5 Steps to Becoming a Licensed Security Professional in the UK: A Guide by Achilleus Security
In today’s world, security is a top priority for individuals, businesses, and government entities. The demand for qualified security personnel is increasing, and many people are considering a career in the security industry. In the UK, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulatory body responsible for regulating the private security industry. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the security industry, becoming a SIA licensed and fully trained Door Supervisor, CCTV Operator, Security Guard or Close Protection Officer is the first step. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps to become a SIA licensed and fully trained security professional.
1. Determine the Security Role You Want to Pursue
The first step in becoming a SIA licensed and fully trained security professional is to determine the security role you want to pursue. There are several security roles available, including Door Supervisor, CCTV Operator, Security Guard, and Close Protection Officer. Each role requires different training and qualifications. Therefore, it is essential to determine which role you want to pursue and understand the requirements for that role.
To find out more about what license you might need check out this short video Here.
2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria
The SIA has certain eligibility criteria that individuals must meet to become a licensed security professional. The eligibility criteria vary depending on the security role you want to pursue. However, in general, you must be over 18 years of age, have the right to work in the UK, and have a clean criminal record. If you have any criminal convictions or cautions, you must disclose them on your application.
3. Complete the Required Training
To become a SIA licensed and fully trained security professional, you must complete the required training for the security role you want to pursue. The SIA requires all security professionals to complete approved training courses before they can apply for a licence. The length of the training courses varies depending on the security role you want to pursue.
For example, the Door Supervisor training course is a six-day course, and the Security Guard training course is a four-day course. The Close Protection Officer training course is an 18-day course, and the CCTV Operator training course is a three-day course. The training courses cover topics such as conflict management, communication skills, physical intervention techniques, and first aid.
To find a recognised training provider you can search the SIA website by Clicking Here
Or you can go to Get Licensed as they are recognised and also a national provider with possibly the largest network of recognised courses. Click Here to find out more.
4. Apply for SIA License
After completing the required training, you can apply for a SIA licence. The application process involves completing an online application form and providing evidence of your training and qualifications. You will also need to pay a fee to apply for a licence. The fee varies depending on the security role you want to pursue.
Once you have successfully completed your chosen SIA course, It is vital that you ensure that before you apply for an SIA licence of any kind that you have the correct documentation that they will require, as will any further employer. To find out what documents you need or can use please click Here.
If you have recently arrived in the UK, it is extremely likely then an overseas criminality check from the country from which you travelled from, these checks are available for the embassy from the country of which you have travelled from. These checks will also be likely to be required by a future employer as part of your vetting and screening requirements to British Standard BS7858.
5. Obtain a Job in the Security Industry
Once you have obtained your SIA licence, you can start looking for a job in the security industry. There are several job opportunities available in the security industry, including working in retail stores, office buildings, events, and personal protection. Having a SIA licence is a valuable asset when applying for security jobs. Employers prefer to hire licensed security professionals as they have undergone the necessary training and have been vetted by the SIA.
Within the United Kingdom, there is a requirement for companies to vet and screen all potential employees during the recruitment stage. Any company that fails to fulfil this requirement should be avoided for your own protection.
This requirement is outlined in the British Standard known as BS7858, which serves as the UK code of practice for employment and pre-employment screening of individuals working in a secure environment. According to this standard, companies are obligated to thoroughly check and verify your documents as well as your history for a minimum period of five years.
To learn more about this process, please click here. This aspect can present a significant challenge for many applicants, so I encourage you to review the provided link and prepare yourself by compiling information about your previous employers or places of education, along with relevant dates and contact details. Make sure to include your corporate email address instead of a Gmail or Hotmail account, as employers must be able to verify the information. By having these details readily available, you can expedite the recruitment process and potentially secure a job more quickly. If a prospective employer does not conduct these checks, it suggests that the company is not adhering to industry best practices or their insurance requirements. Consequently, their insurance coverage may be invalid, indicating that the company does not prioritise proper procedures and fails to protect you as their client. In today’s modern world, where you could potentially work with anyone, it is crucial to ensure that necessary precautions are in place.
In conclusion, becoming a SIA licensed and fully trained security professional is a rewarding and challenging career choice. It requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to learn. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the security industry, the first step is to determine the security role you want to pursue and understand the requirements for that role. Once you have met the eligibility criteria and completed the required training, you can apply for a SIA licence and start looking for a job in the security industry. By following these steps, you can become a successful and licensed security professional in the UK.
