Who needs an SIA licence
To work as a door supervisor you need a front-line licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). You must be 18 or over, hold the right licence-linked qualification, prove your identity and pass the criminality checks (GOV.UK).
Before training starts
- A first aid or Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, valid for at least another 12 months, which you show to your training provider before you start (GOV.UK).
- English at B2 level (CEFR) or an equivalent such as ESOL Level 1 or Functional Skills Level 1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Assessments are in English and/or Welsh (SIA Get Training).
- Acceptable identity documents: your training centre must check your identity before assessing you, and without acceptable ID you cannot take any assessment.
The four door supervisor exams
The Level 2 door supervisor qualification has four units, each with a multiple-choice exam (SIA Get Training, pages 20–22):
- Principles of working in the private security industry – 72 questions in 110 minutes, pass mark 70%
- Principles of working as a door supervisor – 50 questions in 75 minutes, pass mark 70%
- Application of conflict management – 20 questions in 30 minutes, pass mark 70%
- Application of physical intervention skills – 30 questions in 45 minutes, pass mark 80%
The practical assessments need 100%. These figures come from the specification in force since April 2021; the SIA consulted on new specifications until 23 October 2026, so they may change.
How long the licence lasts
Front-line licences such as door supervision last three years. To renew, you also need the refresher qualification (GOV.UK).
Our SIA door supervisor course adds exam practice to your approved training: a level for every session of the specification and a timed mock exam for every unit.