SIA License Course

If you want to work legally in the UK’s private security industry and, there’s one thing you can’t skip: completing an approved SIA license course and earning your SIA badge. Whether you’re eyeing a career as a door supervisor, security guard, or CCTV operator, your training is what unlocks the licence — and the licence is what unlocks the work. This guide explains exactly which course you need, what it covers, how much it costs, and how to book a place that won’t waste your time or money. 🔒 Ready to get started? Compare approved SIA courses and book your place today — dates available across the UK, with weekend training options.

What Is an SIA License Course?

An SIA license course — more precisely called a licence-linked qualification — is the mandatory training you must complete before you can apply for your Security Industry Authority (SIA) badge. The SIA is the government body that regulates the UK’s private security sector. Without a valid SIA licence, working in any frontline security role is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison. The SIA doesn’t deliver the training itself. Instead, it endorses awarding organisations — such as Highfield, City & Guilds, Pearson, and NCFE — to set the syllabus. You book your course through an approved training provider, complete the classroom and practical assessments, and then use your certificate to apply for your licence through the SIA’s online portal.

Which SIA License Course Do You Need?

There are three main frontline licence courses most people choose between. The right one depends entirely on the type of security work you want to do.

1. Door Supervisor Course (6 Days)

The Door Supervisor licence is the most popular and versatile qualification in UK security. It covers working on venue doors, in nightclubs and bars, at retail premises, corporate sites, and events. Crucially, a Door Supervisor licence also permits you to take on security guard duties — so if you’re unsure which to choose, this is the one most employers ask for. The course runs over six days and covers four core units: principles of working in the private security industry, working as a door supervisor, conflict management, and physical intervention skills. You’ll be assessed through multiple-choice exams and practical demonstrations. Typical course cost: £200–£350 depending on provider and location SIA licence fee (paid separately to the SIA): £204 First aid requirement: You must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before starting — many providers bundle this in

2. Security Guard Course (4 Days)

The Security Guard course leads to the Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry. It’s a shorter course than the Door Supervisor route — four days — and qualifies you for static guarding roles in retail, corporate environments, and industrial sites. However, it does not cover door supervision work or physical intervention, so your options are narrower. For this reason, many people who initially consider the Security Guard route end up choosing Door Supervisor instead, as the extra two days of training pays for itself in job flexibility and earning potential. Typical course cost: £150–£250 SIA licence fee: £204 First aid requirement: EFAW certificate required

3. CCTV Operator Course (3 Days)

If you want to work monitoring public space surveillance cameras in control rooms, retail environments, or transport hubs, the CCTV Operator course is the fastest route into licensed security work. At just three days, it’s the shortest of the frontline qualifications and leads to a Level 2 Award for CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) in the Private Security Industry. Be aware that a CCTV licence only covers surveillance work — it doesn’t permit you to work as a door supervisor or security guard. Some people hold both a CCTV licence and a Door Supervisor licence to maximise their employability. Typical course cost: £200–£300 SIA licence fee: £204 First aid requirement: EFAW certificate required

Course	Duration	Typical Course Fee	SIA Licence Fee	Best For
Door Supervisor	6 days	£200–£350	£204	Venues, events, retail, corporate — most versatile
Security Guard	4 days	£150–£250	£204	Static guarding, corporate, industrial sites
CCTV Operator	3 days	£200–£300	£204	Control rooms, public space surveillance

Compare available course dates and prices near you →

Before You Book: The First Aid Requirement

One thing that catches a lot of people out: since 2021, you are required to hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before you can begin your SIA licence-linked training. You can’t sit your Door Supervisor or Security Guard course without it. The good news is that many approved providers bundle the EFAW qualification into their course package, saving you the hassle of arranging it separately. When comparing courses, check whether first aid is included in the price or listed as an add-on — it makes a meaningful difference to the total cost.

What Does an SIA License Course Actually Cover?

Using the Door Supervisor course as the most common example, here’s what the training covers across its six days:

• • Principles of working in private security — the legal framework, your powers and limitations, use of force, crime scene preservation, counter-terrorism awareness, and professional standards

• • Working as a door supervisor — licensing law, drug awareness, searching techniques, admission policies, and dealing with people who are under the influence of alcohol or substances

• • Conflict management — communication techniques, recognising and de-escalating aggression, personal safety, and post-incident procedures

• • Physical intervention — breakaway techniques, restraint (taught strictly within legal limits), and when and how physical intervention is lawfully justified

Assessment is a mix of multiple-choice written exams and practical demonstrations. You’ll need to pass all units — there are no partial passes. If you fail a unit, most providers offer resit opportunities, though this is worth clarifying before you book.

How to Find an Approved SIA Training Provider

This is where many people go wrong. Not every organisation advertising “SIA training” is delivering an approved licence-linked qualification. If you complete a course with a non-approved provider, your certificate won’t be accepted when you apply for your licence — meaning you’d have to pay for and redo the training from scratch. To avoid that expensive mistake, book through a provider that is approved by one of the SIA-endorsed awarding bodies: Highfield, City & Guilds, Pearson, NCFE, BIIAB, SFJ Awards, or QNUK. Any reputable provider will be able to confirm which awarding body accredits their courses before you pay a penny. The easiest way to find verified, approved courses with transparent pricing is to use a comparison platform that only lists accredited providers. You can search available SIA courses by location, date, and licence type here — including weekend and evening options if you’re working around other commitments.

