

The SIA recommends applying for your licence as soon as possible to avoid the risk of any delays starting work. As part of the licensing process, delegates will also be required to submit proof of identity, address and are subjected to criminal record checks.

Accredited SIA Training Providers

It's worth noting that all the above information could change at any point, so you should stay informed of any SIA announcements.

At ATR, while (at the time of this writing) we cannot run our scenario-based training courses from our secure facility, we are still monitoring the current situation closely. We hope to offer you valuable, thorough and comprehensive training in the near future. 

You can reserve a place for tentatively scheduled SIA close protection courses here, or get in touch with us directly.