Thinking about starting a career in security but not sure where to begin

Getting your SIA licence might seem complicated at first, but the process is actually fairly straightforward once you know the steps.

from choosing the right training course to completing your application, here's everything you need to know about getting licensed and starting your security career.

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First: Which SIA Licence Do You Need?

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DOOR SUPERVISOR‍

One of the most versatile routes into the security industry. A Door Supervisor licence allows you to work at licensed premises such as pubs, clubs and venues, as well as carrying out Security Guard activities.

BEST FOR: Venues • Events • Retail • Hotels • General Security

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SECURITY GUARD‍

Designed for traditional security guarding roles, including protecting premises, property and people across a wide range of environments.

BEST FOR: Retail • Offices • Warehouses • Construction • Static Guarding

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CCTV OPERATOR‍

For those looking to work within CCTV control rooms and public space surveillance, monitoring activity and responding to incidents.

BEST FOR: CCTV Control Rooms • Shopping Centres • Public Spaces • Security Operations

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CLOSE PROTECTION‍

A specialist licence for professionals responsible for protecting individuals from potential threats or harm. Close Protection can involve risk assessment, journey planning and personal protection.

A Close Protection licence also permits Door Supervisor and Security Guard licensable activities.

BEST FOR: Personal Protection • Executive Security • VIP Security

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Cash & Valuables in Transit

For security professionals responsible for protecting cash, valuables and other property while it is being transported.

BEST FOR: Secure Transport • Cash Handling • Valuable Goods

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Key Holding

For people responsible for holding or controlling access to keys or other locking devices on behalf of another person or organisation.

Unlike most front-line SIA sectors, there is no specific licence-linked qualification required for Key Holding.

BEST FOR: Key Holding • Alarm Response • Property Access

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Vehicle Immobilisation

Vehicle Immobilisation licensing now applies only in Northern Ireland and covers certain vehicle immobilisation activities.

BEST FOR: Vehicle Immobilisation in Northern Ireland

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Not Sure Which Licence You Need?

For most people looking to begin a career in frontline security, Door Supervisor, Security Guard and CCTV are the most relevant routes. Guardian can help you understand which training best suits the work you want to do.

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How to Get Your SIA Licence

In 5 Easy Steps:

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1. Choose & Book Your Training:

Choose the licence that matches the type of security work you want to do and book the relevant licence-linked training.

Guardian Training currently offers Door Supervisor, Security Guard and CCTV Operator training, alongside First Aid and Refresher Training.

EXPLORE TRAINING →

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2. Complete & Pass Your Qualification:

Attend your training and successfully complete the required assessments.

Depending on your chosen qualification, this can include classroom learning, written assessments and practical training covering areas such as conflict management, security procedures and physical intervention.

Guardian delivers recognised Highfield qualifications.

For Door Supervisor and Security Guard training, you must hold an accepted first-aid qualification before beginning the licence-linked training. Close Protection also has a first-aid prerequisite, with the SIA requiring a Level 3 qualification or equivalent.

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3. Apply for Your SIA Licence:

Once you've gained the required qualification, create your SIA online account and submit your licence application.

£204

Current SIA licence application fee

The £204 fee applies to both first-time applications and renewals.

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4. Complete Your Checks:

Before issuing your licence, the SIA needs to confirm your identity and that you meet its licensing criteria.

Checks can include:

IDENTITY
CRIMINAL RECORD
RIGHT TO WORK
ADDRESS HISTORY

If you've spent 6 continuous months or more outside the UK during the previous 10 years, you may also need to provide evidence of overseas criminal-record checks.

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5. Receive Your Decision:

Once the required checks have been completed, the SIA will make a decision on your application.

Processing times vary. Straightforward applications can be processed quickly, while applications requiring additional checks may take longer.

Once approved, most SIA licences are valid for 3 years. Vehicle Immobiliser licences are the exception and last for 1 year.

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What Does Getting an SIA Licence Cost?

Training

Course Dependent

Training costs depend on the licence and qualification you choose. More specialist courses generally involve more training and therefore cost more.

Guardian's current training prices will be displayed alongside each course once confirmed.

First Aid

Additional Requirement

First-aid training is required before undertaking licence-linked Door Supervisor, Security Guard and Close Protection training.

Whether this represents an additional cost will depend on whether you already hold an acceptable qualification and whether first aid is included within your chosen training package.

SIA Licence

£204

The current application fee for one SIA licence is £204.

This applies to both new applications and renewals.

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Need More Than One Licence?

£102 Additional Licence

If you apply for multiple licences together as part of the same application, the first licence costs £204 and each additional qualifying licence receives a 50% discount, costing £102.

Since 1 June 2026, you no longer receive this discount if you come back and apply for the additional licence separately at a later date.

Vehicle Immobiliser licences are excluded from the discount and always cost £204.

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Training With a Security Company

More Than Just a Training Provider

Guardian Training is part of Guardian Protection Unit, a growing security company providing professional security services across North Wales and beyond.

That means our training is connected to the industry you're preparing to enter. You'll gain the knowledge required for your qualification alongside practical insight from people who understand what professional security work actually involves.

Looking for Work After Training?

Guardian Protection Unit regularly recruits security professionals as the company continues to grow.

Completing your training with Guardian does not guarantee employment, but successful candidates are welcome to apply for suitable opportunities within Guardian Protection Unit.

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‍Already Have an SIA Licence?

Keep Your Training Up to Date

If you already work in security, you may need refresher training when renewing your licence.

Current SIA requirements include refresher qualifications for Door Supervisor, Security Guard and Close Protection

‍ renewals in the circumstances specified by the SIA. Close Protection refresher training became mandatory for renewal from 1 April 2026.

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Taking the Next Step

Getting an SIA licence is a straightforward process once you know which licence you need and the steps involved. The most important thing is choosing the right route for the type of security work you want to pursue and making sure you complete the correct training before applying.

The security industry offers a wide range of opportunities, from guarding and door supervision to CCTV, Close Protection and other specialist roles. Whichever route you choose, your SIA licence is the starting point for building your experience and developing your career.

If you're still unsure which licence or training you need, take the time to explore the different options before booking your course.

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