The short answer
For most people entering the industry, the Door Supervisor licence is the better first step. It permits everything a Security Guard licence permits, plus licensed premises work (pubs, clubs, hotels, events). The SIA charges the same licence fee either way, and door work in London typically pays more per hour.
Choose the Security Guard licence only if you are certain you'll never want to work licensed premises and want the shortest possible route to a badge.
Side-by-side comparison
| Door Supervisor | Security Guard | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence scope | Licensed & unlicensed premises | Unlicensed premises only |
| Typical workplaces | Pubs, clubs, hotels, events, hospitals, retail, corporate | Retail, warehousing, construction, corporate, sites |
| Training length | See course page | See course page |
| Physical intervention module | Yes — mandatory | No |
| Emergency First Aid required to apply | Yes | No (recommended) |
| Career flexibility | High — most versatile licence | Narrower |
| SIA licence fee | Same as Security Guard | Same as Door Supervisor |
When Security Guard is the right choice
- You already have a static guarding job lined up with an employer that specifies Security Guard.
- You have a medical or personal reason you can't complete the physical intervention module.
- Cost and time are tight and you know you'll never work licensed premises.
When Door Supervisor is the right choice
- You want maximum job options in London.
- You want to work weekend and evening shifts at higher hourly rates.
- You may want to move between event, hospitality, retail and corporate work.
Ready to book?
SIA Door Supervisor Course
£350 · 6 Days · weekly start dates in East London.