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.
In breve
Questo corso gratuito ha circa 30 minuti di lezioni e un test di 25 domande. Con l’80% o più puoi scaricare un attestato di completamento (privato, non accreditato). Verificato sulle fonti ufficiali in data 13 ottobre 2026.
Cosa imparerai
- 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
Ottieni almeno l’80% per scaricare il tuo attestato.
-
Domanda 1 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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).
-
Domanda 2 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 3 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 4 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 5 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 6 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 7 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Northern Ireland
The SIA licenses vehicle immobilisers only in Northern Ireland, for both in-house and contracted work.
-
Domanda 8 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 9 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 10 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: A. Security guarding
The SIA says the door supervision licence includes security guard activities. Close protection and CVIT need their own licences.
-
Domanda 11 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 12 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 13 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 14 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 15 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. Vehicle immobiliser
The SIA says most licences last 3 years, but vehicle immobiliser licences last 1 year.
-
Domanda 16 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 17 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Key holding
Front line licences need a licence-linked qualification. Key holding and non-front line licences do not.
-
Domanda 18 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 19 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 20 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: D. Gained within the last 3 years
First-time applicants must have gained their qualification within the last 3 years.
-
Domanda 21 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 22 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 23 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: 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.
-
Domanda 24 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: B. Within 2 days
Since December 2025, holders must tell the SIA within 2 days if they can, through their online account.
-
Domanda 25 di 25
Mostra la risposta
Risposta: C. 7 days
Changes to your name or address must be reported within 7 days through your SIA online account.
Tastiera: 1–4 per rispondere, Invio per la domanda successiva.
Cosa sapere prima del 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.
Domande frequenti
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.
L’attestato è accreditato o riconosciuto ufficialmente?
No. È un attestato di completamento privato, solo per le tue conoscenze. Non è riconosciuto, accreditato né approvato da alcun governo, ente di rilascio delle licenze, autorità di regolamentazione o istituto di istruzione e non sostituisce alcuna licenza, certificazione o formazione richiesta dalla legge.