The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK.

 

They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Their aim is to support the key priorities of the Home Office of reducing and preventing crime and protecting the public.

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One of the key duties of the SIA is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria. 

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Before you apply for a front line SIA license, you need to train for a ‘license-linked’ qualification.

This is so we can be sure you have the skills and knowledge you need to hold a license and do your job safely.

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You do not need a license-linked qualification to get a non-front line license or a key holding license.

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Once you have successfully got the qualification you need for a front line license, the awarding organisation will tell us. We must get this notification before you can submit your formal  license application. Otherwise, you will not be able to submit the application.

If you are applying for a license for the first time, you must have got your qualification within the last 3 years.

If you are applying for a licence you have held before, you need to get a new qualification if it is longer than 3 years since your old license was active.

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You must also have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for an SIA license. ​​

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Please go to our individual SIA Regulated courses for an overview of each course and how to book

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