An SIA license is a security certificate required for individuals working in security companies in London, United Kingdom. To get an approved SIA license a security official must meet the qualifications and requirements.
In this article, we will learn about what is SIA and what type of security license it provides to private security guard companies. If are you also seeking an SIA-approved security license then don’t worry; here we will also discuss the general requirements and qualifications.
What Is SIA License?
A certification type that is required for every individual persona working in a private security company in the United Kingdom. To obtain an SIA license individuals must pass a certain background test. They are also required to demonstrate special security skills and knowledge necessary to work in the security industry. In some cases, it is also necessary to complete training in tackling different emergency situations such as medical aid and conflict management.
Types of SIA License
To Obtain an SIA-approved security guard license, an individual will generally be required to complete specific training that is always relevant to your job criteria. There are different types of SIA-approved license that an individual get after completing certain training courses.
Close Protection License: to obtain such an SIA-approved license, it is necessary to complete an SIA-approved Close Protection Course that covers certain topics such as emergency planning, immediate evacuation, protection techniques and counter surveillance.
Door Supervisor License: lasts for six days, for this license, a security official must complete the SIA-approved door supervision course. It covers some essential topics including public safety, conflict management and customer care with the practice of both theoretical and practical elements.
CCTV Operator License: a security official is required to complete a three-day SIA-approved CCTV operator course that covers some important topics such as monitoring techniques, the legal framework of CCTV operations, and incident management with the practice of both theoretical and practical elements.
Security Guard License: to obtain this SIA-approved License, security officials are required to complete the six-day course with both practical and theoretical elements. This SIA-approved security guard license course covers certain topics including patrolling techniques, roles & responsibilities of security, and incident management.
Requirements To Get AN SIA-Approved Security License In London
To get an SIA–approved license in the United Kingdom, a candidate must meet specific qualifications and training knowledge. Let’s get a look at certain general requirements necessary to be fulfilled.
Age Requirement
A candidate must reach the age of 18.
Training Course
Individual security official is required to complete an SIA-approved training course for the specific type of license including door supervision and CCT monitoring.
- Must complete minimum numbers of training hours and that almost equal to 3-4 days
- Assessment through practical exams and field evaluation
Background Checking
All candidates must go through a certain background check through a test known as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Certain convictions such as past criminal record may disqualify an individual from getting a security license.
Documentation
A candidate is obliged to provide identification documents usually including:
- Proof of residential address such as bank statement or utility bills
- A valid driving license or passport
Health & Safety Alertness
Candidates are required to understand certain health and safety roles and responsibilities related to their security duties.
Application Procedure
Apply for a license and complete an online application procedure. Candidates are bound to pay one-time small fees of around £150 to enrol for SIA-approved license courses.
Select Training Course
Different training courses require different qualification backgrounds. Check the above section for security license types.
Meeting these requirements and completing a training course ensure that a candidate is qualified and skilled to perform responsibilities in the security field.
Final Verdict
An SIA-approved license is a must for those aspiring to perform duties in the private security industry of the United Kingdom. By meeting training, background checks and documentation standards, individuals are well-prepared and professionalized in their roles. Security officials on their 24-hour duty are required to contribute their part for a safer environment, reinforce public trust and ensure the effectiveness of all security operations around the premises.