How Much Does an SIA License Course Cost in Total?

The total cost of getting your SIA licence has three components, and it’s important to budget for all of them upfront:

1. 1. Training course fee — paid to the training provider. Varies by licence type, provider, and location. Typically £150–£350 for most frontline courses.

1. 1. First Aid certificate (EFAW) — if not bundled with your course, expect to pay £75–£150 for a standalone one-day EFAW course.

1. 1. SIA licence application fee — £204, paid directly to the SIA when you submit your application online. This is fixed regardless of which type of licence you’re applying for and covers a three-year licence.

For a Door Supervisor licence including bundled first aid, most people budget around £500–£600 all-in. Given that Door Supervisors earn £12–£16 per hour in the UK — and roles are plentiful — that investment typically pays back within the first few weeks of work. One tip worth knowing: if you already hold one SIA licence and want to add a second (for example, a CCTV licence alongside your Door Supervisor licence), the SIA charges only £92 for the additional licence application — a 50% discount on the standard fee.

What Happens After You Pass Your Course?

Once you’ve passed all your assessments, the process of actually getting your SIA badge is straightforward. Here’s the typical sequence:

1. 1. Receive your qualification certificate from the awarding body (usually within 10–14 working days of your exam date)

1. 1. Create an account on the SIA’s online portal at gov.uk/sia

1. 1. Submit your application — you’ll need to upload identity documents (passport or driving licence plus proof of address) and evidence of your right to work in the UK

1. 1. Pay the £204 licence fee directly to the SIA

1. 1. Await your DBS (criminal record) check and identity verification — the SIA aims to process 80% of applications within 25 working days, and most applicants receive their licence within four to six weeks

Your SIA licence is valid for three years. You can begin the renewal process up to four months before expiry, and since 2021, renewal requires completing an SIA Top-Up refresher course in addition to paying the renewal fee.

Can You Get an SIA License with a Criminal Record?

It depends on the nature of the offence. The SIA assesses applications on a case-by-case basis — having any conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but certain offences (particularly violence, dishonesty, and some drugs offences) can result in a refusal. The SIA publishes detailed guidance on which convictions are likely to affect eligibility, and most approved training providers can point you towards the SIA’s online criminal record tool before you invest in training.

Tips for Choosing the Right SIA Course

With dozens of providers operating across the UK, here’s what to look for before handing over your money:

• • Confirm accreditation — make sure the course leads to a qualification from an SIA-endorsed awarding body

• • Check whether first aid is included — bundled EFAW saves money and admin

• • Ask about the resit policy — what happens if you fail a unit? Some providers include a free resit; others charge

• • Look at pass rates and reviews — an established provider with verified student feedback is a safer bet than the cheapest option you find online

• • Check the schedule format — weekday, weekend, and blended (online theory + in-person practical) options exist; pick what works for your life

• • Compare locations — six full days of travel adds up; find a centre that’s genuinely accessible to you

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an SIA license course take?

It depends on the licence type. A Door Supervisor course runs for six days, a Security Guard course for four days, and a CCTV Operator course for three days. These timings are set by the SIA — any provider offering significantly shorter courses should be treated with caution, as assessments must meet minimum contact hours.

Can I do an SIA course online?

Partially. The theory elements of some SIA courses can now be completed online through blended learning, but physical intervention and practical assessments must always be completed in person at an approved training centre. You cannot get a Door Supervisor licence purely online.

How long does it take to get your SIA licence after the course?

Allow four to six weeks from submitting your application. You need to wait for your qualification certificate (up to two weeks after your exam), then the SIA processes your application and DBS check. Most applicants receive their licence within 25 working days of the SIA receiving a complete application.

Do I need first aid before my SIA course?

Yes. Since April 2021, a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is a prerequisite for starting most SIA frontline licence courses. Many providers include this as part of their package — confirm this before booking.

Which SIA course should I do — Door Supervisor or Security Guard?

If you’re unsure, go for Door Supervisor. It’s two days longer and slightly more expensive, but it qualifies you for a much wider range of roles — including everything a Security Guard licence covers, plus venue doors, licensed premises, and events. Most employers actively prefer candidates with a Door Supervisor licence.

How much does an SIA course cost in total?

Budget for three things: the course fee (typically £150–£350 depending on type and provider), your EFAW first aid certificate if not included (£75–£150), and the SIA licence application fee of £204 paid separately to the SIA. Most Door Supervisor candidates spend around £500–£600 all-in.

Ready to Book Your SIA License Course?

The security industry has seen strong and sustained demand for licensed operatives across every sector — retail, corporate, events, transport, and more. With courses available at dozens of locations across the UK and weekend options for those in work, there’s rarely a long wait to get started. The most important step is making sure you book through an approved, accredited provider so your certificate is valid when you apply for your licence. Search verified SIA courses by location and date here — compare prices, check availability, and book your place online in minutes. → Find and book your SIA license course today This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book a course through our links, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend approved, accredited providers.