Starting your SIA training can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the security industry. Will the course be too difficult? What if you don’t pass the exam? How do you even choose the right training provider?
Here’s the reassuring truth: thousands of people just like you have successfully completed their SIA training and gone on to rewarding careers in security. The courses are designed for complete beginners with no prior experience. With proper preparation, active engagement, and the right support, passing your SIA training is absolutely achievable.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about SIA training in 2025—which course is right for you, how to prepare, strategies for success, and what happens after you pass.
Key Insights
- SIA training is mandatory for anyone working in licensable security roles in the UK—working without a licence is a criminal offence with fines up to £5,000
- Four main licence types are available: door supervisor (6 days, most versatile), security guard (4 days, non-licensed premises), CCTV operator (3 days, surveillance work), and close protection (16 days, VIP protection)
- 2025 regulatory changes include mandatory refresher training for licence renewals (replacing top-up training from 1 April 2025) and compulsory EFAW certificates before licence application
- Training costs range from £199.99 (security guard) to £259.99 (door supervisor) at Train4Security, plus a separate £184 SIA licence application fee
- Entry-level salaries range from £22,000 to £28,000 annually, depending on your role
- Pass rates are high when you prepare properly—Train4Security includes 2 FREE exam retakes with every course
Understanding SIA Training Requirements in 2025
Before diving into course options, it’s essential to understand what SIA training is, why it’s legally required, and what’s changed in 2025.
What Is SIA Training and Why Do You Need It?
SIA training is the mandatory qualification you must complete before you can apply for an SIA licence. The SIA (Security Industry Authority) is the regulatory body that governs the UK’s private security industry, ensuring security professionals meet specific standards of training, conduct, and character.
Working without an SIA licence is illegal. You face fines of up to £5,000 and up to six months’ imprisonment if caught working illegally.
Different security roles require different licences: door supervisor (pubs, clubs, events), security guard (retail, corporate, construction), CCTV operator (surveillance monitoring), and close protection (VIP protection).
Key Changes for 2025
Refresher Training Is Now Mandatory
As of 1 April 2025, refresher training has replaced “top-up” training for licence renewals. It includes updated content on counter-terrorism awareness, Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty) requirements, and enhanced emergency response protocols.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) Is Required
You need a valid EFAW certificate before attending SIA training. EFAW certificates are valid for three years. All Train4Security courses include EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) training at no extra cost. This is a mandatory requirement for your SIA licence, and we ensure you get it as part of your course package.
Which SIA Course Do You Need?
Choosing the right SIA course depends on your work environment preferences, career goals, and lifestyle needs.
Door Supervisor Training (6 Days)
Door supervisor training is the most comprehensive and versatile SIA course. It covers everything in the security guard course, plus physical intervention, managing licensed premises, and dealing with challenging situations in high-energy environments.
What You’ll Learn
The door supervisor course covers working in the private security industry, conflict management and de-escalation techniques, and physical intervention skills, including safe restraint and removal techniques. You’ll learn about health and safety in licensed premises, licensing law and your legal responsibilities, how to deal with intoxicated or aggressive individuals, searching procedures, communication and customer service, and incident documentation and report writing.
Who It’s For
This course suits people who enjoy fast-paced, high-energy work environments and don’t mind working late nights and weekends. It’s ideal if you’re confident managing challenging situations calmly, have reasonable physical fitness, and want maximum career flexibility in the security industry.
Work Environments
With a door supervisor licence, you can work in nightclubs and music venues, pubs and bars, live events and festivals, sporting events and stadiums, retail security, corporate buildings, and construction sites.
The Key Advantage
A door supervisor licence is the most versatile option. It allows you to work in both door supervision roles and general security guard positions—essentially anywhere a security guard can work, plus licensed venues serving alcohol.
Cost: Starts from £259.99 at Train4Security (includes 2 free exam retakes and e-learning app)
Typical earnings: £24,000-£28,000 annually for entry-level positions, rising to £30,000-£35,000 with experience.
