Which SIA Course Do You Need for Your Chosen Role?

There is no single course that covers every licensed security role. The correct SIA course depends on the activity you intend to perform—not simply the job title used in an advert.

Before enrolling, decide where you want to work, what duties you are likely to carry out and whether the qualification is currently accepted for the relevant SIA licence.

Door Supervision

Choose this route if you expect to guard licensed premises while alcohol is being supplied or regulated entertainment is taking place. The licence also covers security-guarding activity, which can make it more flexible than a security guard licence. Training includes role-specific practical content, including physical-intervention skills.

Security Guarding

This route is designed for licensable guarding of premises or property where door-supervision authority is not required. It may suit work in offices, warehouses, retail sites and construction environments, depending on the contract and duties. It does not authorise door supervision at licensed premises.

Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)

Choose this route if your work involves using CCTV to identify people or monitor their activities to guard against disorder, damage or assault. Limited property-protection uses of CCTV can be covered by other licence types, so compare the actual duties carefully.

Close Protection

This route is for guarding people against physical assault or injury. It involves more extensive training and responsibilities than general guarding. The close-protection licence also permits certain door-supervision and security-guarding activities, but candidates should choose it because their intended work genuinely involves personal protection.

Other Licence Types

The SIA also licenses cash and valuables in transit and key holding. Vehicle immobilisation is licensed by the SIA in Northern Ireland, not across Great Britain. Event stewards do not always need an SIA licence; the duties, location and contractual arrangement determine whether the work is licensable.

How to Check a Training Provider

Ask for the full qualification title, awarding organisation, delivery format, assessment arrangements and total price. Confirm that the awarding organisation and qualification appear in current SIA guidance. Be cautious if a provider promises an entirely remote route for training that requires supervised practical assessment.

Do Not Confuse General Study with Licence-Linked Training

A general online security-management course can introduce risk, communication, operations and workplace-security concepts. It does not qualify someone for an SIA licence unless the exact course is an accepted licence-linked qualification delivered under the required controls.

Relevant OHSC Study Options

For general, non-licensing study, explore OHSC’s online security management courses. You can also review the free online security guard short course. These links do not replace official SIA licence-linked training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a door supervisor course the same as a security guard course?

No. They lead to different qualifications and licence permissions. A door supervisor licence covers security guarding, but a security guard licence does not cover door supervision.

Which course do I need for CCTV work?

Public-space-surveillance CCTV activity generally requires the corresponding CCTV licence. Check the precise duties using the official SIA licence finder.

Can I take an SIA course fully online?

Some elements may be delivered virtually where permitted, but practical and controlled assessment requirements mean applicants should not assume the complete qualification can be achieved through unsupervised online study.

Do I need first aid before training?

For relevant full and refresher qualifications, the SIA requires an appropriate first-aid qualification valid for at least another 12 months when training begins.