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Can You Work as a Security Officer While Waiting for Your SIA Licence?

You’ve finished your SIA training and applied for your licence — but can you start working before it arrives?

Here’s the truth about working security in the UK while your SIA Licence is still processing.

The Short Answer: No — It’s Illegal

You cannot legally work in licensable security roles until your SIA Licence is fully approved and active.

What Roles Require an Active SIA Licence?

You must wait for your licence to be issued before doing jobs like:

✔ Door Supervisor

✔ Security Guard

✔ CCTV Operator

✔ Keyholding, patrols, guarding

✔ Event security with enforcement duties

If you start any of these roles without a valid licence, you (and the employer) could face legal action.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There is one legal exception — if you’ve applied for a non-frontline licence (e.g. a manager overseeing security staff), you may be able to continue in your office-based role during processing.

But this does not apply to active, on-site security jobs.

What Happens If You Work Without a Licence?

🚫 It’s a criminal offence

🚫 You could be fined or prosecuted

🚫 Your licence application could be rejected

🚫 You’ll damage your chances of future employment in the industry

What You Can Do While Waiting

✔ Apply for jobs (but be clear about your licence status)

✔ Register with agencies or security firms

✔ Complete First Aid or top-up training if not already done

✔ Get your Public Liability Insurance if planning to go self-employed

✔ Learn about working in the industry — see our security career guides

Final Thoughts

Don’t risk your future by starting work too soon. Wait for your SIA Licence to be approved, then hit the ground running — legally and confidently.


Going Self Employed?


Self Employed Security Resources