Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The SIA Licence…

With the complex nature of applying for your SIA licence you will have many important questions that need answering. To help you wade through all the red tape and ease you through the process we have created an easy-to-use “frequently asked questions” page covering the most common queries that arise.

If your question is not covered in our SIA licence FAQ’s section please ask us using the form at the bottom of the page.

(Click on a question below to open up the answer)

SIA Licence FAQ

How many months I have got after I finished a SIA course to apply for SIA licence,is it 6 months? Because I am about to do other SIA course as well and want to apply for both together. .

To the best of my knowledge there is no timescale on your certificate of achievement. The SIA only require proof that you have attended suitable approved training.

If you have reported your licence lost you can STILL work. Your website says that you can\'t. The SIA state: \"Front line licence holders must wear the licence where it can be seen at all times when working (unless you have reported it lost or stolen, or it is in the possession of the SIA). Your licence can be withdrawn or suspended if this condition is not met.\" Therefore you can work PROVIDING that it has been reported lost/stolen.

We endevour to be accurate in all information we post on this website inluding our FAQ section I welcome feedback on 0871 7897680 to identify the specific error and if inncorrect it will be removed. I agree that if you have reported a lost, stolen or destroyed licence to the SIA then you may still carry on working however if this has not been reported to the SIA and a member of the security team is found to be working without displaying a licence (with the statutory exceptions such as Store Detectives) then the guard may be liable for prosecution

the job centre paid for my course but wont pay for licience till i have a JOB WILL ANYONE GIVE ME A JOB WITHOUT A LICIENCE

You may wish to ask the Jobcentre if they will pay for your licence if you could produce a letter from an employer stating you would be employed if you had a licence. However this would be the decision of the Job Centre. It is an offence should you carry out work requiring a licence before you receive it. Your certificate only shows that you have completed required training, there are other qualifying criteria before you can be awarded a licence.

I was convicted of GBH in 2007 and my licence has been refused, if I appeal what chance do I have of my licence being accepted

The SIA deal with these issues on a case by case basis. The SIA should have given you a decision and this decision carries a right of appeal the SIA only produce statistics for appeals in court. These statisitics are available Click Here

I dont have a passport or driving licence, what other ID could I use instead?

The SIA is specific about the acceptable ID documents please Click Here for a list and guidance.

I have no criminal record or offences and started a job with G4S in an unlicensed in-house role in October. I passed their screening process and got a clean Discloser Scotland report, but now they want to put me on an SIA course to get my door supervisor licence soon. I am told their will be \'enhanced screening\' before I can start the course. I have been arrested once and released with out charge by Strathclyde Police in 2008, and once by the British transport police in 2007 and also detained by the UK Border Agency in 2006. Will I still be able to get my SIA and will I have to tell the SIA and/or G4S about these incidents? Thanks so much.

For guidance on the criminality criteria for SIA Click Here

how much renewel

£245

does a close protection badge qualify you to work as cctv/pss or do you need the 2 licenses to work in both sectors?

To see how the different icences integrate please Click Here CP officers cannot work in frontline public space surveillance officers (CCTV1) CCTV2 allows a cp officer only to identify a trespasser or to protect property

Does my security firm have to pay for my licence?

Some companies do some don't, there is no requirement for them to do so. Often a company will pay the cost and recover it from you wages week by week.

Can I get my licence with a diagnosis of aspergers syndrome on my medical records? And will/can they look at my medical records?

The SIA do not check your medical history.

By law, if a customer at a club venue asks for my name and/or badge number, do I have to give it to them?

There is no law that states you must give your name and number unless requested by the police. However you must have your badge on show.

Can I wait a week after I finish the course before I take the exams ?

The time limit changes with awarding bodies but on average you have about 2 years from the date of course completion to take your exams.

Can I change my SIA license number?

You will not be able to just change your SIA licence number. Your number would change if you applied for a new licence, upgraded from for security guarding to door supervision or lost your licence.

i passed the sia course in november 2009 but have yet been able to afford the cash to buy a licence i amwondering if my pass certificate has an expiry date i no there is a new test out for the sia door supervisor and im just wondering if my pass certificate is valid indefinetly even if i dont obtain a licence for several years...

You will be required to complete the stand alone physical intervention course in order to qualify to apply your DS SIA licence. You can book online for a discount here. For more details please see our course page here. Or call one of our specialist advisors on 0871 789 7680 for one to one help. There is currently no expiry date for certfication.

I completed my Close Protection Training over 3yrs ago I passed my SIA licence and was issued my certificate however at the time I was living and working abroad and didnt apply for my Licence. Now I want to return back to the UK and have been told I need to re-train or do another course as its been over 3yrs. I think this is nonsense as I have been doing the job every day albeit not in the UK however guys who recieved their licences have been unemployed and all they needed to do was re-apply to renew their licences without further training

As long as you have all your certification and evidence from your previous training course you will be able to take part in a 3 day refresher CPO course. If you have no evidence of your previous experience and certification you will have to complete the whole course again. We offer both the full and 3 day course. If you would like to discuss your options and weher you stand in detail, please call us on 0871 789 7680.

