So you’ve passed your security guard or door supervisor course and you’re ready to apply for your SIA licence. The process can appear a little bit daunting but don’t worry, we’ve got a handy guide to help you out apply for your SIA Licence.
Can I apply for an SIA Licence?
Anyone can apply for an SIA Licence, but before you apply you must meet the eligibility criteria.
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You must be 18 and over
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You must have passed your relevant license-linked course (haven’t passed your course? Use our course finder to find the best training provider near you)
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You must have the right to work in the UK
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If you meet these licensing criteria you are ready to apply for your licence.
Application process
The application for your licence is done through the SIA website and the process is:
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Draft your application
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Submit your application
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Follow the next step requirements
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Checks in progress. Criminal record, right to work and photographs. If anything further is required this will show up as further information requests
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Decision made
How long does it take to get my licence?
There are no guidelines for how long a license application can take. Factors that can affect how long the application process takes are:
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Your right to work in the UK
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Address history
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Criminal record
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If you have spent any time outside of the UK
The SIA has a decision timescale indicator that can help give an estimate about how long your application may take.
What documents will I need?
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Identification – such as a passport
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Photograph – this should be a passport style photo and will be printed on to your SIA badge
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Overseas criminal record checks – live overseas or have spent 6 continuous months outside of the UK? You’ll need to provide a criminal record check that covers the 5 years before your application
Will I pass the criminal record checks?
If you are worried that your criminal record might stop you from getting your SIA license there might be no need to get too stressed. The SIA will access your record taking into account:
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Whether the offences relevant to your application
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The actual sentence or disposal given
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How recent the offences were
You can also find out if you are likely to pass the requirements with the SIA’s handy tool.
What if my license is refused?
If the SIA decide to refuse your application for a licence they will write to you and explain their reasons. There are two main reasons for refusal and your response depends on which refusal you have been given.
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Automatic refusal – If you are automatically refused you can only respond to correct factual errors in your application. For example, errors in your identity, qualifications or criminal history.
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Consider additional factors – If you haven’t been automatically refused the SIA will invite you to provide further information to support your application.
Your response to a refused application must be made within 21 days of the decision. After that, the SIA cannot reverse their decision.
Get Licensed helps you to find the best training providers all over the UK. We have helped over 300,000 people get trained and get on their way to changing their careers by getting SIA Licensed.
How to work in the security sector
Once you have completed your licence application and obtained your SIA Licence you can now work in the security sector. Your SIA Licence. is what you need to work as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative. With this licence, you could work in the private security industry, in a retail store, hospital and the possibilities are endless.
Get Licensed offer numerous licence-linked courses and can help you secure your career in the security in