Security Guard Training (4 Days)
Security guard training is a four-day course focused on manned guarding in non-licensed premises. It covers security fundamentals without the physical intervention component.
What You’ll Learn
The security guard course includes working in the private security industry, conflict management through verbal de-escalation only (no physical intervention), and health and safety procedures. You’ll learn fire safety and emergency evacuation, access control and visitor management, patrol procedures and observation skills, CCTV monitoring basics (though this is different from the specialist CCTV operator licence), and communication and report writing.
Who It’s For
This course is ideal for people who prefer daytime work and structured environments, want lower-intensity security roles, and are interested in corporate or retail security. It’s perfect if you prefer not to work in nightlife venues and are looking for a quicker, more affordable entry into the security industry.
Work Environments
Security guards typically work in corporate office buildings, retail stores and shopping centres, construction sites and industrial facilities, warehouses and distribution centres, hospitals and healthcare facilities, schools and universities, and residential developments.
Role Limitations
A security guard licence does not permit you to work in licensed premises where alcohol is served (pubs, clubs, bars).
Cost: Starts from £199.99 at Train4Security (includes 2 free exam retakes and e-learning app).
Typical earnings: £22,000-£26,000 annually for entry-level positions.
CCTV Operator Training (3 Days)
CCTV operator training qualifies you for the Public Space Surveillance licence. This specialist role focuses on surveillance, observation, and coordination.
What You’ll Learn
The CCTV operator course covers the legal and regulatory framework, including the Data Protection Act, GDPR, and Human Rights Act. You’ll learn how to operate CCTV equipment and systems, monitoring and observation techniques, how to identify suspicious behaviour and security threats, communication and coordination with security teams and police, incident logging and evidence gathering, and proper report writing and documentation procedures.
Who It’s For
This course suits people who are highly observant with excellent attention to detail, prefer working indoors in a control room environment, and are comfortable with technology and screen-based work. It’s ideal if you can maintain concentration for extended periods, have strong communication skills (particularly via radio), and prefer behind-the-scenes security work.
Work Environments
CCTV operators work in control rooms monitoring shopping centres, transport hubs like train stations and airports, public space surveillance centres covering town centres, large corporate or industrial sites, event venues, and local authority CCTV networks.
Cost: Starts from £239.99 at Train4Security (includes 2 free exam retakes and e-learning app).
Typical earnings: £23,000-£27,000 annually for entry-level positions.
Close Protection Training (16-19 Days)
Close protection training is the most advanced and intensive SIA course, designed for experienced professionals seeking to work in high-level executive and VIP protection. This 16-19 day programme prepares you for the demanding world of bodyguarding and personal security.
What You’ll Learn
The course covers threat and risk assessment, surveillance techniques, operational planning, conflict management, and advanced physical intervention skills. You’ll also learn about the legal and ethical responsibilities of a close protection operative.
Who It’s For
This course is for experienced security professionals or individuals with a background in the military or law enforcement. It requires a high level of discipline, physical fitness, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
Work Environments
Close protection officers work with VIPs, celebrities, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate executives. Roles can be UK-based or international.
Cost: Starts from £2199 at Train4Security (includes 2 free exam retakes and e-learning app).
Typical earnings: £35,000-£50,000 annually for entry-level positions, with experienced operatives earning £60,000-£100,000+.
Which Course Should You Choose?
| Course | Duration | Cost | Work Environments | Entry Salary |
| Door supervisor | 6 days | £259.99 | Pubs, clubs, events, retail, corporate | £24k-£28k |
| Security guard | 4 days | £199.99 | Corporate, retail, construction | £22k-£26k |
| CCTV operator | 3 days | £239.99 | Control rooms, surveillance centres | £23k-£27k |
| Close Protection | 16-19 days | £2199 | VIP/Executive protection | £35k-£50k |
*Salary data from Indeed, UK (2025 figures).
Quick decision guide:
- Choose door supervisor training if you want maximum flexibility.
- Choose security guard training if you prefer daytime work and structured environments.
- Choose CCTV operator training if you’re detail-oriented and prefer technology-based work.
