The Security Industry Authority issues six types of front-line licence, each covering a specific type of security work. Choosing the wrong licence — or working without the right one — is a criminal offence. This guide explains what each licence covers, who needs it and how to get one.
Door Supervisor Licence
The most common and most versatile SIA licence. Required for anyone working as a door supervisor at licensed premises — pubs, clubs, events venues, hotels and entertainment complexes. Also required for retail security roles where physical intervention may be needed.
A Door Supervisor licence permits physical intervention techniques that a Security Guard licence does not. It is the preferred licence for most employers because of its versatility.
- Training: Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors (4–6 days)
- Licence fee: £190
- Valid for: 3 years
- Average pay: £13–£18 per hour
See all door supervisor jobs on UKSecurityJobs.
Security Guard Licence
Required for static guarding roles — warehouses, construction sites, corporate offices, retail environments, distribution centres. Does not permit work on licensed premises or physical intervention techniques.
Many security guards hold both a Security Guard and Door Supervisor licence, which significantly increases the number of roles available to them.
- Training: Level 2 Award for Security Guards (3–4 days)
- Licence fee: £190
- Valid for: 3 years
- Average pay: £12–£15 per hour
See all security guard jobs on UKSecurityJobs.
CCTV Operator Licence (Public Space Surveillance)
Required for anyone operating CCTV in a public space as part of their employment — town centre control rooms, transport hubs, local authority operations, shopping centres and corporate environments. Does not apply to private domestic CCTV.
CCTV operators are in consistently high demand, particularly in local authority and transport environments. The licence is often held alongside a Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence.
- Training: Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (2–3 days)
- Licence fee: £190
- Valid for: 3 years
- Average pay: £12–£16 per hour
See all CCTV operator jobs on UKSecurityJobs.
Close Protection Licence
Required for close protection officers working with individuals who face personal security risks — corporate principals, high-net-worth individuals, celebrities and government figures. The most demanding licence to obtain and the highest paid front-line security role.
Most CP officers come from military, police or specialist security backgrounds. The physical intervention requirements are the most demanding in the industry.
- Training: Level 3 Award for Close Protection (10–12 days minimum)
- First aid: FREC 3 or 4 required
- Licence fee: £190
- Valid for: 3 years
- Average pay: £300–£600 per day
See all close protection jobs on UKSecurityJobs. Read our full guide to becoming a close protection officer.
Cash and Valuables in Transit Licence
Required for transporting cash and valuables on behalf of clients. Covers cash-in-transit roles for banks, retailers and cash handling companies. A specialist licence with strong demand in urban areas.
- Training: Level 2 Award in Cash and Valuables in Transit
- Licence fee: £190
- Valid for: 3 years
Key Holding Licence
Required for key holding and mobile patrol roles — attending alarm activations, locking and unlocking premises, mobile security patrols. Often held alongside a Security Guard or Door Supervisor licence.
- Training: Level 2 Award for Key Holding Officers
- Licence fee: £190
- Valid for: 3 years
Holding multiple licences increases your earning potential significantly. On UKSecurityJobs you can add all your SIA licences to your profile. Candidates with multiple licences receive more matches and access a wider range of roles. Register and add your licences →
How to Check if a Licence is Valid
The SIA maintains a public register where anyone can check whether a licence number is valid. You can search at the SIA licence checker. UKSecurityJobs verifies every candidate licence against this register before their profile goes live to employers.