In the UK, to work in the security industry, like cash and valuables transit officers, close protection, door supervision, security guarding, etc., you need to get an SIA licence, the so-called security badge. That’s a mandatory requirement for certificating you have the ability and eligibility to work in the security industry.
So, in this article, we will discuss detailed information about how to get an SIA and what you need to apply for it. If you are going to have one, you must read this.
What is a SIA licence
The SIA licence is a key legal document for working in the private security industry. It is illegal to work in the industry without one. The Security Industry Authority is the authority to issue this licence. Here are the jobs you can get if you have an SIA licence:
- Door Supervisor
- Security Guard
- Mobile Security
- Close Protection/BodyGuard
- CCTV Operator
- Key Holding
- Vehicle Immobilisation
Note:
There are frontline SIA lincece and non-frontline SIA liccence. The frontline licence is applicable for working in the frontline security work excluding key holding, while non-frontline licence is applicable for working in the security industry in a managerial, supervisory and recruitment capacity.
SIA licence check before application
SIA will check your application and verify your documents to decide if you are qualified to hold an SIA licence. Make sure you have all the required documents ready.
Right qualification check:
You need to receive licence-linked qualification training courses if you want to apply for the frontline SIA licence.
Note: The non-frontline SIA licence does not require licence-linked qualification training courses. If you are applying for this licence for the first time, you should get the qualification in 3 years.
Age:
You should be over 18 years old.
Identity:
You should provide legal identification documents.
Address history:
You need to provide all the address details for the past 5 years. The addresses will be used for identification and crime record checks.
Note: Additional documents may be asked if SIA cannot confirm your address’s facticity.
Criminal record:
You will need to provide all the address details for the past 5 years. These addresses will be used for identification and crime record checks.
Note:
Additional documents may need to prove that you live in the address you say if the SIA does not confirm your address authenticity.
If you are outside the UK or have spent 6 continuous months in the 5 years outside of the UK, you will need to provide a crime record for checking as well.
You can use the criminal record indicator to see if you can pass the crime record check.
Right to work in the UK:
If you are not a British resident, the SIA will check if you have the right to work in the UK.
If you do not qualify to work in the UK, you need to provide evidence of a valid right to work in the UK. Otherwise, your application will be cancelledcanceled.
Mental health:
Your mental health record will be checked when you apply for an SIA Licence to ensure you are not subject to any compulsory measures or treatment orders in the last 5 years. If you do have, you need to provide the following informations:
Your psychiatrist or psychologist.
Your GP (general practitioner).
Other required information:
You may be asked to provide additional information for checking, such as social media, reports from members of the public, etc. For more detailed information, you can check the official page.
Required documents for SIA licence
Preparing the required documents will help you pass the SIA check more quickly and save you money and time. There are two different types of categories of documents needed. Here are the details.
Group A documents:
- A current, valid UK passport that is signed.
- A valid driving licence photocard issued by DVLA
- A valid driving licence photocard and its paper counterpart are issued by DVA in Northern Ireland.
- A valid birth certificate that is issued within 12 months of birth.
- A valid UK adoption certificate.
- A valid biometric residence card.
- Your passport-style photo.
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Group B documents:
- Statements from a bank or building society statement within 3 months.
- Gas, electric, telephone, etc., bills within 3 months (mobile phone bills will not be accepted).
- Credit card statements within 3 months.
- Council tax statements within 12 months.
- Government letter within 12 months (HM Revenue and Customs, the Department of Work and Pensions, a Jobcentre Plus – or any other employment service, a local authority).
- A P45 or P60 tax statement within 12 months.
- The current paper version of the driving licence (not its counterpart).
- The current driving licence photocard was issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland (not its counterpart).
- Valid UK firearms licence with photo.
- Your passport-style photo.
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Note: All the documents should show your current address, and 2 of the same type of documents will not be accepted.