- Choose close protection training if you have prior experience and are seeking high-paying executive security roles.
SIA Refresher Training for Licence Renewals
As of 1 April 2025, all licence renewals require completion of mandatory refresher training. This ensures your skills are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations.
The SIA refresher courses replace the previous “top-up” training and cover key changes in legislation, updated conflict management techniques, and new counter-terrorism awareness training. You must complete this training before you can apply for your licence renewal for your door supervisor or security guard badge.
Door Supervisor Refresher
The two-day door supervisor refresher course is for existing door supervisors who need to renew their licence. It covers updated content on counter-terrorism awareness, Martyn’s Law requirements, and enhanced emergency response protocols.
Security Guard Refresher
This one-day security guard refresher course updates security guards on the latest industry practices and legal requirements for their role.
Preparing for Your SIA Training
Proper preparation reduces anxiety and sets you up for success.
Before Training Starts
Review the course syllabus and SIA qualification specification for your chosen licence (available on the SIA website). Gather essential documents: valid photo ID, proof of address, National Insurance number, and your EFAW certificate if completed.
Plan your journey to the training venue, arrange time off work, and prepare comfortable clothing suitable for practical exercises. If you’re taking door supervisor training, you’ll be doing physical activities.
Pre-Training Checklist
Week before:
✓ Confirm training dates and venue
✓ Ensure all documents are ready
✓ Plan travel and accommodation
✓ Review pre-course materials
Day before:
✓ Pack your bag (ID, notebook, pens, water, snacks)
✓ Get a good night’s sleep
✓ Prepare a positive mindset
Acing Your SIA Training Course
Your engagement during training significantly impacts your success.
Active Participation
Ask questions when concepts aren’t clear—no question is stupid, and if you’re confused, others probably are too. Participate in discussions and share your thoughts. Your perspective and experiences are valuable, and contributing deepens your understanding.
Engage fully in practical exercises and treat every exercise seriously. This is where you develop the muscle memory and confidence you’ll need in real security work.
Take notes in your own words rather than just copying slides. Rephrasing information forces your brain to process and understand it, leading to better retention. Pay attention to your tutor’s real-life examples and stories. Trainers are experienced security professionals, and their insights go beyond textbooks.
Maximise Your E-Learning App
Train4Security provides a comprehensive e-learning app with study materials, mock tests, and progress tracking. Download the app before training starts so it’s ready to use.
Use it during breaks to reinforce concepts you’ve just learned, access mock tests to identify weak areas that need more focus, review digital handbooks for detailed explanations of topics, and use the app in the evenings for quick revision without needing to carry physical notes.
Managing Your Energy
Stay hydrated, eat proper meals (not just sugary snacks), and take breaks seriously—your brain needs rest to process information. For door supervisor training with physical exercises, stretch between sessions.
Passing Your SIA Exam
Understanding the Assessment
The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on all the course material. You’ll have 45-90 minutes depending on the course, and the pass mark is typically around 75%. If you’re taking door supervisor training, you’ll also complete practical assessments demonstrating physical intervention techniques.
Revision Strategies
In the days before your exam, review all course notes systematically, working through each topic. Focus extra time on weaker topics you’ve identified, and complete mock exams using your e-learning app to simulate exam conditions. Don’t try to learn new material at this stage—consolidate what you already know. Get adequate sleep rather than pulling all-nighters, which impair memory and performance.
Create summary flashcards for key topics you can review quickly. Teach concepts to someone else—this is the best way to test your understanding. If you can explain it clearly to someone who knows nothing about security, you understand it.
Exam Day Tips
Bring a valid photo ID (the same one you used for course registration), your confirmation email or booking reference, and a pen and pencil if it’s a paper-based exam. Water is usually allowed. Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in without rushing.
Don’t bring your mobile phone (it will need to be switched off and stored away), study notes (you can’t use them during the exam), or food or drinks into the exam room unless you have a medical need.
