SIA Licensing Course (UK) 2026
This course explains how Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing works for anyone thinking about a job in UK private security. It covers who needs a licence, the licence types, the application checks, licence-linked training and the conditions you must follow. It is background knowledge only: it does not give you a licence or count as licence-linked training.
Quick answer
This free course has about 30 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain the SIA's role and the main offences in the Private Security Industry Act 2001
- Decide whether a role needs a licence and which type
- Describe the checks the SIA makes on applicants
- Identify the licence-linked training and first aid each licence needs
- Follow the licence conditions on wearing your licence and reporting changes
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: A. The Private Security Industry Act 2001
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 created the SIA (section 1), sets out its licensing powers and makes unlicensed work an offence (section 3).
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. Whether it is on the SIA register of approved contractors
The Approved Contractor Scheme is a voluntary quality scheme. The SIA publishes a searchable register of approved contractors.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: B. Up to 6 months in prison, a fine, or both
Section 3(6) sets a maximum of six months' imprisonment, a level 5 fine, or both, on summary conviction.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: C. 5 years
Section 5 makes it an offence to supply security services through unlicensed operatives. The maximum on indictment is 5 years, an unlimited fine, or both.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: B. No, in-house work usually does not need a licence
The SIA says you usually do not need a licence if you are employed directly by the organisation that uses your services, unlike contracted work.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: A. Door supervision at licensed premises
Door supervision at premises licensed to sell alcohol for drinking on site, or to provide regulated entertainment, needs a licence whether in-house or contracted.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. Northern Ireland
The SIA licenses vehicle immobilisers only in Northern Ireland, for both in-house and contracted work.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: A. When it is agreed they get no payment or reward
The SIA says volunteers do not need a licence if there is a written or spoken agreement that they receive no payment or reward.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: B. Checking that people have paid or hold a ticket
Checking that people have paid or hold an invitation does not need a licence, but refusing entry or removing someone does.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: A. Security guarding
The SIA says the door supervision licence includes security guard activities. Close protection and CVIT need their own licences.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: A. Public space surveillance (CCTV)
A security guarding licence only covers CCTV used against unauthorised access, damage or theft. CCTV used to guard against disorder or assault needs a public space surveillance licence.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: D. A manager who does not personally do licensable work
Non-front line licences are for people who manage, supervise or employ licensable staff, or directors and partners, without doing the work themselves. It also allows key holding.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: D. After 6 continuous months abroad in the last 10 years
If you have lived outside the UK for 6 continuous months or more in the last 10 years, you must provide official overseas criminal record checks.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: B. Whether they are more likely than not to be violent or dishonest
The SIA only grants a licence to people it considers fit and proper. It asks whether the applicant is more likely than not to be violent, dishonest or otherwise put the public at risk.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: C. Vehicle immobiliser
The SIA says most licences last 3 years, but vehicle immobiliser licences last 1 year.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: A. To a magistrates' court (sheriff court in Scotland)
The Get Licensed booklet says applicants generally have 21 days to appeal to a magistrates' court or, in Scotland, a sheriff court.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: D. Key holding
Front line licences need a licence-linked qualification. Key holding and non-front line licences do not.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: D. A Level 3 Certificate
Close protection needs the Level 3 Certificate for Close Protection Operatives. Door supervision, security guarding and CCTV use Level 2 Awards.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: A. At least 12 months from the start of the training
Door supervisor and security guard learners need EFAW or FAW that is valid for at least another 12 months from the start of licence-linked training.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: D. Gained within the last 3 years
First-time applicants must have gained their qualification within the last 3 years.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: C. Up to 4 months before it expires
You can apply to renew up to 4 months before expiry. Any time left on the old licence is added to the new one.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: D. Apply for a new licence
You cannot renew a licence unless you have a current licence in that sector. If it has expired, you must apply for a new one.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: C. They must carry it and show it when asked
Covert workers do not have to wear the licence on show, but they must still carry it and produce it on request.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: B. Within 2 days
Since December 2025, holders must tell the SIA within 2 days if they can, through their online account.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: C. 7 days
Changes to your name or address must be reported within 7 days through your SIA online account.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Working in a licensable role without an SIA licence can lead to up to 6 months in prison, a fine, or both.
- In-house staff usually do not need a licence, but door supervisors at licensed premises always do.
- Most SIA licences last 3 years; vehicle immobiliser licences (Northern Ireland only) last 1 year.
- Door supervisor and security officer learners need a first aid certificate valid for at least 12 months from the start of training.
- Licence holders must report a relevant charge or conviction within 2 days if they can, and a new name or address within 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Does this course give me an SIA licence?
No. Only the SIA grants licences. For a front line licence you need a licence-linked qualification from an approved training provider, plus the SIA's identity, criminal record and right to work checks. This course is background knowledge only.
Do I need a licence to work as an in-house guard?
Usually not, if you are employed directly by the organisation you guard. Door supervisors at licensed premises are the main exception, and vehicle immobilisers in Northern Ireland also need one.
Will a criminal record stop me getting a licence?
Not always. The SIA looks at the type of offence, the sentence and how long ago it ended, and checks whether you are fit and proper.
When should I renew my licence?
You can apply up to 4 months before it expires. Any time left is added to the new licence. If it has already expired, you must apply for a new licence.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.