Security licensing, made simple: what to do first, what to avoid, and where to verify it
If you are starting (or restarting) your security career, licensing can be the confusing bit — different rules, different regulators, and a lot of bad advice online. This hub exists to give you a clear pathway, the common mistakes that delay applications, and the official places to verify requirements before you pay for training.
Choose your pathway
Most delays happen because people start in the wrong order. Choose a pathway below and follow the “first steps” before you spend money.
UK: SIA licensing and training
Door Supervisor, Security Guarding, CCTV, renewals, and common mistakes — with practical checklists and next steps.
Go to the UK hub →USA: security guard licensing (all states)
Every state is different. Find your regulator, training rules, background checks, fees, and renewals in one place.
Browse 50 states →Already sure what you need?
If you already know your UK course route, you can check availability with a provider link. We keep this limited so the site stays information-first.
Check course availability →Disclosure: This link may be an affiliate link. It helps support the site at no extra cost to you.
Employer note: Always confirm licence/registration status and the legal scope of the role — especially if it involves access control, CCTV monitoring, restraint/physical intervention, or key holding.
What we do (and what we do not)
We publish step-by-step licensing guidance designed for real applicants.
- Process maps that show the correct order.
- Common failure points that cause delays or rejections.
- Verification links so you can confirm details with official sources.
We do not replace the regulator, and we do not provide legal advice.
How we keep it trustworthy
We publish our standards openly. If you are new, these are worth reading once.
If something changes on an official regulator site and we have not caught it yet, tell us via Contact. We fix errors fast and add update notes on major revisions.
FAQs
Is this site only for the UK?
No. This site links you into the right hubs for both the UK (SIA) and the USA (state-by-state security guard licensing). Choose your country above to start.
Why do USA requirements vary so much by state?
In the USA, security licensing is regulated at state level. Training, background checks, fees, and renewals can differ — start with the 50-state hub and follow your state regulator’s process.
Can I apply before I have a job offer?
It depends on the country and licence type. Some routes allow individual applications, while others need employer involvement. Use the relevant hub and verify with official sources.
Do you sell training courses directly?
No. We publish guidance and may link to third-party training providers. Where a link is an affiliate link, we label it and keep placement limited so the site stays information-first.
How often is this site updated?
We update key pages when official processes change and add update notes on major revisions. Always verify requirements with official regulator sources before you act.