SIA Security Industry Authority Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What personal protective equipment (PPE) might a door supervisor need?

Hi-vis jacket, stab vest (venue dependent), radio, torch — as determined by risk assessment (Correct answer)
Full body armour at all times
Only gloves are needed
PPE is not required for door supervisors

Correct answer: Hi-vis jacket, stab vest (venue dependent), radio, torch — as determined by risk assessment

PPE requirements depend on the venue's risk assessment. Higher-risk venues may require stab vests, while all venues should provide radios for communication.

Question 2: What is the primary purpose of physical intervention in door supervision?

To protect people from harm and prevent crime (Correct answer)
To punish aggressive behaviour
To remove troublemakers as quickly as possible
To demonstrate authority

Correct answer: To protect people from harm and prevent crime

Physical intervention is solely for protection and crime prevention, never for punishment. The SIA code of conduct requires proportionate, justified action.

Question 3: What should happen at a post-incident debrief?

Nothing — just move on to the next incident
Blame the person who caused the incident
Review what happened, what went well, what could improve, and check staff welfare (Correct answer)
Only discuss it if someone was injured

Correct answer: Review what happened, what went well, what could improve, and check staff welfare

Post-incident debriefs improve future responses, identify training needs, and check that staff are coping emotionally. They should be constructive, not blame-focused.

Question 4: A patron speaks very little English and is trying to explain a problem. What is the most professional approach for the door supervisor?

Use simple language, gestures, visual aids, and if available, seek a colleague or translation app to assist with communication (Correct answer)
Ignore the patron as effective communication is not possible
Speak louder and slower in English until the patron understands
Tell the patron to come back with someone who speaks English

Correct answer: Use simple language, gestures, visual aids, and if available, seek a colleague or translation app to assist with communication

Language barriers require patience and creativity. Simple language, gestures, pointing, and visual aids can communicate basic information. Technology such as translation apps on a work phone can help. Seeking a bilingual colleague is also appropriate. Ignoring or dismissing the patron could constitute discrimination.

Question 5: What does Section 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 say about force?

It only applies to police officers
It bans all physical force by door supervisors
It allows unlimited force against criminals
It clarifies that the degree of force used must be what the person honestly believed was necessary at the time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It clarifies that the degree of force used must be what the person honestly believed was necessary at the time

Section 76 confirms that the test for reasonable force is based on what the person honestly and instinctively believed was necessary, even if objectively disproportionate, as long as the belief was genuine.

Question 6: How should a door supervisor handle a complaint about another staff member?

Dismiss it — staff always come first
Argue in defence of their colleague
Tell the patron they're wrong
Listen carefully, acknowledge the concern, and escalate to management (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listen carefully, acknowledge the concern, and escalate to management

Taking complaints seriously and escalating to management shows professionalism and can prevent the situation from escalating into a confrontation.

Question 7: During a venue evacuation, a patron in a wheelchair cannot use the stairs. What should a door supervisor do?

Carry them down the stairs immediately
Tell them to wait until everyone else has left
Guide them to a designated refuge point (protected waiting area), inform the fire brigade of their location, and stay with them if safe to do so (Correct answer)
Ask other patrons to carry the wheelchair down the stairs

Correct answer: Guide them to a designated refuge point (protected waiting area), inform the fire brigade of their location, and stay with them if safe to do so

Most multi-storey venues have designated refuge points - protected areas where wheelchair users can wait safely for the fire brigade to evacuate them using specialist equipment. The person's location must be communicated to the fire brigade upon arrival.

Question 8: When should physical intervention be terminated?

As soon as the threat has been neutralised or the person has been safely removed (Correct answer)
When the head doorman says so
Only when police arrive
After exactly 5 minutes

Correct answer: As soon as the threat has been neutralised or the person has been safely removed

Continuing to use force after the threat has ended or the objective has been achieved makes the force unreasonable and potentially unlawful.

Question 9: What is the 'PLAN' model for physical intervention?

Push, Lift, Arrest, Neutralise
Prepare, Lead, Act, Navigate
Proportionate, Legal, Accountable, Necessary (Correct answer)
Position, Lock, Apprehend, Notify

Correct answer: Proportionate, Legal, Accountable, Necessary

PLAN stands for Proportionate (matching the threat), Legal (lawful basis), Accountable (can justify actions), and Necessary (no alternative available).

Question 10: What is a 'sterile area' in security terms?

A controlled buffer zone between the venue and any ongoing incident, free of bystanders (Correct answer)
The staff room
A venue with no alcohol served
A hospital-clean zone

Correct answer: A controlled buffer zone between the venue and any ongoing incident, free of bystanders

Creating a sterile area means clearing bystanders from the immediate vicinity of an incident. This protects the public, reduces interference, and gives space to manage the situation.

