SIA LICENCE HUB | An Online Resource for SIA Licence, Training & Careers Advice

SIA Licence & Guarding Events

Oct 20 • Door Supervisor, Security Guard • 13792 Views

It can be confusing trying to work out exactly what circumstances an SIA licence is required. You may wish to take a part time work at events as a security guard. Secure the crowds at the O2 centre and get entrance to some big concerts while getting paid for instance.

Or if you wanted to be involved in the London Olympics back in 2012, surely not everyone guarding the gigantic event had an SIA licence? Here we look into exactly what type of licence is required for manned guarding and when.

So do you need an SIA licence for part-time work at an event?

The answer is yes. The line taken by the SIA is that any individual undertaking manned guarding activities at any event must have an SIA licence.
Manned guarding includes:
- guarding premises against unauthorised access or occupation, against outbreaks of disorder or against damage;
- guarding property against destruction or damage, against being stolen or against being otherwise dishonestly taken or obtained;
- guarding one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others.
Volunteers do not need an SIA Licence

This is exactly how the government got around employing tens of thousands of volunteer support staff for the Olympics in 2012.

If an individual takes up security guarding at an event on a voluntary basis, ie no reward is given or payment received, they do not need an SIA licence to fulfill the role.

Volunteer guards do not need an SIA licence.

Exceptions to this:

Where the guarding activities are taken place on a licensed premises, (ie one licensed to serve alcohol) a door supervisor licence is required. The fact an individual may be volunteering will not suffice, they will still need to have an SIA licence.

The extent of the area covered that is considered licensed, is decided by the local licensing authority and not the SIA.

This effects the licensing of an event and whether you need to have an SIA licence (if you volunteer) in the fact an authority may choose to license a complete event, stadium or venue.

If this is the case, only those with correct SIA licence and training as a door supervisor will be able to work and no volunteers without such a license can be involved.

However, due to the logistics of this it does not happen all too often.

In the circumstances where a licensable activity is taking place on a non licensed premises a security guard licence or a door supervisor licence is required.

It is important to remember that those with a door supervisor licence can work as security guard on non-licensed premises).

Any person who manages or supervisors those conducting licensable activities at an event but do not personally carry out such activities must have a non-front line SIA licence.

The SIA has a booklet on Security at Events. However, as is with a lot of their resources it is rather wordy. It explains in great detail the various roles, a lot of which is information that would be better placed elsewhere, (and certainly is, here on the SIA website and across the web).

The very best advice we can give is if you are serious about wanting to work as a security guard at events, and also have the flexibility to work at events that are fully licensed for alcohol consumption, your best move would be to sign up to a door supervisor course in your area.

If you are looking for some volunteer work as a security guard, some events will be available to you, but of course you will not be paid.

There are also options to be Event Stewards. These are paid opportunities and a SIA licence is not required. Most employers advertising such positions will offer preliminary training before you work your first event.

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The SIA Licence & Training Procedure Explained

Oct 16 • SIA Licence • 93118 Views

Although we have detailed information on each stage of the SIA licence process in the licensing section, we thought it would be good to provide an overview article for those that wanted a brief run down on what you need to do to get your SIA licence and start working in the industry.

In the UK, if you want to work in certain areas of the security industry, you have to have an Security Industry Authority licence, (SIA Licence)
The list of security sectors that require workers to have an SIA licence are as follows:
Door supervision

Security guarding

CCTV Pss

Close Protection

Key holding

Cash and valuables in transit

Vehicle immoblization
To apply for a licence for any of the above, you first have to complete the relevant training that is attached to the position you wish to work in. (For an indepth look at what each sector training requirements are, head to our SIA Training Section).

There are hundreds of training providers throughout the UK. (We are in the process of compiling an entire database of SIA approved training providers and this will be going live on the Hub very soon).

It is important to realize that the training providers do not certify you. Each training provider will be accredited by the various awarding bodies that are SIA endorsed. (These are organizations such as: Edexcell, HABC, City & Guilds – To find out more check out our article on SIA Awarding Organisations)

Your chosen training provider is responsible for training you in line with SIA and Awarding Body guidelines. The exam you take will be set and led by the relevant awarding body. They will also mark your results. (Either online if you have taken an electronic exam, or via your exam papers being sent away to the organization – this process depends on what body your training provider uses). You are then notified of your results by your Training Provider.

If the results are good, and you have passed your SIA training, you can apply for the specific SIA licence that your training was directed towards.

You can apply either by going on line to the SIA website or you can simply call them to ask for a paper application form to be sent to your postal address.

Once the SIA has received your licence application they will enter the details of the application onto their system. They will then have to do the necessary identity and criminality checks.

