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.

  • Corso
  • Regno Unito
  • 25 domande
  • Verificato: 13 ottobre 2026

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.

Inizia dalle lezioniSIA Licensing Course (UK): Lessons: circa 30 minuti di lettura. Ogni domanda del test è trattata nelle lezioni.

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.

  1. Domanda 1 di 25

    The SIA's licensing powers and the offences you must avoid are set out in which Act of Parliament?
    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).

  2. Domanda 2 di 25

    A client wants proof that a security company has met the SIA's quality standards. What can the client check?
    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.

  3. Domanda 3 di 25

    Under section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, what is the maximum penalty in a magistrates' court for working in a licensable role without a licence?
    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.

  4. Domanda 4 di 25

    A company knowingly supplies an unlicensed guard to a client. Under section 5, what is the maximum prison sentence on conviction on indictment?
    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.

  5. Domanda 5 di 25

    A supermarket employs its own security guard directly. Does the guard usually need an SIA licence?
    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.

  6. Domanda 6 di 25

    Which role needs an SIA licence even when the worker is employed in-house?
    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.

  7. Domanda 7 di 25

    In which part of the UK is vehicle immobilising (wheel clamping) still a licensable activity?
    Mostra la risposta

    Risposta: C. Northern Ireland

    The SIA licenses vehicle immobilisers only in Northern Ireland, for both in-house and contracted work.

  8. Domanda 8 di 25

    When can a volunteer do security work without an SIA licence?
    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.

  9. Domanda 9 di 25

    At a contracted event, which task can be done without an SIA licence?
    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.

  10. Domanda 10 di 25

    A door supervisor licence also allows the holder to carry out which other activity?
    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.

  11. Domanda 11 di 25

    A contracted operator watches town centre CCTV to look out for disorder and assaults. Which licence is needed?
    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.

  12. Domanda 12 di 25

    Who needs a non-front line licence?
    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.

  13. Domanda 13 di 25

    An SIA applicant has lived abroad. When must they provide an overseas criminal record check?
    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.

  14. Domanda 14 di 25

    How does the SIA's Get Licensed booklet describe the 'fit and proper' test?
    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.

  15. Domanda 15 di 25

    Most SIA licences last 3 years. Which licence lasts only 1 year?
    Mostra la risposta

    Risposta: C. Vehicle immobiliser

    The SIA says most licences last 3 years, but vehicle immobiliser licences last 1 year.

  16. Domanda 16 di 25

    If the SIA refuses your application, where can you appeal?
    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.

  17. Domanda 17 di 25

    Which licence can be applied for without a licence-linked qualification?
    Mostra la risposta

    Risposta: D. Key holding

    Front line licences need a licence-linked qualification. Key holding and non-front line licences do not.

  18. Domanda 18 di 25

    What level is the licence-linked qualification for close protection?
    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.

  19. Domanda 19 di 25

    A learner is about to start door supervisor training. How long must their first aid certificate still be valid?
    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.

  20. Domanda 20 di 25

    For a first-time licence application, how recent must the licence-linked qualification be?
    Mostra la risposta

    Risposta: D. Gained within the last 3 years

    First-time applicants must have gained their qualification within the last 3 years.

  21. Domanda 21 di 25

    How early can you apply to renew an SIA licence?
    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.

  22. Domanda 22 di 25

    Your security guard licence expired last month. What must you do to work in that sector again?
    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.

  23. Domanda 23 di 25

    A store detective works covertly. What does the licence condition say about their front line licence?
    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.

  24. Domanda 24 di 25

    Under SIA licence conditions, how quickly should you tell the SIA about a new charge or conviction for a relevant offence, if you can?
    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.

  25. Domanda 25 di 25

    A licence holder moves house. How long do they have to tell the SIA about the new address?
    Mostra la risposta

    Risposta: C. 7 days

    Changes to your name or address must be reported within 7 days through your SIA online account.

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.

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