Is Your Door Supervisor Licence About to Expire?
You can renew your SIA Door Supervisor Licence with our 2 days Refresher Training.
Is Your Door Supervisor Licence About to Expire?
You can renew your SIA Door Supervisor Licence with our 2 days Refresher Training.
How to Get Your SIA Licence in London: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Thinking about a career in security? Learning how to get an SIA licence is the first and most important step. An SIA licence is the legal requirement for almost every frontline security role in the UK, from door supervisor to CCTV operator. The good news: with the right SIA course in London, you can go from complete beginner to fully licensed in a matter of days. This step-by-step 2026 guide walks you through exactly how to get your SIA licence and start working faster.
What Is an SIA Licence and Why Do You Need One?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government body that regulates the UK’s private security industry. By law, anyone working in a licensable frontline role such as a door supervisor, security guard or CCTV operator must hold a valid SIA licence. Working without one is a criminal offence for both you and your employer. Holding an SIA licence proves you are trained, vetted and legally cleared to protect people and property and in London, where demand for security staff is consistently high, it opens the door to steady, well-paid work.
How to Get Your SIA Licence in London: 5 Simple Steps
Getting qualified is more straightforward than most people expect. Here is exactly how to get an SIA licence in London, step by step from checking your eligibility to holding your badge and starting work.
1
Check you’re eligible. You must be 18 or over, be able to prove your right to work in the UK, and provide approved photo ID. Under the updated 2026 licensing criteria, if you have lived outside the UK for six months or more in the last 10 years you may need extra documentation so check this early to avoid delays.
2
Choose the right SIA course. Your licence type depends on the role you want. The SIA Door Supervisor course is the most versatile and popular choice. Prefer static guarding? The SIA Security Guard course is ideal. For control-room and camera work, take the SIA CCTV course.
3
Complete your training and first aid. Attend your course at one of our London venues, including Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Southwark or Park Royal. Emergency First Aid at Work is now built into our Door Supervisor and Security Guard courses. Courses run every week and include exam preparation and mock tests.
4
Pass your exams. You’ll sit short written assessments and, for door supervisors, a practical physical-intervention module. With expert instructors and a strong pass-rate focus, most learners pass first time.
5
Apply to the SIA and pay your fee. Once you’ve passed, apply online through the SIA and pay the licence fee, which rose to £204 from April 2026. Your licence is usually issued within a few weeks then you’re ready to work.
How Much Does an SIA Licence Cost in London?
Budgeting is simple once you know the two costs involved: your training and your licence. At London SIA Course, our all-inclusive training is competitively priced with first aid included:
Door Supervisor
£300
Security Guard
£270
CCTV Operator
£250
On top of your course, the SIA charges a one-off £204 licence fee. That’s a small investment for a nationally recognised qualification that can quickly pay for itself in a high-demand city like London. Already licensed and due to renew? Our SIA refresher training keeps you compliant.
Start Your Security Career Today
There has never been a better time to get SIA licensed. Once you’re qualified, use our free CV Builder and Salary Calculator to land your first role, and our SIA Licence Checker to confirm your badge is active. Ready to begin? Book your SIA course in London today and take the first confident step toward a rewarding, in-demand career.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an SIA licence?
Training takes between one and six days depending on the course. The SIA then usually processes applications within a few weeks, so many learners are fully licensed within a month.
Which SIA course should I take first?
The SIA Door Supervisor licence is the most versatile because it also allows you to work as a security guard, making it the best-value first step for most people.
Do I need first aid to get an SIA licence?
Yes. A recognised Emergency First Aid at Work qualification is required, and it’s included in our Door Supervisor and Security Guard courses.
