SIA Training FAQ

Here we have put together all the queries our learners made to us.  Each query is followed with an answer.

1. WHY DO I NEED AN SIA LICENCE?

 In order to legally work within the security industry, a license is a definite must have. An SIA License shows that you are professional, trustworthy and certified. Failure to hold a license whilst working within the industry is a criminal offense that could result in hefty financial penalties, and even imprisonment. It is imperative to get the proper training required and obtain your license before you even consider starting to work within the security industry.

 2. WHAT SIA TRAINING COURSES DO YOU OFFER?

 We offer a variety of SIA security courses to suit any preference. Our most popular courses include Security Guarding, Door Supervisor and CCTV Operative. For a full list of the different training courses we offer, please click here.

 3. HOW DO I MAKE SURE MY TRAINER IS APPROVED?

 Our contracted SIA Training providers are approved by the Awarding Body: Industrial qualifications.

 4. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOOR SUPERVISOR LICENCE AND A SECURITY GUARDING LICENSE?

 Whilst a Door Supervisor can do Security Guarding roles, a Security Guard can not take the place of a Door Supervisor.

 5. WHO DECIDES IF I PASS OR FAIL MY SIA EXAM?

 1Training  have no part in determining the results of your exam. Your exam will be externally set, marked and assessed by an independent awarding body.

 6. DO I NEED TO WAIT FOR MY CERTIFICATE BEFORE I APPLY FOR MY SIA LICENSE?

 No. As soon as you receive notification that you have successfully passed your exams, you can apply for your license immediately.

 7. ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH APPLYING FOR AN SIA LICENSE?

 The cost of your SIA Training course is separate from the cost of your SIA license.The SIA charges £220 as a licensing fee, which must be paid in UK pounds sterling, and paid in full with your application. This fee is used to cover the cost of processing your application and is not refundable, even if your application is denied.

8. HOW DO I APPLY FOR MY LICENSE?

 You can apply for your license via the SIA website. If you are unsure about the licensing conditions, you can read the booklet that addresses information on the SIA website and if you should still have any queries, you can contact the SIA on 0844 8921025.

 9. HOW CAN I CHECK THE PROGRESS OF MY SIA LICENSE APPLICATION?

 You will be able to follow the developments of your SIA application via the SIA status checker. The status checker allows you to identify when your application was received, whether you have provided the correct information, and whether the decision has been made to grant you your license.

10. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY LICENSE?

 The processing of your license starts from the moment your application is entered into the system. Whilst the Security Industry Authority aims to process at least 80% of all correctly completed licenses within 25 working days, the estimated time frame for an application to processed is usually around 6 weeks. Some applications may take longer to process due to additional criminality and qualification checks.

11. CAN I WORK WHILST I AM WAITING FOR MY LICENSE APPLICATION TO PROCESS?

You can work as soon as you receive an acknowledgement letter from the SIA, which can take 2 weeks following your SIA license application. However, not all Security companies will accept SIA reply letters acknowledging your SIA license application. This arrangement is only applicable to SIA approved contractors who may consider you for work if you meet their requirements.

12. DOES MY SIA LICENSE HAVE AN EXPIRY DATE?

 Whether you have undertaken a CCTV, Security Guarding or Door Supervisor course, your license will be valid for three years.

 13. CAN I RENEW MY SIA LICENSE?

 The SIA will allow you to renew your license up to four months in advance of your license expiring. For example, if your license expires in December, you can start the renewal process as early as August of the same year. Do not submit your application any earlier than four months. All applications received earlier will be treated as new applications. The fees associated with renewing your license are the same. You will be expected to pay £220 when you renew your license.

 14. WHAT DO I DO IF MY SIA LICENSE IS LOST, STOLEN OR DAMAGED?

 If you lose your License you must report it immediately in a signed letter to the SIA.

If your license has been stolen, then you must inform the police. Once the police have been informed, make sure to obtain a crime reference number and send it along with your signed letter to the SIA.

If you have damaged your license, then you must send the damaged license along with a letter explaining what has happened to the SIA.

There are no fees associated with obtaining a replacement license. However, if there are frequent requests for a replacement license, the Security Industry Authority may charge you. Protect your license!

15. DO I NEED TO WEAR MY LICENSE WHILST WORKING?

 In order for everyone to know that you are legally licensed to work within the security industry, you must display your license at all times. Not following this one simple rule could result in the loss of your license.