Question 11: A patron is bleeding heavily from a deep cut to their arm. While waiting for an ambulance, what should you do?

Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean pad, elevate the limb above heart level if possible, and monitor for shock (Correct answer)
Remove any embedded objects from the wound
Pour cold water over the wound to clean it
Apply a tourniquet immediately above the wound

Correct answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean pad, elevate the limb above heart level if possible, and monitor for shock

Apply firm, direct pressure using a clean pad or dressing. Elevate the limb above heart level to reduce blood flow. Do not remove embedded objects. Monitor for signs of shock (pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing). Keep the casualty warm and reassured.

Question 12: A patron tells a door supervisor they believe their friend has swallowed a bag of drugs to avoid detection. What is the correct response?

Tell the person to drink lots of water to dilute the drugs
Ask the friend to confirm whether this is true before taking action
Treat it as a medical emergency, call 999 immediately, do not induce vomiting, and monitor the person until paramedics arrive (Correct answer)
Induce vomiting immediately

Correct answer: Treat it as a medical emergency, call 999 immediately, do not induce vomiting, and monitor the person until paramedics arrive

Swallowing a bag of drugs is a life-threatening medical emergency. If the bag ruptures, it could cause a fatal overdose. Call 999 immediately, do not induce vomiting as this could rupture the bag, and monitor the person's condition until paramedics arrive.

Question 13: Under the Licensing Act 2003, which of the following could result in a venue losing its premises licence?

A single noise complaint from a neighbour
A fire alarm going off accidentally
Persistent drug use or dealing on the premises that management fails to address (Correct answer)
A patron being sick in the toilets

Correct answer: Persistent drug use or dealing on the premises that management fails to address

Under the Licensing Act 2003, licensing authorities can review and revoke a premises licence if the licensing objectives are undermined. Persistent drug activity that management fails to address undermines the crime prevention objective.

Question 14: In terms of the CONTEST strategy, which pillar focuses on stopping people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism?

Pursue
Protect
Prevent (Correct answer)
Prepare

Correct answer: Prevent

The PREVENT pillar of CONTEST focuses on stopping people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It addresses all forms of terrorism and operates through programmes like Channel, which provides support to individuals identified as vulnerable to radicalisation. Prevent is delivered through partnerships between police, local authorities, education, health, and community organisations.

Question 15: What are the five UK national threat levels in ascending order of severity?

MINIMAL, LOW, MODERATE, HIGH, EXTREME
LOW, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL, SEVERE, CRITICAL (Correct answer)
LOW, GUARDED, ELEVATED, HIGH, CRITICAL
GREEN, YELLOW, AMBER, RED, BLACK

Correct answer: LOW, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL, SEVERE, CRITICAL

The UK threat level system, set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), uses five levels: LOW (an attack is highly unlikely), MODERATE (an attack is possible but not likely), SUBSTANTIAL (an attack is likely), SEVERE (an attack is highly likely), and CRITICAL (an attack is highly likely in the near future).

Question 16: What factor does a court consider when deciding if force was reasonable?

The size difference between the parties
Whether the venue has CCTV
Whether the door supervisor has martial arts training
What a reasonable person would have done in the same circumstances with the same knowledge (Correct answer)

Correct answer: What a reasonable person would have done in the same circumstances with the same knowledge

The 'reasonable person' test asks what someone with the same knowledge and circumstances would have done. Hindsight is not applied — it's based on what you knew at the time.

Question 17: In the context of bomb threats, what does the mnemonic 'HOT' stand for?

Help Others Think, Observe Threats, Take action
Hidden, Obviously suspicious, Typical of the area
Have Others Tried, Order Tactical response, Tell headquarters
Has it been Hidden? Is it Obviously suspicious? Is it Typical for this area? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Has it been Hidden? Is it Obviously suspicious? Is it Typical for this area?

The HOT protocol helps assess suspicious items: Has it been Hidden or concealed? Is it Obviously suspicious in appearance? Is it Typical - would you expect to find this item in this location? If the answer raises concern, do not touch it and call 999.

Question 18: What is a hate crime as defined by UK law?

Any crime committed by a person who has previously expressed prejudiced views
Only physical assault motivated by racial hatred
A criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or transgender identity (Correct answer)
A crime that is reported to a specialist hate crime unit

Correct answer: A criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or transgender identity

A hate crime is any criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on five monitored strands: disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. Perception-based recording means the victim's view is central.