By completing a CCTV operator course do you receive or can you apply for an SIA badge?

If you successfully pass a recognised CCTV course you will be eligible to apply for your SIA licence. You can apply at the SIA website here.

I have 2 licences. 1 basic frontline and 1 public survellance license do I get 50% back with my renewal of my front line badge?

When you apply for 2 licenses at the same time you get a 50% reduction on every licence after the 1st.

If you're on jobseekers can you get the training paid for by the jobcentre?

Not usually, speak to your Jobcentre advisor.

What would I need to take to appeal court if my licence was revoked?

Advice on the SIA Process can be found here Click Here however I would advise seeking legal guidance prior to attending court.

I'm awaiting my licence and wish to apply for jobs while my application is processed. Is my application number the same as my SIA license number?

You will be awarded a specific licence number upon the successful award of your licence. This is not the same as your reference number.

i have changed my name but i want to change on my sia card iswell

You should contact the SIA for a change of circumstances, to go to the SIA website Click Here

I've been offered a job, I've been booked on a course for the license, if I pass how long would I have to wait before I can start the job.

Upon successful completion of the course you will need to wait 1 - 4 weeks for your results (depending on the course you have undertaken). You will then need to submit your application to the SIA which will take upto 6 weeks.

I have a valid CVIT licence and am changing jobs. Do I have to go on the training to get the security guard licence?

The licence matrix as published on the SIA website clearly shows where individual licences can be integrated. CVIT only covers the actual CVIT process and Key Holding to view the matrix Click Here To work as a frontline security guard you would need to complete the appropriate training and purchase the licence. To discuss training opportunities please contact us on 0871 7897680

i have been unemployed for 16 mths and 2 domestics against me and minor driving offences would i be accepted or refused a sia licence

All Applications to the SIA are decided on individual circumstances I recommend that you use the SIA criminal record indicator and follow the on screen instructions. Click Here

I have a police caution for ABH from 5 years ago will this stop me getting a security guard badge?

You should visit the SIA website Click Here and follow the on screen instructions.

The sia sent me the wrong licence or i selected the wrong licence on the form they sent me a non frontline licence but my previous one was a frontline licence could they amend this or what will happen?

Contact the SIA immediately to discuss the mistake. They will check your application to determine where the error arose.

How long is the security certificate valid for? i passed in july but ive had problems regarding passports and forms and need to fill in my application forms again to get my licence. will i need to the course again?

Your security guard qualification pass and certificate does not currently have any time limit. You do not need to retake the course.

Is it true that if i work for an approved contractor I can still work on an expired licence if I have applied for a new one and are waiting for it to arrive?

Initially you will need your certification to apply for your SIA licence, you will then need to submit your application to the SIA and have received your acceptance letter. You would then need to supply your employer with said acceptance letter (employer must be ACS approved). At the employers discretion they can then issue you with a LDN (Licence Dispentation Notice) which would allow you to work without a licence for a limited time.

I have passed my SIA training and I'm waiting for my certificate, do I have to wait before I apply with the SIA?

You do not physically need your certificate because the SIA check direct with the awarding body, however the receipt of your certificate usually indicates the SIA will be able confirm your qualification is live.

I have a clamping licence and i'm gain to do the security course, will I be able to get a discount?

You only get discount on SIA licence purchases made at the same time. They must both be SIA licences.

I had passed my SIA class on July 2010 but still I have not applied for it and the problem is I am living in Germany now and will be there for a while , can I apply from Germany if yes what documents do I need.

You must be residing in the UK.

Can I send my European (not British) driving license with my application instead my passport?

Please see our approved doucument lists in the SIA Help Center.

Do the Jobcentre pay for Doorsupervision Licence when your unemployed?

Not usually but speak to your local Job Centre Plus.

I came to uk 3 months ago, can I apply for SIA training course?

In order to be awarded an SIA licence you must be a British Citizen and be allowed to work in the UK.

I have passed my SIA course and I wanted to know my licence number but I have not got my sia licence yet?

We are not the SIA and hold no details such as this.

If you have door supervisor license, can you still work as the van cash handler?

No cash in transit is a seperate licence.

Is it true that they are doing away with the SIA licence.

No, Please read this information. Latest press release

Further reading:

Press Release 1 Click here

Press Release 2 Click here

Will Idefinite leave to remain for SIA to proof that I have the right to work in UK?

Not necessarily, you will need the specific right to work in the UK.

I got a full security licence, certificate and diploma's but I emigrated to UK. Can I change security licence and qualifications to obtain UK SIA licence?