During the exam, read each question carefully—many mistakes come from misreading questions. Don’t rush through the exam; use your full time allocation. If you’re stuck on a question, mark it and move on rather than wasting time. Return to difficult questions after completing the ones you know. Trust your training and instincts—your first answer is often correct.
Managing Exam Nerves
Before the exam, use positive self-talk: “I’ve prepared well and I can do this.” Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system, arrive early so you’re not rushed, and avoid excessive caffeine, which can increase anxiety.
What If You Don’t Pass?
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t panic. Train4Security offers 2 FREE retakes with every course. Your tutor will provide feedback on the areas where you struggled, allowing you to identify exactly what to focus on.
Most people who don’t pass the first time pass comfortably on their second attempt once they know what to work on.
After a failed attempt, review your results in detail to understand where you went wrong. Focus your revision specifically on weak areas rather than reviewing everything equally. Book your retake when you feel ready, and use your e-learning app for targeted practice.
After Your Training
From Exam to Certificate
Exam results are typically available the same day or within 24-48 hours. Certificates are usually available within 7-10 working days. Your training certificate is valid for three years—you must apply for your SIA licence within this period.
Applying for Your SIA Licence
You CANNOT work in security until you have your SIA licence. After receiving your certificate, apply for your SIA licence through the SIA website. The process involves completing the application form, paying the £184 application fee, verifying your identity at a Post Office, and undergoing a DBS criminal record check. Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Starting Your Job Search
While waiting for your licence, create a security-focused CV, register with security job platforms like GuardPass, and contact security recruitment agencies. The UK security industry employed approximately 248,000 professionals as of Q1 2025, with strong demand for qualified staff.
Choosing an Approved Training Centre
Only SIA-approved training centres can deliver SIA qualifications. Verify your chosen provider is SIA-approved by checking the SIA website’s list of approved training centres.
Watch out for warning signs: prices that seem too good to be true, no clear information about trainer qualifications, poor reviews, pressure tactics, or vague course content.
Train4Security offers excellent value with affordable courses starting from £199.99, 2 FREE exam retakes, a comprehensive e-learning app, training at 100+ UK locations, flexible rescheduling, and expert tutors with real-world security experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Door supervisor training takes 6 days, security guard training takes 4 days, CCTV operator training takes 3 days, and close protection training takes 16-19 days.
Some theoretical components may be completed online for certain courses, but practical elements—especially physical intervention for door supervisor training—must be done in person.
Train4Security includes 2 FREE retakes with every course. Most people who don’t pass initially succeed on their second attempt.
As of 1 April 2025, refresher training has replaced top-up training. Refresher training includes updated content on counter-terrorism, Martyn’s Law, and emergency response.
No prior qualifications are required. You must be at least 18, have the right to work in the UK, and be able to communicate in English.
Yes. Since 2021, you must have a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate before you can attend door supervisor or security guard training. Train4Security includes EFAW training in all courses at no extra cost, so you don’t need to arrange this separately.
At Train4Security, security guard training starts from £199.99, door supervisor from £249.99, and CCTV operator from £239.99. All courses include 2 free exam retakes and e-learning app access. You’ll also need to budget for the SIA licence application fee of £184.
Your training certificate is valid for 3 years. You must apply for your SIA licence within this period.
No. It’s illegal to work in a licensable security role without a valid SIA licence.
Your Path to SIA Success Starts Here
Completing your SIA training is an exciting first step towards a rewarding career in the UK security industry. With proper preparation, active engagement, and Train4Security’s support, you’re set up for success.
Choose the right course for your goals—whether that’s door supervisor training for maximum flexibility, security guard training for structured daytime work, or CCTV operator training for technology-focused roles.
At Train4Security, we’ve successfully trained 400,000+ professionals across the UK with affordable courses, 100+ UK locations, 2 FREE exam retakes included, a comprehensive e-learning app, and expert tutors with real-world experience.
Don’t let nerves or uncertainty hold you back. Every licensed security professional started exactly where you are now. The UK security industry is thriving, with strong demand for qualified professionals.
Find your nearest training location and book your SIA course today. Your future in UK security starts now!