Question 19: What is the purpose of a 'lockdown' procedure in a venue during a terrorist attack?

To secure the venue by locking doors and windows and keeping people inside and away from danger when evacuation would increase risk (Correct answer)
To lock out all customers and only allow staff to remain
To lock the cash registers and safes
To shut down the PA system and lighting to confuse attackers

Correct answer: To secure the venue by locking doors and windows and keeping people inside and away from danger when evacuation would increase risk

A lockdown (also called 'invacuation') is the opposite of evacuation. It involves securing the building by locking doors, closing shutters, and keeping people inside when going outside would expose them to greater danger - for example, during a firearms attack in the street outside. Venues should have lockdown procedures as well as evacuation plans.

Question 20: When should a door supervisor walk away from a confrontation?

Never — they must always stand their ground
Only when told to by the police
Walking away is always cowardly
When walking away would prevent escalation and the situation can be monitored from a distance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When walking away would prevent escalation and the situation can be monitored from a distance

Strategic withdrawal can prevent escalation. Maintaining distance while monitoring shows good judgement, not weakness.

Question 21: What power does a door supervisor have to refuse entry?

Must give written reasons
No legal power
Can refuse as agent of the licence holder, without discrimination (Correct answer)
Can only refuse drunk people

Correct answer: Can refuse as agent of the licence holder, without discrimination

Door supervisors act as agents of the licence holder but must not discriminate on protected characteristics.

Question 22: Under UK law, when is a door supervisor permitted to use physical force?

Only when police give permission
Whenever a patron refuses to leave
When it is reasonable and necessary to prevent harm or crime (Correct answer)
When they feel disrespected

Correct answer: When it is reasonable and necessary to prevent harm or crime

Under Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967, reasonable force may be used to prevent crime or protect from harm.

Question 23: A door supervisor is taking a witness statement from a patron who saw an assault. Which of the following questions would be most appropriate?

Tell me in your own words what you saw happen, starting from when you first noticed something was wrong (Correct answer)
Don't you think the attacker was out of order?
Why didn't you try to stop the assault?
The attacker punched him twice, didn't he?

Correct answer: Tell me in your own words what you saw happen, starting from when you first noticed something was wrong

Open questions that allow witnesses to describe events in their own words produce the most accurate and useful statements. Leading questions (suggesting the answer), judgemental questions (implying fault), and closed questions limit the information gathered and can compromise the evidential value of the statement.

Question 24: What is the primary purpose of using the phonetic alphabet when communicating a vehicle registration number over the radio?

To prevent mishearing of similar-sounding letters such as B, D, E, G, P, T, and V (Correct answer)
To comply with a legal requirement under the Communications Act 2003
To make the communication sound more professional
To slow down the communication so it can be recorded

Correct answer: To prevent mishearing of similar-sounding letters such as B, D, E, G, P, T, and V

The phonetic alphabet exists to prevent confusion between letters that sound similar, especially over radio where audio quality may be poor. For example, 'B' (Bravo), 'D' (Delta), and 'P' (Papa) are easily confused when spoken normally but are distinct in phonetic form.

Question 25: When writing a witness statement for the police, which tense should a door supervisor use?

Present tense to make the statement feel more immediate
Past tense, describing events as they occurred in chronological order (Correct answer)
Future tense to describe what they expect to happen at trial
A mixture of tenses to show the complexity of the events

Correct answer: Past tense, describing events as they occurred in chronological order

Witness statements should be written in the past tense, describing events in chronological order as they occurred. This provides a clear, logical narrative that is easy for investigators, lawyers, and courts to follow. Mixing tenses creates confusion and undermines credibility.

Question 26: What is a 'marauding terrorist attack' (MTA) and how should door supervisors initially respond?

A single attacker with a grievance - attempt to negotiate
An attack using explosives only - evacuate immediately
A cyber attack on venue systems - shut down all electronics
A fast-moving attack involving weapons where attackers move through an area targeting victims - follow Run, Hide, Tell and help others do the same (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A fast-moving attack involving weapons where attackers move through an area targeting victims - follow Run, Hide, Tell and help others do the same

A marauding terrorist attack involves one or more attackers moving through a location using weapons (firearms, knives, vehicles) to cause maximum casualties. Door supervisors should follow Run, Hide, Tell, assist others to escape, lock/barricade doors, and call 999 when safe.

Question 27: What is an 'amnesty bin' and where should it be positioned at a venue?

