The SIA badge (Security Industry Authority licence) is the mandatory licence required to work as a security professional in the UK. Door supervisors, CCTV operators, security guards, vehicle immobilisers, and close protection officers all need a current SIA licence to work legally. Getting an SIA badge requires completing an approved training course (typically 4–6 days for door supervisors), passing a First Aid at Work qualification, passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and paying the SIA licence fee of £190. The process typically takes 6–10 weeks from starting training to receiving your licence. This guide covers the full SIA badge application process for 2026.
The SIA issues different licences depending on the security role. You must hold the correct licence type for the work you do: Practice with the free SIA Security Guard practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (100+ questions with answer explanations).
A Door Supervisor licence allows you to work as a Security Guard as well — many professionals obtain DS first for the broader scope.
Before applying for an SIA licence, you must complete an Ofqual-regulated qualification from an approved training provider. The training includes both knowledge units and physical skills depending on the licence type.
Door Supervisor training (most common):
Security Guard training:
Training providers must be approved by an Awarding Organisation (City & Guilds, Highfield, NOCN, etc.) and deliver Ofqual-regulated qualifications. After completing training, your awarding organisation registers you with the SIA's approved list — you'll need this registration to submit your licence application.
Interactive SIA Security Guard resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Security Industry Authority. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Security Industry Authority. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Passing score (Application of Conflict Management in the Private Security Industry) | 70% knowledge examination | Security Industry Authority |
| Passing score (Principles of Working as a Security Officer in the Private Security Industry) | 70% knowledge examination | Security Industry Authority |
| Passing score (Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry) | 70% | Security Industry Authority |
| Exam fee | £204 licence application fee | Security Industry Authority |
| Exam fee (Licence renewal) | £204 renewal application fee | Security Industry Authority |
| Validity | 3 years | Security Industry Authority |
| Renewal | Refresher training required | Security Industry Authority |
| Delivery (Refresher training) | Practical searching delivered face-to-face | Security Industry Authority |
| Eligibility | Minimum age 18 | Security Industry Authority |
| Registration opens (Licence renewal) | 4 months before licence expiry | Security Industry Authority |
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against Security Industry Authority. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
The SIA badge application is completed online through the SIA website (sia.homeoffice.gov.uk). You cannot apply until your training is registered with the awarding organisation and you meet all eligibility requirements.
Step-by-step SIA application:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free SIA Security Guard practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Why is it important to issue and manage visitor passes or badges?
Answer: B. To easily identify who is a visitor, ensure they are accounted for, and control their access to appropriate areas
Visitor passes serve multiple security purposes: they identify the wearer as a visitor (not staff), indicate which areas they may access, show if they should be escorted, and help ensure all visitors have signed out when they leave.
Which Act of Parliament established the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and created the licensing regime for private security operatives?
Answer: B. The Private Security Industry Act 2001
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 established the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and introduced compulsory licensing for those working in the private security industry, including door supervisors, security guards, CCTV operators, and others.
Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, who is legally required to hold a valid SIA licence when working as a security guard?
Answer: B. Any person working under contract as a security guard in a licensable conduct role, including both in-house and contract staff in designated roles
The PSIA 2001 requires any person undertaking designated licensable activities (including security guarding) to hold a valid SIA licence. This applies to contract security staff; in-house security staff may hold a licence or work under an Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) exemption.
What is the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR) and how does it relate to security work?
Answer: B. It regulates how personal data is collected, used, and stored — security guards must handle personal information (incident reports, CCTV footage, visitor logs) in compliance with the law
The DPA 2018 and UK GDPR regulate the processing of personal data. Security guards handle personal data through incident reports, CCTV footage, visitor logs, and access control records — all of which must comply with data protection principles.