Security guarding is becoming one of the demanding skills these days and there are multiple opportunities in the market of the United Kingdom due to the increasing crime rate. But, to become a security guard or a door supervisor, one needs a licence that shows that the person is both mentally and physically fit and trained to perform security jobs.
A lot of people get confused when it comes to choosing the licence to make a career in this industry due to not having enough knowledge about the SIA licences. If you are also one of them hoping to have an amazing career in this industry but not sure which domain to step in, this blog is for you. Read it to the end to know the kinds of SIA licences in the UK and choose one that suits best your needs and requirements.
What Is an SIA Licence?
An SIA licence is a legal document that government and the law enforcement units provide to a person showing they are well-trained and qualified to perform security-related jobs and activities in the best manner. Anyone wishing to do jobs in the security industry must need an SIA licence to work for businesses and individual clients. Once you get the licence, you will become the SIA licenced security guard and will be able to work in the security sector to protect and safeguard various businesses from the possible threats.
There are multiple opportunities and jobs you can pursue when holding an SIA licence including manned guarding, door supervision, close protection security guarding, mobile petrol, and alarm response services. All you have to do is visit the UK’s government website and register for the SIA licence. You can also visit the SIA (Security Industry Authority) website to fill out the form for the sake of getting your security licence.
Difference between SIA Frontline Licence and SIA Non-Frontline Licence
When talking about the SIA frontline licence, it is for those who pursue a career in direct security activities. The person who holds an SIA frontline licence can directly perform the security jobs, interacts with the people, and detains the troublemakers when needed until the police or law enforcement units arrive.
| SIA frontline Licences | SIA Non-Frontline Licence |
| The person with SIA frontline licences can supervise and respond to unusual activities to eliminate the risk for the sake of the safety and security of the business premises, employees, and customers. However, the frontline security guard needs to display the licence badge so everyone can see that the person is legally allowed to interact with the people. | On the other hand, when discussing the SIA non-frontline licence, the holder can’t directly interact or engage with the public. Non-frontline licence holders can just supervise the situation or advise the other security guards on what to do. Moreover, these kinds of licence holders don’t need to display their badges. |
Other Types of Security Licences
There are many other types of licences available by the SIA depending on the sector you are stepping in. Here are some of the common types of licences you can get to start your career in the security industry:
Keyholding licence
A keyholding licence is one of the common types that you can get after completing your training. With the help of this licence, you will be able to provide keyholing services to businesses that are under the protection of security guarding services. However, you can not provide other security services to the premises while holding the licence such as security guarding, searching, responding to alarms, and many more.
| Course time frame | Cost | Validity Period | Eligibility |
| 4 weeks | £220 | 3 Years | Background Check and should be 18+ |
Door Supervision
A door supervision licence is a kind of document that requires all persons to provide security to bars, nightclubs, pubs, and licenced restaurants. In simple words, if you are a security guard, you must have a door supervision licence to provide security to the premises offering alcohol. A door supervision licence is one of the most common types of security licences and requires all the expertise to handle the challenges that can arise at the access points.
| Course time frame | Cost | Validity Period | Eligibility | Previous Qualifications |
| 4 weeks | £190 | 3 Years | Background Check and should be 18+ | Level 2 Door Supervisor Training Course |
Public Surveillance Using CCTV
There are millions of CCT cameras opening in the UK and one needs to have an SIA CCTV monitoring licence for the sake of providing public surveillance. Having a public surveillance licence means you are legally allowed and able to monitor public areas, parking lots, offices, and more. The training of this licence includes equipment usage, alerting the security personnel, identifying potential threats, and many more.
| Course time frame | Cost | Validity Period | Eligibility | Previous Qualifications |
| 4 weeks | £210 | 3 Years | Background Check and should be 18+ | Level 2 Qualification in CCTV Operations |
These are some of the common types of licences you can get in the UK to brighten your future and kick start your career as SIA security guard.
Get SIA licence Training in the UK
If are looking for a well-reputed and professional company that provides the SIA licence training, you are at the right place. Guard Mark Security is offering training courses that contain all the knowledge you require to get your SIA licence. Here are some of the careers you can pursue after getting your licence:
- Manned Guarding
- Key Holder
- Patrolling Officer
- Business Receptionist
- Retail Security Guard
- And Many More
Here are the training courses we are currently offering at the Guard Mark Security:
- Level 2 Award in Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry
- SIA CCTV Training Course
- SIA Close Protection Training
- Top-Up Training for Security Guards
If you have any questions in mind or need more assistance, contact us now by calling at 03301755786, via emailing enquiries@guard-mark.co.uk, or by filling out the form. Contact us now to start an amazing career in the security industry for the sake of making good money.