How to Get Your SIA Door Supervisor Licence in London (2026 Guide)

What is an SIA Door Supervisor licence?

An SIA Door Supervisor licence is a front-line UK qualification that allows you to work in any licensed premises — pubs, clubs, hotels, hospitals, retail, events and corporate sites. It's issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the UK regulator for the private security industry, and is valid for three years.

Without an SIA licence, you cannot legally work in any role where you're paid to control entry to licensed premises in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. It's the most in-demand security licence in the UK and the entry point into a career that pays £14–£25 per hour in London.

Step 1 — Book an SIA Approved training course

You need to complete an Ofqual-regulated Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry, delivered by an SIA Approved Centre. The course takes six days and includes the mandatory Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.

At Security Training London we run this course every week across our East London venues — Barking, Ilford, Whitechapel and Rainham — at £350 all-inclusive (significantly less than most London providers, with unlimited resits included).

Step 2 — Pass the assessments

There are four mandatory units, each assessed via short multiple-choice exam (Units 1–3) plus a practical Physical Intervention assessment. You also need to pass the Emergency First Aid at Work practical.

All assessments are delivered on-site at our centres — you won't need to travel anywhere else. With our unlimited resits policy, the vast majority of students pass within their first course.

Step 3 — Apply to the SIA

Once you have your training certificates, you apply to the SIA online at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. You'll pay the current SIA licence application fee plus an enhanced DBS charge — always check the latest figures on the official SIA website before you budget, as they're reviewed periodically.

We help every student complete their application — including taking digital photos and witnessing your ID — so it's submitted correctly first time.

Step 4 — Wait for your licence

The SIA aims to process licence applications within 25 working days. Most clean applications are approved in 2–4 weeks. You'll receive your licence card by post and your status will appear on the public SIA register.

While you're waiting, you can already start applying for jobs — many employers will hire you on the basis of your training certificates and pending licence application.

How much does it cost in total?

Add three costs together: our Door Supervisor course at £350, the current SIA licence application fee, and the enhanced DBS charge. Check the official SIA website for the current application and DBS figures. Most students earn the total back within their first month of door work.

How long does the whole process take?

Realistically — three to six weeks from booking your course to holding your physical licence. Many of our students start their first paid door shift within a month.