The SIA licence application process has recently been streamlined with a new initiative between the SIA and the Post Office. You can now lodge your application at your local post office, and identity checks can take place there. This means you no longer have to send important documents through the post. (Our article on the new SIA application process can be found here)

After this has taken place, you will be notified of the decision of the SIA regarding your licence. Normally the SIA will take up to 20 days to decide on your application, depending upon individual circumstances.
Top Tips for getting the SIA Application Right 1st Time
- It may be a tad long winded but make sure you read the how to fill an SIA application form very carefully
- Read our Top 10 SIA FAQ’s Article
- Write in black ink
- Fill in every section that you have to. The questions are there for a reason.
- Make sure that the person who has attested your information has all their details in the correct place. Including their signature on the back of your photograph.
- Ensure that your passport size photo graph meets SIA licencing standards
- Check you have entered the correct payment details.
Register with the SIA or login to fill in your application online

Important SIA Website Links

To view the register of licencse holders click here

SIA licencse application help book download

Once you have been notified of the SIA’s decision on your licence, you will be sent your licence through the post. Now you can begin applying for security officer jobs and begin your career in the industry. Good luck.

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North East SIA Training Programme to be rolled out across the UK

Sep 30 • Door Supervisor, SIA Licence, Training • 3751 Views

A recent SIA Training initiative conducted in the North East is now going to be used throughout the UK. All door supervisors, will have to update their SIA training to comply with the new training requirements.

The new standards have come about as a result of an incident that happened in October 2012. A rape of a 17 year old girl took place after she was asked to leave a nightclub in Newcastle.

Two men, Darren Carr, 26, and Edward Fowler, 25, took advantage of the girl in her drunken state, taking it in turns to rape her in an alcove off the square close to the club.

Both men were sentenced. In response to the incident Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird QC ordered an investigation into the door policies of Newcastle nightclubs, as well council responsibilities on protecting vulnerable women.

The result led to the development of the new SIA training for door supervisors. This has included training to assess ‘triggers’ of vulnerability, as well as recognizing the amount of alcohol someone has consumed, their age of the potential victim, and the overall circumstances of the situation – are they with friends? Would they be able to contact anyone etc.

Contract security company, Phoenix Security conducted the trial SIA training course and the success of it has mean the additional modules will now be a compulsory aspect of the door supervisor SIA training across the country.
Updated Door Supervisor SIA training – What will it Cover?
The new content forms part of the mandatory SIA training modules for door supervisors from November 2013. The modules include:
- Identifying vulnerable people – – The trainees will be taught how to understanding the risks involved if vulnerable people are ejected from, or refused entry to, a venue, and what actions can be taken to protect them.
- Describe action that can be taken to protect vulnerable people
- Identifying the behaviour of sexual predators – noticing the signs, ensuring vulnerable people are not being targeted.
- Identifying indicators of child sexual exploitation.
The main aim of the extra SIA training course material is to make sure door supervisors can identify vulnerable people and know exactly what steps should be taken to help protect them.

Vera Baird, (Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria where the initial training took place,) said:

“I am delighted this is now a compulsory part of the SIA approved door supervisor training nationwide. We need to be doing everything we can to protect vulnerable people. It is really important for people to be able to go out and socialise and know they are in a safe environment.”

Follow the link for a PDF report on the extra SIA Training Course materials.

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A selection of SIA Licence Misconceptions

Sep 14 • Career Advice, SIA Licence • 7220 Views

“I have my licence – it hasn’t arrived, yet I can still start work.”

This is true, if you have had confirmation from the SIA that your licence has been granted, and you are waiting for it to arrive, you can legally begin your role in a licensable activity. The SIA state that you are licensed from the moment they have made a decision on your application.

“But I thought I had to wear my SIA licence at all times.”

This is also true. However the SIA rules allow for an exception such as that above. A person must, “wear the licence where it can be seen at all times when engaging in designated licensable activity unless you have reported it lost or stolen, or it is in our possession.”

While you are waiting for the license to arrive it is deemed within ‘our posession’ from the viewpoint of the SIA.

In this situation, if you decide to work before the licence arrives, you must print out your entry on the register of licence holders and have it on your person along with photographic ID.

That way, should you be subject to an SIA/police spot check, you will not be penalized. (The same would apply if you have lost your SIA licence or recently had it stolen and have applied for a replacement.)

“No-one at the SIA has an SIA licence – They have no clue what it means to work in the Security industry”

This is classed as fiction by the SIA, and in all honesty, an organization of such size, it is unlikely that no one has a history working within the industry.

However, the important fact to determine is to what extent does the organization understand those that do have licences and work within it.