A locked evidence box kept in the manager's office for storing confiscated items
A first aid waste bin positioned at the entrance for disposing of medical sharps
A recycling bin for drinks containers placed inside the venue near the bar
A secure container placed before the search point where patrons can voluntarily dispose of prohibited items without penalty (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A secure container placed before the search point where patrons can voluntarily dispose of prohibited items without penalty

An amnesty bin is a secure container placed before the main search point, allowing patrons to voluntarily dispose of prohibited items (drugs, weapons, etc.) without facing prosecution or confrontation. It must be clearly signposted and positioned where patrons can use it discreetly before reaching the search area. Its contents should be handled by police.

Question 28: Which of the following would constitute an intimate search that a door supervisor must NEVER carry out?

Asking a patron to turn out their trouser pockets
Searching inside a patron's waistband or underwear area (Correct answer)
Asking a patron to remove their shoes for inspection
Using a hand-held metal detector wand around a patron's torso

Correct answer: Searching inside a patron's waistband or underwear area

An intimate search involves the examination of body orifices or areas covered by underwear. Door supervisors must never conduct intimate searches — only police officers or medical professionals have the authority to do so under PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984). Removing shoes, using a wand, and turning out pockets are all acceptable standard search procedures.

Question 29: Which of the following is an example of direct discrimination by a door supervisor?

Refusing entry to a group because they are of a particular ethnic background (Correct answer)
Refusing entry because the venue has reached capacity
Refusing entry to someone who is visibly intoxicated
Refusing entry to someone not meeting the dress code that applies equally to all

Correct answer: Refusing entry to a group because they are of a particular ethnic background

Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic. Refusing entry based on ethnic background is unlawful direct discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

Question 30: What does the 'Run, Hide, Tell' protocol advise the public to do during a terrorist firearms or weapons attack?

Run toward the attacker, hide evidence, tell no one
Run to the nearest exit only, hide under a table, tell your manager
Run to a safe place, hide and barricade if you cannot run, tell police by calling 999 (Correct answer)
Run outside, hide in a vehicle, tell security

Correct answer: Run to a safe place, hide and barricade if you cannot run, tell police by calling 999

'Run, Hide, Tell' is the UK Counter Terrorism advice: RUN to a safe place if possible, HIDE if you cannot run (barricade, silence phone, stay out of sight), TELL police by calling 999 when safe to do so.

Question 31: How should a door supervisor respond if a patron pulls out a weapon?

Create distance, evacuate nearby people, call 999 immediately, do not attempt to disarm (Correct answer)
Take the weapon and keep it as evidence
Confront them directly to show no fear
Try to disarm them using martial arts

Correct answer: Create distance, evacuate nearby people, call 999 immediately, do not attempt to disarm

Weapons situations are for police to handle. Your priority is creating distance, evacuating the area, calling emergency services, and preserving life. Attempting to disarm is extremely dangerous.

Question 32: A door supervisor suspects a patron with a guide dog is not genuinely visually impaired. What is the correct course of action?

Contact the police to verify the patron's disability status
Ask the patron to leave the guide dog outside
Refuse entry until the patron produces proof of disability
Allow entry as refusing a person with an assistance dog without strong evidence would likely be disability discrimination (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Allow entry as refusing a person with an assistance dog without strong evidence would likely be disability discrimination

Under the Equality Act 2010, assistance dogs must be allowed in venues that are open to the public. Refusing entry to a person with a guide dog is likely to constitute disability discrimination. Door supervisors should not demand proof of disability. Only in exceptional circumstances with clear evidence of fraud should this be questioned.

Question 33: What is positional asphyxia?

A security formation
A condition where body position restricts breathing, potentially fatal during restraint (Correct answer)
A type of drug overdose
A breathing technique for calming people

Correct answer: A condition where body position restricts breathing, potentially fatal during restraint

Positional asphyxia can occur during face-down restraint and can be fatal. Door supervisors must monitor breathing during any restraint.

Question 34: A group of customers who have been refused entry start filming you on their phones and making provocative comments. How should you respond?

Film them back on your own phone
Demand they stop filming and threaten to confiscate their phones
Remain calm and professional, maintain a neutral expression, do not rise to provocation, reiterate the reason for refusal politely, and remember the footage could be used as evidence of your professionalism (Correct answer)
Turn away and refuse to engage with them at all

Correct answer: Remain calm and professional, maintain a neutral expression, do not rise to provocation, reiterate the reason for refusal politely, and remember the footage could be used as evidence of your professionalism

Being filmed is increasingly common and there is generally no law preventing people from filming in public. The best response is to remain calm, professional, and aware that the footage may be shared. Use the situation to demonstrate your professionalism. Do not attempt to stop filming, become aggressive, or react to provocation. The footage could actually serve as evidence of your professional conduct.