In order to obtain a UK SIA licence you will have needed to complete a course recognised by the SIA as meeting the requirements/framework for your chosen licence criteria. I do not now of any qualifications outside the UK that adhere to the SIA criteria. I suggest you contact the SIA direct.

I have applied Door Supervisor and SIA refused my application(you have no right to work) I have indefinite leave to remain for the past 7 years and elligible British Citizen Ship.

In order to obtain an SIA licence you have be eligible to work within the UK. I suggest you talk direct to the SIA and the homeoffice for the details.

What repercussions are there if you do not have your SIA licence on you when on duty?

If you are spot checked or reported you can face upto 6 months in prison and upto a £5000.00 fine.

What security checks get made on you for an sia licence?

CRB, identity check, passport check, counter signatory check, certification check, right to work check and address check.

If I pay for my SIA licence by debit card how long will it be?

How you pay will not make any difference to the processing time (4 - 6 weeks).

Legally who do you have to produce your license number and name?

All security sector employers must ensure SIA licences are valid for all employees.

How long after exam do I have before I need to send for my license?

As long as your certification is still valid and you are therefore trained, there is currently no limit. We advise to apply as soon as you can.

I did security training in Lithuania, can I work in the UK with that certificate? What is more, the company only gave only me a certificate, not a card.

The training and certification has to be SIA approved, it is doubtful the certification you received is approved here in the UK. The SIA issue SIA licences (including the card) in the UK therefore any cards received outside of the UK would not allow you to work legally in the UK.

What documents do I need to have to apply SIA.

Please use our help centre Here.

How long does the SIA licence last for?

3 years.

I passed my SIA training about 4 years ago and now I cant find my certificate. Do I have to retake the test again ?

No, contact your awarding body (City & Guilds for example) for a replacement certificate.

Do mental health problems affect an application?

No.

Do I, as a manager for example, need to hold an SIA badge to provide SIA Licensed Door Supervisors, CCTV Operators, Security Guards Etc?

Yes, anyone working in the security industry requires a non-frontline or frontline SIA badge depending on their job role.

How to change my address?

Please contact the SIA and inform them here.

How do I check the status of my application, I have a refrence number?

The SIA will notify you once a decision has ben reached. Alternatively you can contact the SIA here.

Can I still work if my licence has expired?

No, you are not legally allowed to work.

What documents do I send if I have a digital passport?

Please read the information here or visit the SIA website here.

Can my SIA application be approved if my passport has expired?

Yes, but you may need to provide alternate documentation if something has changed.

My licence expired last year could I renew or do the course again?

For door supervisors you will be required to complete the P.I module if you haven't already done so. Our Door Supervisors Course includes the new P.I module, if you only require the P.I section please call us visit our dedicated page HERE or call us on 0871 7897680 and we can provide this alone.Currently all other licences require no additional training and you will be able to renew your licence.

I applied for a SIA licence 3 years ago, I have not had a reply from them. How can I find out what happened?

The SIA will usually process all applications within 4-6 weeks. You should call them on 0844 892 1025. Or visit their contact page here.

How Much Does SIA Licence Cost?

The SIA currently Charge £245.00 for a new licence.

What if I Need More Than 1 Licence?

Despite SIA Licence integration in some sectors, some security operatives will need an SIA Licence for more that one licensable activity. The cost to apply for an additional SIA Licence is discounted by 50% as the SIA must cover the cost of processing applications. For example, if a security operative holds a Security Licence it will cost £245. If another licence is required, such as a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence, the second licence will cost £122.50.

What Are The Requirements Need To Obtain an SIA Licence?

To be eligible for an SIA Licence you must be aged 18 or over. Also you will be required to pass an identity check, a criminal record check and, when applying for a frontline licence, have achieved the appropriate SIA approved training qualification.

How Long Will It Take To Get My Licence?

The SIA aim to return all licences within 40 days (usually 2-5 weeks).

Do I Need My Certificate To Get Apply For My SIA Licence?

No, you can apply for your SIA licence as soon as you have passed your exam.

How Do You Enquire Whether or Not an Individual Holds a Valid SIA Licence?

To enquire whether or not individuals hold a valid SIA Licence to Practice, the SIA has access on their website to the public register of SIA Licence holders. To access the information available about an individual you can either input their SIA Licence number or personal details about the individual. The information available is as follows:

- Surname
- Forename
- SIA Licence Number
- Licensable Role
- Licence Expiry Date
- Licence Status (Active, Expired, Revoked, Suspended, Withdrawn, Replaced)
- The Date The Licence Status Changed.
- For Revoked Licences this is the date when the information was uploaded onto the register: it may not be the date when the revocation took effect.

Although the public register of SIA Licence holders is available to access on the website, it can also be accessed 24 hours a day through an automated response service by their contact centre here.

What Address Do I write or Send My SIA Licence To?

The address to write and send your details to is: Security Industry Authority PO Box 1293 Liverpool L69 1AX.

Ask Us A Question

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