SIA licence training exams
To work as a door supervisor or security guard in the UK you need a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Before you can apply, you must pass a licence-linked qualification, with multiple-choice exams for each knowledge unit. This page explains the licence and the exams, and lets you practise with free original questions.
Practise for the SIA exams
The licence at a glance
- Licence fee£204
- A licence lasts 3 years
- You must be 18 or over
- You need the right Level 2 qualification first (door supervisor or security officer)
The door supervisor exams (Pearson BTEC example)
- Unit 1, working in the private security industry: 72 questions in 110 minutes, pass 50
- Unit 2, working as a door supervisor: 50 questions in 75 minutes, pass 35
- Unit 3, conflict management: 20 questions in 30 minutes, pass 14
- Unit 4, physical intervention: 30 questions in 45 minutes, pass 24
- Each unit also has practical assessments; other awarding organisations may use different numbers
Who sets the content
The SIA writes the specifications for learning, and awarding organisations build the qualifications and approve training providers. You take the course and exams at an approved training centre, which also checks your English level and first aid certificate.
Applying for the licence
Once your qualification is recorded, you apply online. The SIA checks your identity, criminal record and right to work. The fee is not refunded if your application fails.
How to prepare
Our practice questions are written by FreeExamPath from the SIA specifications and UK law. They are not awarding-body exam questions, and FreeExamPath is not affiliated with the SIA, Pearson or any training provider.
Official information
Questions about the SIA licence exams
Which exams do I need for a door supervisor licence?
Door supervisors take Unit 1 (working in the private security industry), Unit 2 (working as a door supervisor), Unit 3 (conflict management) and Unit 4 (physical intervention), all within an SIA-approved qualification.
How many questions are in Unit 1?
Unit 1 has 72 multiple-choice questions in 110 minutes; you need 50 correct answers to pass.
How many questions are in the door supervisor unit?
Unit 2 has 50 questions in 75 minutes, with a pass mark of 35.
How much is the licence and how long does it last?
After passing the training, the SIA licence application costs £204 and lasts 3 years. You must be at least 18.
Official sources (4)
- Apply for an SIA licence — GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority), checked 18 October 2026
- Check what training you need to get an SIA licence — GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority), checked 18 October 2026
- Read the specifications for SIA licence-linked training — GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority), checked 18 October 2026
- BTEC Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry: specification — Pearson, checked 18 October 2026