Question 35: In an incident log, what does the term 'contemporaneous notes' mean?

Notes written by two or more people at the same time
Notes written in modern English rather than legal terminology
Notes made at the time of, or as soon as practicable after, the incident they describe (Correct answer)
Notes that are typed rather than handwritten

Correct answer: Notes made at the time of, or as soon as practicable after, the incident they describe

Contemporaneous notes are records made at the time of the event or as soon as practicable afterwards. They carry greater weight as evidence because memory fades rapidly. Courts give more credibility to notes made shortly after an incident than to recollections written days or weeks later.

Question 36: What body language sign indicates rising aggression?

Clenched fists and fixed staring (Correct answer)
Smiling and nodding
Leaning back with arms uncrossed
Relaxed shoulders and open palms

Correct answer: Clenched fists and fixed staring

Clenched fists, fixed staring, reddened face, and invading personal space are classic pre-attack indicators.

Question 37: What is Project Griffin?

A counter-terrorism awareness initiative delivered by Counter Terrorism Policing to the private security industry and businesses (Correct answer)
A Home Office programme to train armed police officers
A government scheme to install bollards outside nightclubs
A covert MI5 surveillance programme targeting extremists

Correct answer: A counter-terrorism awareness initiative delivered by Counter Terrorism Policing to the private security industry and businesses

Project Griffin is a counter-terrorism awareness initiative run by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP). It provides training to private security staff and businesses on how to recognise and respond to terrorist threats, including identifying hostile reconnaissance, suspicious items, and what to do during a terrorist attack.

Question 38: What conditions might be attached to a premises licence?

No conditions can be attached
CCTV requirements, capacity limits, noise restrictions, door supervisor ratios, last entry times (Correct answer)
Only opening hours
Only the number of door supervisors required

Correct answer: CCTV requirements, capacity limits, noise restrictions, door supervisor ratios, last entry times

Conditions can cover many aspects including CCTV, staffing, capacity, noise, search policies, drink containers, and more. They're legally binding.

Question 39: Which technique is prohibited in SIA training?

Open-hand guidance
Chokeholds or neck restraints (Correct answer)
Approved restraint holds
Escorting by holding upper arm

Correct answer: Chokeholds or neck restraints

Chokeholds and neck restraints are extremely dangerous, can cause death, and are prohibited.

Question 40: What is the recovery position used for?

To maintain an open airway in an unconscious person who is breathing, preventing choking on vomit or fluids (Correct answer)
To immobilise a person with a suspected spinal injury
To help someone recover from exercise
To elevate the legs of someone in shock

Correct answer: To maintain an open airway in an unconscious person who is breathing, preventing choking on vomit or fluids

The recovery position is used for unconscious casualties who are still breathing. It keeps the airway open and allows fluids (such as vomit) to drain from the mouth, preventing choking. The person should be monitored continuously.

Question 41: A patron with Tourette's syndrome is making involuntary noises that are disturbing other patrons. What should the door supervisor do?

Tell the patron to control their behaviour or leave
Recognise that Tourette's is a disability, avoid drawing attention to the behaviour, and only intervene if there is a genuine safety concern (Correct answer)
Ask the patron to sit in a separate area away from other customers
Remove the patron immediately as they are causing a disturbance

Correct answer: Recognise that Tourette's is a disability, avoid drawing attention to the behaviour, and only intervene if there is a genuine safety concern

Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition that constitutes a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Involuntary vocalisations are a symptom, not deliberate behaviour. Removing someone for symptoms of their disability would be disability discrimination. Intervention should only occur if there is a genuine safety risk.

Question 42: What must you do after physically removing a patron?

Nothing — responsibility ends at the door
Call them a taxi
Record the incident in the log book (Correct answer)
Post about it online

Correct answer: Record the incident in the log book

All uses of force must be documented in the venue incident log for legal protection and accountability.

Question 43: Under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, what is the maximum prison sentence for carrying an offensive weapon in a public place?

6 months
10 years
4 years (Correct answer)
2 years

Correct answer: 4 years

The Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Section 1, makes it an offence to carry an offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. The maximum sentence is 4 years' imprisonment. This applies to items made, adapted, or intended to cause injury.

SIA Security Industry Authority Exam

The SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence-linked exam covers conflict management, physical intervention, legal powers and responsibilities, and counter terrorism awareness for UK security professionals.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

74%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

gov.uk — Eligibility, fees, score validity, renewal · verified Oct 2026
qualifications.pearson.com — Test delivery, exam format, passing score, time limit · verified Oct 2026