The Security Industry Authority has made several changes to licensing requirements over the past year, and if you’re planning to enter the security sector, it’s important to understand what these mean for you. Whether you’re looking at door supervision, CCTV operation, or any other licensed role, the landscape has shifted slightly from what it was even 18 months ago.
The cost increase and what it means
As of October 2024, SIA licence fees increased for the first time in several years. A new three-year licence now costs £220, up from £190. It’s not a massive jump, but it’s worth factoring into your budget when you’re calculating the total cost of getting qualified.
The renewal fee has also increased to £210. This means that maintaining your licence over a typical career in security does add up, though most employers accept this as a standard cost of working in the industry. Some larger security firms will cover renewal costs for valued staff, but this isn’t universal, so don’t bank on it when budgeting.
Digital licences are now the standard
The SIA has fully transitioned to digital-first licensing. When your licence is approved, you’ll receive a digital version accessible through the SIA app before your physical card arrives. This has actually sped up the process of getting to work, as you no longer need to wait for the card to come through the post before accepting your first shift.
However, you still need to carry your physical licence card when working. The digital version is useful as a backup or for showing proof of licence status, but it doesn’t replace the card requirement on-site. Make sure you understand this distinction, as turning up to a job with only your phone won’t cut it with most supervisors.
Training standards have tightened
The SIA has been cracking down on training providers who aren’t meeting standards. This is actually good news for the industry, as it means the quality of newly licensed security officers should improve. But it does mean you need to be more careful about where you do your training.
Before booking a course, check that the training provider is SIA-approved. The SIA website has a searchable database of approved trainers. Don’t just go with the cheapest option you find on Google. Some providers advertise courses at suspiciously low prices, then hit you with hidden fees, or worse, aren’t properly accredited at all.
The actual content of the training hasn’t changed dramatically, but the delivery standards have. Expect more scenario-based learning and practical assessments rather than just sitting in a classroom. This is meant to better prepare you for real situations you’ll face on the job.
Right to work checks have become stricter
The Home Office has increased scrutiny on right to work documentation across all industries, and security is no exception. When you apply for your SIA licence, you’ll need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. The SIA has become much stricter about what documents they’ll accept and how recent they need to be.
If you’re a British citizen, this is straightforward enough. But if you’re an EU citizen who settled in the UK, or you’re here on a visa, make sure you have your digital right to work status sorted before you start your application. The SIA won’t process your licence without it, and there’s no point paying for training if you can’t actually get licensed.
The criminality checking process
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check remains a core part of the licensing process, and processing times have been variable. In some cases, basic checks come back within a week. In others, it can take a month or more, particularly if you’ve lived at multiple addresses or have common name variations.
One change that catches people out is that the SIA now requires you to declare all cautions and convictions, even spent ones. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act still applies, meaning many spent convictions won’t automatically bar you from getting a licence, but you must declare them. Failing to do so and having it discovered later can result in your application being rejected or your licence being revoked.
The SIA assesses each case individually. Minor offences from years ago won’t necessarily prevent you from working in security, but anything involving dishonesty, violence, or drug offences will be looked at very carefully. If you’re unsure whether your record will be a problem, the SIA offers a pre-application criminality advice service.
Specialised licences and upskilling
Beyond the basic licences, there’s been increased demand for certain specialisms. Close protection work continues to require additional training, but there’s also growing interest in areas like retail security and event security that, whilst using the same core licence, benefit from additional qualifications.
The SIA is also working on potential new licence categories. Whilst nothing has been confirmed, there’s been discussion about specialist licences for drone operation in security contexts and cyber security roles that interact with physical security. These aren’t available yet, but it shows where the industry might be heading.
What this means for job prospects
The tightening of standards is generally positive for those entering the industry properly. Clients are becoming more discerning about the security personnel they hire, and having a legitimate licence from a proper training course makes you more employable than someone who’s cut corners.
The security sector continues to grow, with particular demand in retail security, event security, and corporate environments. The days when security work was seen as just standing around looking stern are long gone. Modern security roles often involve customer service, first aid, conflict resolution, and working with increasingly sophisticated technology.
Pay rates vary enormously depending on location and sector. In London, you might start on £12-13 per hour for basic static guarding, whilst in other parts of the country, £11-12 is more typical. Specialist roles, night shifts, and positions requiring additional qualifications command higher rates. Door supervision at high-end venues can pay significantly more, though these positions usually go to experienced staff rather than newly licensed officers.
The application timeline
If you’re planning to get licensed, work backwards from when you need to start work. The training itself is typically 3-4 days for a basic Security Guarding or Door Supervision licence. Add a week for your training provider to submit your certificate to the SIA. Then allow up to 25 working days for the SIA to process your application, though it’s often quicker.
In total, you should budget 6-8 weeks from starting your training to having your licence card in hand and being able to work. If you need to start earning quickly, this is something to bear in mind. Some training providers offer fast-track services, but these come at a premium and can’t actually speed up the SIA’s processing time, only the training element.
Maintaining your licence
Once you’ve got your licence, you need to renew it every three years. The SIA sends reminders, but ultimately it’s your responsibility to renew before it expires. If you let it lapse, you’ll need to go through the entire application process again, including potentially retaking your training if it’s been too long.
You also need to notify the SIA if your personal details change – particularly your address or if you acquire any criminal convictions. Working with an expired licence or failing to update your details can result in prosecution, not just a slap on the wrist.
The security industry is becoming more professional, and the licensing requirements reflect that. Yes, it costs money and takes time to get properly qualified, but it also means that legitimate, professional security officers are increasingly valued. If you’re serious about working in the sector, understanding these requirements and doing things properly from the start will serve you well throughout your career.
