If you’re considering working in the security industry, you’ve likely come across two key SIA licences issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA): the Door Supervisor Licence and the Security Guard Licence. Although both of these SIA Licences allow you to work in security roles, there are some important differences between the two that can impact the types of jobs you qualify for and the environments you can work in.
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between the Door Supervisor and Security Guard SIA Licences, helping you decide which is the best option for your career.
What Is a Door Supervisor SIA Licence?
A Door Supervisor SIA Licence will allow you to work in roles that involve securing premises where alcohol is sold. This is one of the main reasons why door supervisors are often seen working at bars, nightclubs, pubs, and events…
The key responsibilities to being a door supervisor is to ensure the safety and security of customers, staff, and property, as well as managing crowd control.
Door supervisors are trained to handle a wide variety of situations, including conflict management and physical intervention. This licence not only covers working at licensed venues but also allows you to perform security duties in other areas, such as retail security, events, and other public places. The versatility of this licence is one of its major benefits.
What Is a Security Guard SIA Licence?
On the other hand, A Security Guard SIA Licence covers static security roles that don’t involve licensed premises (where alcohol is sold). With this licence, you can work as a security officer in locations such as shopping centres, office buildings, warehouses, construction sites, or hospitals etc…
Security guards are primarily responsible for safeguarding property, monitoring access points, patrolling, and ensuring general security. This licence focuses less on conflict management than the Door Supervisor Licence, as security guards are typically working in environments with less public interaction.
Key Differences Between the SIA Licences
Scope of Work
- Door Supervisor Licence: You can work in both licensed (e.g., pubs, clubs) and unlicensed premises, making this SIA licence more flexible.
- Security Guard Licence: You are restricted to non-licensed premises, which limits the roles you can take on compared to a door supervisor.
Training Requirements
- Door Supervisor Licence: Training includes modules on conflict management and physical intervention, equipping you to handle potentially volatile situations. This extra training is necessary for work in crowded and high-risk environments, such as nightclubs.
Security Guard Licence: Training is focused more on static security duties, with less emphasis on physical intervention. While the training does cover communication and emergency procedures, it’s not as in-depth as the Door Supervisor course when it comes to dealing with confrontations
Job Opportunities
- Door Supervisor Licence: Opens up opportunities in a wider range of environments, from retail to high-risk venues like nightclubs, concert halls, or festivals. This licence provides more versatility in the types of jobs you can apply for.
- Security Guard Licence: While still valuable, this licence limits you to lower-risk environments, such as retail stores or corporate offices. It’s more focused on safeguarding property and less on public interaction.
Legal Responsibilities
- Door Supervisor Licence: Includes a duty of care in high-risk environments, such as handling intoxicated individuals, managing crowds, and maintaining order at events. In some circumstances, you may need to carry out searches and manage entry points.
Security Guard Licence: Focuses on safeguarding property and ensuring the safety of staff and visitors in less chaotic environments, with fewer legal responsibilities around managing high-risk situations.
Which Licence Should You Choose?
When deciding between a Door Supervisor SIA Licence and a Security Guard SIA Licence, consider your career goals and the environments in which you’d like to work.
- If you’re interested in working in lively, high-energy environments such as nightclubs, festivals, or public events, the Door Supervisor Licence is your best bet. It provides the versatility to work in both licensed and unlicensed venues and gives you more job opportunities across different sectors.
- If you prefer a more structured, less confrontational role—perhaps in a shopping centre, office building, or construction site—a Security Guard Licence might suit you better. It’s ideal for those looking to work in quieter, lower-risk environments.
Keep in mind that if you hold a Door Supervisor Licence, you can legally perform all the duties of a security guard. This means if you’re looking for maximum flexibility in your career, the Door Supervisor Licence offers more opportunities.
Where can I get my SIA Licence?
You can apply for your SIA Licence through the Security Industry Authority official website, however, before you apply for the SIA Licence, you need to complete approved SIA Licence training and obtain your certificates. Find out more about Security Training.