SIA Door Supervisor Guide

What is an SIA licence?

An SIA licence is an official licence issued by the Security Industry Authority, which is the government regulator for the private security industry. In simple terms, it is the licence that allows a person to carry out certain security jobs legally in the UK. The training provider does not issue the SIA licence itself. The learner completes the course first, passes the required assessments, and then applies separately to the SIA.

Why do I need an SIA License?

To work in the private security industry in the UK, a person must hold the correct SIA licence.

That means completing the required training first, Passing all the assessments and then applying to the SIA (Security Industry Authority) for the licence.

For example: when you want to get a driving licence in the UK, you first complete your training, then pass your driving test, and then apply to the DVLA for your licence. The private security industry works in a similar way. You must first complete the correct course for the licence you want, (Can be Door Supervisor, Security Officer, or CCTV Operator), then pass the assessments, and then after that you can apply to the SIA for your license to work.

How many different SIA licences are there?

GOV.UK currently lists 8 SIA licence types:

• Security guarding

• Door supervision

• CCTV operator

• Close protection

• Key holding

• Cash and valuables in transit

• Non-front line licence

• Vehicle immobilisation, (which only applies in Northern Ireland)

Some of these are front line licences, which require licence-linked training before applying. GOV.UK says this applies to security guarding, door supervision, close protection, public space surveillance (CCTV), cash and valuables in transit (CVIT), and vehicle immobilisation. GOV.UK also says that a key holding licence and a non-front line licence do not require a licence-linked qualification in the same way.

What is a Door Supervisor License?

A Door Supervisor licence is an SIA licence that allows a person to work in certain frontline security roles in the UK, especially where the work involves licensed premises (Permitted to provide alcohol).

The SIA says a door supervisor licence is needed where the role includes guarding these licensed premises against things like unauthorised access, disorderly behaviour, damage or theft.

GOV.UK also makes an important distinction: a person with a Door Supervisor licence can also carry out the licensable activity of a Security Guard, but a Security Guard licence does not cover door supervision on licensed premises.

That is why many learners see the Door Supervisor licence as the more versatile option and often choose it as their first SIA licence, to have the flexibility of working in more venues.

Why people choose the Door Supervisor licence?

Many people choose the Door Supervisor licence because it is widely seen as one of the most flexible starting points in the private security industry. It can lead to a broader range of frontline roles than some other entry routes, especially for people who want to keep their job options open from the start.

GOV.UK says a Door Supervisor licence covers work on licensed premises, and also allows the licensable activity of a Security Guard, which is one of the main reasons it is often chosen as a first licence, as it allows them to work in both roles.

In practical terms, learners often choose the Door Supervisor route because it can be useful for Jobs in areas such as:

• venue security

• event security

• retail security

• reception and front-of-house security

• licensed premises

• general frontline guarding roles

For many learners, the main reason is simple: it offers more flexibility. Instead of limiting themselves to a narrower type of security work, they choose the licence that can support a wider range of opportunities across the sector.

Do I need first aid before the Door Supervisor course?

The answer is Yes.

Before starting the Door Supervisor course, a learner must already hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification, or an accepted equivalent.

This is an SIA requirement for Door Supervisor and Security Guard training, and it applies before the licence training starts, not after it.

The SIA also says the first aid qualification must normally be valid for at least another 12 months from the start of the course. Accepted examples can include EFAW, FAW, FPOS, and FREC.

Note* Do not worry if you don't have a valid Emergency First Aid qualification. First aid is included in the Door Supervisor package at no extra cost. you will just need to arrive earlier on day 1 to complete it first, but there is nothing extra to pay for it, as we include it for free as part of the course price.

*if you already have it, it must be sent in at least 48 hours before day 1 for checking and approval.

How many days is the Door Supervisor course?

The Answer is 6 Days.

Under the current SIA rules, the Door Supervisor course is usually delivered in either 6 or 7 days, depending on how the course is structured. If the required pre-course learning is completed properly before the classroom training starts, the course can be delivered over 6 days. If that pre-course learning is not used, the course is normally delivered over 7 days.

A Security Academy note: With us, the Door Supervisor course is delivered in the 6-day format, but the required pre-course learning must completed before attendance.

Who can take the Door Supervisor course?

To hold an SIA licence, a person must be 18 or over. The SIA also says an applicant must have the correct Course qualification before applying for a front line Door Supervisor licence.

As part of the licence process, the SIA also checks identity, criminal record, and in most cases the right to work in the UK.

Before starting the training itself, we must also check that the learner can understand the course and assessments well enough to complete them properly. The first aid requirement must also be completed or checked before the SIA training begins.

So before starting training you will need to do a quick English Level 1 Assesment, in Reading, Writing, Listening, and speaking. (If you fail that initial assessment, you will not be allowed to continue the training, and you will receive a refund, but a Fee of £150 will be deducted from the refund.

What do you need before day 1?

Make sure you have completed any pre-course work required. This includes both ACT Certificates and any workbooks requested.

It is also important to have the correct ID documents ready. The SIA says licence applicants need identity documents as part of the process,we will typically check documents before or during registration on the first day.

Check our list of documents here.

What happens during the course?

Under the SIA training requirements, the Door Supervisor course is split into four main parts:

1. General private security knowledge

2. The Door Supervisor Knowledge

3. Conflict management Skills

4. Physical intervention Skills

In simple terms, learners are usually taught things like:

• The role of the SIA

• Basic law and professional standards

• Searching

• Dealing with incidents

• Recording and reporting

• Dealing with vulnerable people

• Conflict management

• Physical intervention skills

So the course is not just about “door work”. It is designed to give learners the legal knowledge, practical understanding, and safety awareness needed for licensed frontline security work.

How is the course assessed?

A Student must attend four training units and pass the four examinations to complete the training.

Note*: When you do your training with us, you don't need to worry as you have unlimited free exam retakes, so if you fail, you can rebook the assessment day for the next available slots and Re-do it again and again until you pass. (You don't have to attend all 6 days again, only the last day of the assessments).

Note* Free retakes only apply to the multiple-choice SIA exams only. They do not apply to the Practical, English, literacy, or initial entry assessments.

What is included in the price?

When comparing Door Supervisor courses, it is important to look at what is actually included, not just the headline price.

The Door Supervisor course price is £350, Total, this includes everything from:

• First aid

• Exam fees

• Unlimited Exam Retakes

• Learning materials

• Any extra support before the course

We have no other packages, its only 1 package, that includes everything you need to apply for your SIA license.