Checklist Before Booking An SIA Security Guard Course

The Security Industry is a sector that offers security services to people, companies, and government entities. It is answerable for protecting individuals, property, and details against many threats such as burglary, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and cybercrimes. Private security companies, law enforcement departments, government security services, and security consultancies are among the companies valued. In the UK, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is accountable for ensuring that people associated with the sector are adequately trained, eligible, and licenced. Although if you’re here, you may want to do an SIA Security Guard Course to get a full-time security guarding job. But you must keep some things in mind before applying for a security guarding licence.

What is an SIA Licence?

Individuals who work in specific sectors of the UK security industry are mandated to have the SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. It guarantees that employees who work in this industry are professionally trained, licensed, and inspected to perform their jobs in a safe and effective manner. You need an SIA Licence if you are interested in working in the UK security sector. 

Why is it necessary to have an SIA Licence?

As they help the security business maintain its standards and crack down on criminal activity, SIA Licences are a legal obligation. You are unable to work in these industries lawfully without a valid SIA licence. The ones who work without a licence risk fines and/or imprisonment. Any of the foregoing professions in the UK security company involves you having a valid SIA licence, which is legally required. Private security, door supervisors, CCTV operators, and security guards are all part of the UK’s security industry, which is overseen and licenced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Also Read: How To Become An SIA Licensed Security Guard in the UK?

What documentation is needed to apply for a SIA licence?

The SIA will provide you with guidance on which papers are required for the application, and you’ll need to submit original copies of each. Documents are divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. Two documents from Group B and one identity document from Group A. The candidates:

• date of birth must be stated on at least one document
• current address must be included on each Group B document

You must present documentation to establish your identification during the application procedure.

We recommend that you double-check your identification documents before beginning your application.

You must demonstrate the following:

•  documents from the A group
•  documents from the B group

Send the relevant documentation – generally as a scan or photo, but physical documents can also be asked if necessary.

If you have any documents that are not in English, you should supply both:

• the original document
• an English-language translation by a qualified translator

You must arrange for and pay for the translation of your document into English. A scan or a photocopy will not be accepted.

Group A

1. a signed, valid and current UK passport 
2. a  valid, signed UK photocard driving licence provided by the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
3. an original UK birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth
4. a biometric residence permit card of UK 
5. a signed photocard driving licence and it’s paper counterpart issued by Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland 

Group B

1. a statement of council tax from the last 12 months
2. a statement of the mortgage from the last 12 months
3. P45 statement of income for tax purposes upon leaving a job issued in the last 12 months.
4. a P60 annual statement issued in the last 12 months
5. a current UK driving license – a paper version (not the paper counterpart to a photocard).
6. a driving licence photocard issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland (not the paper counterpart)
7. an endowment, pension, or ISA statement from the last 12 months
8. a valid UK firearms licence with a picture
9. a bank building society or bank statement issued within the last 3 months
10.  utility bills from the last 3 months (electricity, water, gas, landline telephone, satellite TV, or cable TV bills but not mobile phone bills)
11.  a credit card statement received within the last three months at your current address
12. a letter from any of the following in the last three months:
    • Department of Work and Pensions
    • a local authority
    • a Jobcentre Plus – or some other employment service
    • HM Revenue and Customs

You may submit multiple letters as long as each is issued by a different government organization or local government.

Also Read: 11 Frequently Asked Interview Questions for Security Officers (With Answers)

What requirements need to be fulfilled?

• You are over the age of 18.
• You have a valid SIA training qualification.
• You have identification documents.
• You have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

Steps followed for getting an SIA licence

Step 1: Determine the license you require. 

Step 2: Choose and register for your training course. Get a Licence!

Step 3:  After completing the training course and passing the exam, apply for your SIA licence.

SIA criminal record check

The SIA criminal record check is an integral factor of the licencing procedure as it serves to assure that only professionals work in the private security sector. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) in the U.K. conducts the SIA criminal record search. It is the most challenging aspect of the SIA licence application, and individuals who work in the sector must have an SIA licence. It includes a criminal record check performed by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to determine any crimes, cautions, disciplinary actions, or warnings in an individual’s prior criminal record. When you apply for your licence, the prevalence, duration, and severity of the incident will be evaluated, and if you fail, you will acquire the check outcome and be banned. Failure to clear criminality checks means you will not receive your SIA permit, so it is best to obtain one before booking any courses.

What sort of training is essential for getting the licence?

The training program needed to acquire an SIA licence in the UK depends on the type of licence required, although in general, individuals must receive training from an SIA-approved training company. They must pass a multiple-choice exam after finishing the course to show their understanding and comprehension of the training material. They can register for the licence right after passing the exam by filling out the online application and submitting the required documents. 

Also Read: How to Get an SIA Licence in 2023?

Book an SIA Security Guard Course!

Agile Security Training is a security training center approved by the SIA that offers finest training courses for the licences required for door supervisor, security guard, and CCTV operators. They can assist you in meeting all the requirements as they have trained more than 500 people for the security companies. 

To become a UK-licensed security officer with the SIA, enroll in the security guard course.