First of all, what is a SIA licence?
An SIA licence is a compulsory licence you would need to become a certified security officer. Just simply applying for an SIA licence doesn’t guarantee you getting one. In order to successfully be approved of an SIA licence you would have to pass all the regulations that the SIA have set out. Providing the right material on the application can help your chances of attaining one.
Cost
The cost of applying for an SIA licence is £190 and could take up to 25 days for your application to get processed. If you are planning to apply for more than just one licence, there is usually a discount of 50% off on every other licence. Once payment for the application has been taken it cannot be refunded.
Creating an SIA account
To attain this licence, you are going to have to create an online SIA account which you can do through their website. The account registration is a simple process which guides you on what to do.
After creating an account, you are then required to complete an application form through the account you have just created. The application has 9 sections to be completed before submitting it.
Depending on the type of licence you are trying to attain, it might require you for proof of certification. So be prepared with all the necessary information. If any information is incorrect, it could delay the application process.
Verification
As part of the SIA application, you are required to verify your identity. You can do this by providing documents that identify you for example, your birth certificate, passport, driving licence etc.
Submitting the application
When you’ve identified yourself, you can submit the application, where the SIA will run several background checks. The background check usually consists of:
- Identity
- Address history
- Age
- Qualifications
- Criminal records
- Right to work in the UK
- Mental health
The Licence
Once the application has been completed and approved, the licence will typically get to you within 6 weeks of approval, The licence will be valid for 3 years and is to be renewed after the third year.
For more information regarding this subject please visit the official government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-sia-licence
