If you want to work in the UK private security industry, it is not optional. It is the law.
If you want to work in the private security industry, obtaining an SIA licence is a legal requirement. Whether you are aiming to become a security guard, door supervisor or CCTV operator, your SIA licence is the foundation of your career.
But before you can apply for your licence, you need to complete the right training. And that training must be completed with an approved provider, delivering a recognised licence-linked qualification.
This guide breaks down exactly what it involves, which training you need, which licence it leads to, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
At BizGrow Holdings, we support UK security businesses in building compliant, professional operations. Understanding SIA training is where that compliance starts.
What Is SIA Training?
It refers to the licence-linked qualifications required before you can apply for a front-line SIA licence in the UK.
The SIA is the government regulator responsible for ensuring the UK’s private security workforce meets strict professional and legal standards. To work legally in most frontline roles, such as door supervision, CCTV monitoring, or security guarding, you must complete a recognised licence-linked qualification and apply for your SIA licence.
Accredited training confirms that you can handle conflict safely, follow the law, protect the public, and act responsibly. It also assures employers that you have been properly vetted and qualified to carry out licensable activities.
It is delivered by approved training provider organisations that have been authorised by awarding bodies that offer SIA licence-linked qualifications. You cannot use a non-approved provider. The SIA will only recognise qualifications from its approved list.
Before you apply for a front-line SIA licence, you need to train for a licence-linked qualification. Once you have successfully obtained the qualification, the awarding organisation will notify the SIA. The SIA must receive this notification before you can submit your licence application.
Who Needs SIA Training in the UK?
The Security Industry Authority issues and enforces licences, ensuring that only trained, trustworthy and qualified professionals work in roles that protect people, property and assets. Must complete approved training and meet criminality and identity standards before applying.
You need training if you want to work in any of these front-line roles:
- Security guard: protecting people and property at offices, retail sites, construction sites, and warehouses
- Door supervisor: working at pubs, clubs, events, and licensed premises
- CCTV operator: monitoring public space surveillance systems
- Close protection officer: providing personal protection to individuals
- Cash and valuables in transit operative: transporting cash and high-value goods
You do not need a licence-linked qualification to get a non-frontline licence or a key-holding licence.
If you are applying for an SIA licence for the first time, your training qualification must have been obtained within the last three years. If you are renewing a lapsed licence, you need a new qualification if more than three years have passed since your old licence was active.
SIA Training by Licence Type
The SIA issues different licence types, each tied to a specific job function. Here is what each one requires:
Security Guarding Licence
The Security Guard licence is required for static guarding, mobile patrols, and manned security roles. This covers the majority of security guard positions in the UK, including retail security, corporate reception security, and construction site guarding.
The training qualification required is the Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors within the Private Security Industry or the specific Security Guarding qualification, depending on the route.
Security Guarding training covers patrolling, incident response, communication, and statement writing.
You also need a valid first aid certificate before you begin training. Since 2021, you must hold a valid first aid qualification before starting training, commonly Emergency First Aid at Work or equivalent.
Door Supervisor Licence
The Door Supervisor Licence is the most popular and versatile SIA licence. It allows you to work in both public-facing and general security roles.
The Door Supervisor Licence allows you to work in security guarding as well as licensed premises and is the most versatile option for new entrants.
Door Supervisor training includes conflict management, physical intervention, law, communication, and emergency response.
Because the Door Supervisor licence covers most roles also permitted under the Security Guard licence, many people choose this route for broader job flexibility.
CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Licence
The CCTV licence is required if you operate CCTV systems that monitor public spaces. This includes town centre CCTV control rooms, transport hubs, and any role where you are monitoring public areas via camera systems.
CCTV training covers legislation, surveillance practice, operational use, and evidence handling.
The CCTV licence applies when you are doing licensable CCTV work in the private security industry, usually when your role involves guarding people or property, using CCTV to monitor the public, identify people, or guard against disorder.
Close Protection Licence
The Close Protection licence is required for bodyguard and close protection work. This is one of the more specialist licences and requires additional training beyond standard SIA courses. Close protection officers protect individuals from threats, including assault, kidnapping, and harassment.
The Close Protection Licence is for bodyguards and personal security specialists protecting VIPs, celebrities, or executives. It is the most advanced SIA licence and typically requires prior experience or specialist training.
Cash and Valuables in Transit Licence
To apply for a front-line cash and valuables in transit licence, you must hold the Level 2 Award for Working as a Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative within the Private Security Industry, awarded by approved awarding organisations, including Laser Learning Awards and NOCN.
