To qualify for a licence you must:
- be aged 18 or over
- pass an identity check
- pass a criminal record check
- have the appropriate, SIA recognised, licence-linked qualification
- have the right to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
The application fee for a renewal is the same as for a new licence. We will discount the application fee by 50% if:
- you already hold another licence for a different licensable activity
- you paid the full application fee for that licence.
An SIA licence is a compulsory security guard license that any individual or security related business needs before they can undertake designated activities within the private security industry. SIA offers different types of licences based on an individual’s specific roles and responsibilities.
There are strict criteria governing who can apply for an SIA licence, and not everyone will be eligible. A criminal record check is necessary for the SIA licencing application. If you have a criminal record, you will not automatically be denied an SIA licence, although this will be considered when your application is processed.
To obtain SIA certification, applicants must hold a ‘licence-linked’ qualification from an approved training provider. The SIA will always obtain a criminal record check on anyone who applies for a licence. Having a criminal record does not necessarily mean that an applicant will not get a licence.
It is a legal requirement to get an SIA licence to work in the private security industry.
To apply for an SIA licence, you need to complete an online application form with SIA. After passing the exam you then need to make an application for your SIA Licence which is valid for three years.
Is the SIA license valid in the US?
How do I get a SIA CCTV licence?