Can You Fail the SIA Course? What Happens If You Do?
The SIA course is designed for beginners, but it’s not a guaranteed pass. If you’re nervous about failing, here’s what you need to know about the exams, retakes, and realistic prep.
✅ Yes — You Can Fail the Course
Each SIA licence course includes multiple assessments, and you must pass them all to receive your qualification certificate.
What Are the Pass Marks?
Each module is assessed by multiple-choice exams or practical tests. Typical pass marks:
✔ 70%–80% on theory papers
✔ Satisfactory performance in practicals (e.g. physical intervention, First Aid)
Your trainer will explain the format and mark scheme before each assessment.
What Happens If You Fail?
🟡 You’ll need to resit the failed unit(s) — not always the entire course
🟡 Most providers charge a resit fee (usually £25–£50)
🟡 You’ll be told which area you failed and can revise before trying again
🟢 Some providers let you retake during the same week if space allows
Can You Retake the Course?
Yes — and you don’t need to pay full price if you only failed 1 module. You may be offered a partial resit, saving you time and money.
✅ How to Avoid Failing
✔ Pay attention during training — the content is designed to help you pass
✔ Ask questions — trainers are used to beginners
✔ Use your course materials for revision
✔ Take mock tests if offered
✔ Get plenty of rest before exam day
Common Reasons People Fail The SIA Course
Most people who fail the SIA course do not fail because the material is extremely difficult.
In many cases, it comes down to simple mistakes such as:
- not revising properly beforehand
- underestimating the multiple-choice exams
- struggling with written English
- failing to pay attention during training
- arriving late or unprepared
- panicking during assessments
Some candidates also struggle with the physical intervention unit if they are not confident participating in practical scenarios.
If you’re unsure what this part involves, our guide on What Happens During Physical Intervention Training breaks it down step by step so you know exactly what to expect.
The good news is that the course is designed for beginners, and most training providers want learners to succeed.
If you attend properly, participate during the course, and prepare beforehand, most people pass without major issues.
If you’re preparing for your first course, you may also find our guide on What To Expect During SIA Training useful.
Starting Out In The Security Industry?
If you’re new to the industry, you may also find these guides useful:
How Long Does It Take To Get An SIA Licence?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fail the SIA course?
Yes, it is possible to fail the SIA course, but most learners pass if they attend training properly and prepare in advance.
What happens if you fail the SIA course?
In most cases, you can resit the part you failed rather than restarting the entire course, depending on the training provider.
Is the SIA course difficult?
The course is designed for beginners. It is not considered difficult if you pay attention during training and complete the required assessments.
How many times can you resit the SIA exam?
This depends on the training provider, but most allow at least one or more resits for failed units.
Final Thoughts
Failing the SIA course is possible, but it is far less common than many people think.
The course is designed for beginners, and most people pass as long as they attend properly, pay attention during training, and take the assessments seriously.
If you don’t pass a unit first time, you are usually given the opportunity to resit it rather than starting the entire course again.
Overall, the key to passing is preparation, focus during training, and choosing a reputable training provider.
Starting your SIA course or thinking about getting into security?
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