How to Find an Approved SIA Training Provider
This is critical. You cannot complete your SIA with just any training company.
You must get your training from an approved training provider. These are providers that have been approved by awarding organisations that offer SIA licence-linked qualifications. The SIA does not give training itself and does not receive any money from training providers’ course fees.
To find an approved provider:
- Use the SIA’s official training provider search at services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
- Search by location and licence type to find providers near you
- Verify the provider is listed as approved before booking
- Confirm that the awarding organisation they work with is on the SIA’s accepted list
Booking with a non-approved provider is a common and costly mistake. If your qualification is not from an approved provider, the SIA will not accept it, and you will need to retrain.
How Long Does SIA Training Take?
They typically take 3 to 5 days, depending on provider, schedule, and assessments.
However, timelines vary by licence type:
- Security Guarding: typically 3 to 4 days
- Door Supervision: typically 6 to 8 days, including physical intervention
- CCTV: typically 3 to 4 days
- Close Protection: several weeks, including specialist modules
After completing your training, the awarding organisation notifies the SIA. Once you have completed your training, you apply online via the GOV.UK SIA portal, pay the £184 licence fee, and wait for approval, usually 10 to 20 working days.
SIA Training Requirements
Before you start, make sure you meet these requirements:
- You must be aged 18 or over
- You must hold a valid first aid qualification before starting training. Emergency First Aid at Work is the most common requirement.
- You need proof of identity and the right to work in the UK
- You must pass criminal record checks; certain convictions will prevent licence approval
- English language competency at Level 1 is expected by most providers
For 2026, all training incorporates conflict management, terrorism awareness, and emergency procedures as required under the updated SIA licence-linked training specifications.
If you are applying for a licence you have held before, check whether your existing qualification is still valid. If it has been longer than 3 years since your old licence became inactive, you need to get a new, current qualification before you can apply for a new licence.
How BizGrow Holdings Supports SIA Licensed Businesses
It gets your operatives licensed. But running a compliant, professional security business in the UK requires much more than individual licences.
At BizGrow Holdings, we help UK security companies build the compliance frameworks that surround their licensed workforce, enabling them to win more contracts, satisfy clients, and grow with confidence.
Here is how we support SIA-licensed security businesses:
- SIA ACS approval: we guide security companies through the full Approved Contractor Scheme process, from gap analysis to assessor visit
- BS 10800 compliance: the mandatory British Standard for all ACS applicants
- BS 7858 staff screening: helping businesses implement the correct vetting procedures for all security operatives
- CHAS and SafeContractor accreditation: getting your business onto approved contractor databases used by major clients
- ISO 9001 quality management systems: demonstrating service quality to clients and procurement teams
- ISO 45001 health and safety management: protecting your workforce and satisfying legal obligations
- Security policy development: site-specific assignment instructions, lone worker procedures, and operational documents
- Pre-ACS readiness reviews: making sure your business is genuinely ready before you apply
If you are building or growing a security business in the UK and want expert compliance support, BizGrow Holdings is ready to help.
Visit bizgrow-holdings.com or contact us at info@bizgrow-holdings.com.
Conclusion
It is the foundation of a legal security career in the UK. Without it, you cannot get licensed. Without a licence, you cannot work in front-line security roles.
The key points to remember:
- Complete your first aid qualification before you start training
- Book with an SIA-approved training provider only
- Choose the right licence type for your intended role
- Submit your application through the official SIA portal after your awarding organisation notifies the SIA
- Keep your licence and qualification current, renew before they lapse
For security businesses that want to go further in achieving SIA ACS approval, CHAS accreditation, and ISO certification, BizGrow Holdings provides expert compliance support every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What training do I need for an SIA licence?
You need a licence-linked qualification specific to your role: Security Guarding, Door Supervision, CCTV, or Close Protection. Training must be completed with an SIA-approved provider before you can apply for your licence.
2. How long is SIA training valid for?
Your licence-linked qualification must have been obtained within the last three years for a first application. If your licence lapses for more than three years, you need a new qualification before reapplying.
3. Can I do SIA training online in the UK?
Some elements, theory and knowledge units can be completed online. However, practical units such as physical intervention for door supervisors must be completed in person with an approved provider.
4. How much does SIA training cost in the UK?
Training investment varies by licence type and provider. Contact BizGrow Holdings at bizgrow-holdings.com for guidance on finding the right approved provider for your needs and budget.
5. Do I need SIA training if I already hold a licence?
If your existing licence is current and active, you do not need to retrain. If your licence has lapsed for more than three years, you must complete a new qualification. Always check your current licence status through your SIA online account.