Training is role-specific
Door supervision, security guarding and CCTV work each have their own training, so the right course depends on the job you are aiming for.
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SIA training UK
Choose the right security training for the work you want to do
From door work to control rooms, security training courses suit different roles. This guide helps you understand the options, compare SGS courses and plan a sensible pathway before you book.
Security training overview
What SIA security training means
In the UK, many private security roles are linked to approved training. Understanding that link makes it far easier to pick a course you will not regret.
Why training matters
Good training gives you the knowledge to work safely and professionally, and for many roles it is part of meeting licensing requirements. Those requirements depend on the role and your circumstances.
Why the correct course matters
Booking the wrong course costs time and money. Matching your course to your intended role first avoids that, and helps you plan what comes next.
Choose your course
What type of security work are you interested in?
Pick a category to see the matching SGS courses. Every card links to the course page, where you will find the latest details.
Door Supervisor Course
Training for people who want to work on venue doors and at events.
View course pageDoor Supervisor Refresher
A top-up for door supervisors who want to update their existing training.
View course pageSecurity Guard Course
Training for site-based work such as patrols, access control and reporting.
View course pageSecurity Guard Refresher
Updates existing security guard training for people who already hold it.
View course pageCCTV Operator Course
Training for monitoring work in control rooms and public-space surveillance.
View course pageTop-Up Refresher Training
An overview of SGS refresher options for existing licence holders.
View course pageEmergency First Aid
A first aid course that supports several security roles.
View course pageTrainer and Instructor Course
For experienced people who want to move into delivering training.
View course pageOnline Security Courses
Self-study online courses that add to your security knowledge.
View course pageMock Exams
Practice material to help you prepare for assessment.
View course pageDurations are as shown on each course page. Dates, prices and requirements can change, so always confirm them on the course page before you book.
Role categories
Three common roles, side by side
If you are still deciding on a role, this comparison shows how the main pathways differ in practice.
| Role | Typical settings | Day-to-day focus | SGS course | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door supervision | Bars, clubs, music venues and events | Managing entry, queues and capacity, and keeping people safe | Door Supervisor Course (6 days) | |
| Security guarding | Retail, offices, construction sites and warehouses | Patrols, access control, reporting and responding to incidents | Security Guard Course (4 days) | |
| CCTV operation | Control rooms, town centres and shopping centres | Monitoring screens, logging incidents and using radios | CCTV Operator Course (3 days) |
Training pathways
Your security training pathway
Open each step to see what it involves and where to find help.
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Decide the kind of work you want to do. Door work, guarding and control rooms are different jobs, and this choice shapes your training. Our role comparison can help.
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Match your role to the training that applies to it. The course selector above lists the SGS options, and the Get SIA Licensed guide explains how licensing fits in.
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Read the course page for entry requirements, duration, dates and anything you need to do beforehand. Requirements can vary by course and individual, so ask if you are unsure.
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Attend your course and take part fully. Our Joining Instructions explain how to prepare and what the training day looks like.
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Courses include assessment appropriate to the qualification. Your trainer will explain what applies, and you can practise with our mock exams.
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Once you have completed training, you can move on to the next stage, whether that is applying for a licence, adding another course or planning a refresher.
An educational overview. This pathway is a planning guide written by SGS. It is not the official SIA process, and the SIA remains the authority on licensing rules.
Who it is for
Who is security training for?
People come to security training from many starting points. Find yours and jump straight to what helps most.
Starting a security career
New to the industry? Begin by choosing a role and the course that fits it.
Choose a course →Existing security professionals
Add skills or broaden your knowledge with further courses.
Online courses →Considering a different role
Compare door, guarding and CCTV work before you commit.
Compare roles →Preparing for licensing
Understand how training relates to licensing before you apply.
Licensing guide →Completing refresher training
Update existing training and keep your skills current.
Refresher options →What to consider before booking
Nine things to check before you book
Run through this list so that your chosen course fits your goals, your diary and your circumstances.
- Course typeInitial training, a refresher or an add-on? Compare the options.
- Intended security roleBe clear about the work you want to do. See the roles.
- Entry requirementsCheck the course page and ask if you are unsure. Requirements can vary.
- DurationEach course page states how many days it runs, so check it fits your plans.
- LocationSee where training takes place on the locations page.
- ScheduleLook at available dates and any evening, weekday or weekend options.
- AssessmentFind out what assessment applies. Assessment preparation.
- Pre-course requirementsNote anything to do before day one. Joining instructions.
- Learner supportNot sure about something? Ask SGS before you book.
Why choose SGS
Straightforward help choosing training
A range in one place
Door supervision, guarding, CCTV, refreshers, first aid and online courses sit together on one site, so you can compare easily.
Clear course pages
Each course page sets out the key details, including duration, so you know what you are signing up for.
Practice before assessment
Our mock exams page gives you somewhere to practise before the real thing.
Locations you can check
Our locations page lists where training takes place, so you can plan your journey.
Security training FAQ
Choosing your training: common questions
Start with the kind of work you want to do. Door work, site-based guarding and control-room work each have their own training. Use the course selector on this page to see the SGS options for each, then read the course page for details.
It depends on the role you are aiming for and your circumstances. Some roles have licence-linked training, and some learners also add first aid or refresher training. Check the SIA’s current guidance for your role, and see our Get SIA Licensed guide.
Think about where you would like to work, the hours you can manage and how much variety you want. Door work is people-facing and often in the evening, guarding is site-based, and CCTV work is screen-based. The comparison table above sets them side by side.
Look at the course type, duration, location, dates, assessment arrangements and any pre-course requirements on the course page. If anything is unclear, ask us first. Our checklist on this page covers the main points.
Yes. Refresher or top-up training is designed for people who already hold relevant training and want to update it, whereas initial training is the starting point for a role. Whether refresher training applies to you depends on your circumstances, so check the SIA’s guidance.
Your trainer explains how you will receive results and what comes next. Learners aiming for a licence then follow the SIA’s application process, which our licensing guide outlines. Joining Instructions explains what to expect on the day itself.
SGS has a mock exams page for practice. Assessment arrangements depend on the course, so your trainer and course information remain the best guide.
Yes. Tell us the work you are interested in and your situation, and we will point you to suitable SGS courses. For licence rules and eligibility the SIA is the authority, so we will also direct you there. Contact SGS to start.
Not sure which course fits? Let’s work it out together
Tell us the work you are interested in and where you are starting from, and we will help you pick the training that makes sense for you.