The Security Industry Authority (SIA) manages the UK private security industry and issues SIA licences.
It has two primary duties: the compulsory SIA licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; and management of the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), which assesses industry suppliers against specific criteria.
The SIA (Security Industry Authority) license is specific to the security industry. It ensures that anyone taking on a security role has undergone the necessary approved training needed to execute their job correctly and is fully prepared for the reality of working within a security context.
How long does it take to get an SIA Licence?
There is no average length of time for getting your SIA licence, although usually, processing applications takes up to 25 working days. It could take up to 6 weeks or longer in exceptional circumstances where complications with identity verification or inquiries about criminal histories arise. SIA training will only count towards your SIA licence if you receive an approved qualification at the end of your course.
After becoming licensed, you can quickly look for a well-paid job in the security industry most suitable for your qualification.
Factors that can affect how long the SIA application process takes are:
- Whether you have the right to work in the UK
- An incomplete address history
- Criminal record checks
- If you have spent any time outside of the UK
SIA badge cost
The cost of an SIA licence application to individuals has been reduced from 1 April 2020. Individual licences for all sectors will cost £190, down £20 from £210—these last for three years.
The cost of the SIA card is non-refundable, so ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and correct licences before applying.
How long does it take for the SIA licence to come through? It can take between 3-5 weeks if there are no complications with the application. However, incomplete, or incorrectly completed applications can take significantly longer.
SIA licence renewal
SIA licences do not renew automatically, so you should keep track of when it expires to continue working legally.
It is recommended to apply for renewal as early as possible to avoid the risk of any delay that might prevent you from working for a time. Licences can be renewed up to four months before their expiration.
Applying early will not truncate the length of your licence – the new licence will commence when your current one expires. Licence renewal costs the same as a new application (£190). Renewals can be undertaken either by yourself or via your employer. The Licence Assist and Licence Management services are available for employers to do this, though they are only available to SIA approved contractors.
SIA meaning security
The SIA licence covers staffed, security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, public space surveillance using CCTV, key holding, and vehicle immobilising.
An SIA Licence covers all areas of the security industry and is managed by Security Industry Authority.
SIA training course
An SIA training course includes essential knowledge and skills you will need to apply for your SIA licence successfully and start working in the growing and increasingly necessary industry in the UK.
Customers in over eighty countries worldwide use Renful Premier Technologies’ products and services for training and monitoring their security teams. Amongst our customers, you will find civil aviation authorities, government agencies, customs and border guards, airports, ports, cargo forwarders, high-security installations, and postal charges.
We aim to improve security personnel selection, training, and management, using innovative software that is bespoke to suit different requirements, applications, and sectors. It can be integrated into an existing security infrastructure.
How can we help you?
If you still haven’t found the training course you are looking for, or if you want to choose from a broader range of products, we have made the Products Catalogue available to you.
Of course, if you need support or additional information, the Renful Premier Technologies team is at your disposal!
We have experience working with organisations operating in this sector, for further information please contact us!