How to apply for a SIA licence yourself
Therethere are two ways to apply for an SIA licence by yourself or your employer. If you decide to apply for it yourself and pay the fee yourself, you need want to submit an online application. It’s easy. You simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the online application.
Step 1. Create an SIA account.
Step 2. Fill out the application form (9 sections of the form).
Step 3. Upload your documents and submit the application.
Step 4. Wait for the notification of the next message (your reference number , what you should do next and also further information request if any)approval.
Step 5. Receive the next step message
- If you live in the UK:
The next message will tell you to visit a nearby post office to proceed with your application (bring your reference number, required documents, and a passport-sized photo). Payment can be made at the post office. If you don’t know where to find a nearby post office, use this Post Office branch finder.
- If you are outside of the UK:
You may be asked to upload evidence of overseas criminal record checks as previously mentioned, and identity documents, UK passport photo of yourself with a signature. SIA will tell you the way to pay online by credit or debit card.
Step 6. Your application will be processed. Just wait for the decision.
How to apply for an SIA licence through an employer
If you decide to apply for an SIA Licence through your employer (the precondition is that the employer is an SIA-approved contractor), you don’t need to submit the online application. yYou can follow the steps.
Step 1. Create an SIA account.
Step 2. Link your SIA account with your employer’s account (ask your employer to send a request link to you)..
Step 3. Provide your documents and let your employer complete the next steps of your application.
Step 4. After your employer submits the application, you will receive the next steps message telling what you should do next.
- If you are in the UK, the next step message usually tells you to visit the nearby post office to complete the remaining procedures (bring your reference number, identity documents, and a passport-sized photo) or go to your employer (bring your identity documents, and a passport-sized photo).
- If you are outside of the UK, you may be asked to upload your identity documents, a UK passport photo of yourself with a signature, and an overseas criminal record check.
Step 5. After all the processes are done, just wait for the decision.
How long does an SIA licence application take?
The processing time of the SIA licence application has not been officially guaranteed. There is no standard. It usually takes 25 working days or up to 6 weeks. However, this is an estimate. The processing time will be affected by many factors like the completeness of documents, workload, the efficiency of the staff, etc. If you want to know where your application is, you can use the decision timescale indicator to track your application.
SIA licence fees and costs
It costs £184 to apply for 1 licence. If you need to apply for more than 1 licence, there is a 50% discount on the additional licences (in the same sector). So, the first one is £184, and the additional one will cost £92 each.
How to request a replacement SIA licence?
The SIA Licence will not renew itself. The validity is 3 years. So, if the SIA Licence is about to expire, you can replace it with a new one. Just apply for a renewal online.
Step 1. Check with your employer first.
Step 2. Link your SIA account with your employer. Complete the on-screen next steps and pay the fee (your employer may pay for your application fee).
Step 3. You may be asked to take additional training in some circumstances.
Step 4. Pass SIA checks.
Step 5. Wait for the approval.
FAQ
Where Can I Get Free SIA Training Courses?
The official SIA doesn’t provide training itself. You can go to the page to search for an approved training provider.
How to get a SIA Licence for free?
The SIA application is charged for £184, and the SIA training courses are also chargeable. So, if you want to get a free SIA Licence, you can consider getting it through employers because some employers pay for SIA training courses and application fees.
What is the benefit of being SIA?
- Get a legal qualification to work in the security industry.
- An SIA Licence is good for job skills.
- An SIA Licence is good for an individual’s professional development.
Is the SIA Licence valid in Ireland?
NO. The SIA licence is not valid in Ireland. If you want to work in the Ireland security industry, you need to apply for a PSA licence (Private Security Authority).
Conclusion
Applying for an SIA can be simple but with rigorous requirements. You should pay attention to the details and the documents needed. Ensure you meet the eligibility, such as age, and criminal record checks, complete the relative training courses and get the qualification. Every step is essential to be granted the licence.
Remember, the SIA licence is not only a legal requirement for working in various security. It is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to maintaining safety and security standards.
Erin Lo