The SIA would say they understand very well indeed. There justification is that SIA staff members are not security operatives, and that recruitment is based on bringing in the best personnel to perform the duties relevant to the role.

Investigators are recruited from the police or from government agencies that have an enforcement function. I.T. professionals are recruited with relevant background experience of the role; the same goes for project managers, administrators and so on.

However, that doesn’t necessarily convince the front-line workers who feel the SIA is out of touch of what it means to actually be a security officer.

A better representation in the higher ranks of someone who does know, surely would not go amiss.

“I don’t have to wear my actual SIA licence, a photocopy will do.”

Untrue – You have to wear the actual licence.

As stated above, a licence must be worn at all times, (unless lost, stolen or in SIA possession).

If you have your licence yet wear a photocopy, (some licence holders chose to do this in order to keep the original safe), or choose not to wear any identification at all, you could have your licence revoked or suspended.

If you are especially unlucky you could be prosecuted. Contravening one of your licence conditions is a criminal offence under Section 9 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

The only circumstances you do not have to wear a licence is when it has been lost, stolen or in SIA possession. As already mentioned, in this situation you need to carry a printout of your licence entry in the registry along with some form of photographic identification.

If you have any questions about the SIA licence, or need some clarity on a related issue, please feel free to leave a message below.

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Corporate Security Guard Jobs – Is it Right for You?

Sep 11 • Career Advice, Security Guard • 5963 Views

Once you have gained your SIA licence to become a security guard it is time to look for a job. If you live in or close to a major city, becoming a Corporate Security could be the way to go. The job can rewarding and is often higher paid than security guard roles in other sectors. What’s more there is scope to this sort of security guard role. It is not just waiting by the entrance of a shiny building, extra training will be required, (what to do in a bomb scare situation, major evacuation techniques for example), along with management opportunities further down the line.

As a corporate security guard you could end up working with state government, multinational corporations or as part of a team escorting diplomats from across the world.

The process of landing a corporate security guard role, can be a long and drawn out affair however. Mandatory background checks, drug tests and Criminal Background Checks, (even though you cannot have a SIA licence without such checks), can all form part of the recruitment screening process.

As well as your background, appearance is also important for a corporate security guard. You will be expected to maintain a professional appearance while at work, in line with the corporate nature of the public and building you are protecting. This is something to bear in mind when applying for such roles.

Where to find a Corporate Security Guard Job

The first stop would be to do an online search using ‘corporate security job’ as a search query. This will give you a long list of job websites to search through.

In our opinion, Jobs Indeed is the best actual job search engine. By placing your search query into the box below, you will see that the Indeed website actually searches through all the main UK job sites, giving you the most detailed list of current jobs available.

Job Search

job title, keywords, company, location jobs by

Time spent doing a simple job search will also give you an idea of what qualifications and experience is required, (for instance many jobs of this type cite the need for computer skills). This swill also reveal the kind of pay you might expect in your area.

It is also worthwhile to extend your search to include corporate security agencies. In fact, many positions are filled through agency employees. A building management firm can rely on trusted agencies to handle all the security recruitment on their behalf. Research to find the largest corporate security agency in your region. They will no doubt have a website, and some times latest positions will be advertised here. They should also have online means for you to send across your details and CV.

Above all research is key. If you wish to apply through an agency try to educated yourself on the background of that company and the sorts of clients/locations it supplies security guards to. Make sure you have sufficient experience for the role and that the information you send them is up to date and relevant.

Below are some useful links to security agencies that will help you in your search for a corporate security guard job.

http://careers.g4s.com/

http://www.metropol-security.com/

http://www.1stguardsecurity.co.uk/

http://www.cis-security.co.uk/cis/work-for-us/

https://www.sialicencehub.co.uk/top-security-guard-interview-questions/

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Door Supervisor Tips – Point of Entry

Sep 2 • Career Advice, Door Supervisor • 17153 Views

The point of entry, which is the obviously the entrance to the venue, is the first contact a customer will have with an establishment. As a door supervisor much of your job will be carried out there.

As it is the first impression a customer will often have of the venue, it is important that all members of the door team display a professional appearance. Here a door supervisors can act in a way that will improve the image of the profession or alternatively, act in a way that only reinforces the bad reputation attached to the role.

A door supervisor will use good communication skills and will act fairly whilst enforcing both the law and the venue’s policies. Importantly, from a legal perspective you will have to wear your SIA licence so that it is visible to the customer. If they wish to make a complaint, you will have to give them your SIA licence number.

Main Point of Entry tasks

The main task of the door supervisor in this situation is to make the correct selection of customers for the venue, and keeping undesirables out. This selection process is important as it can make or break the atmosphere and therefore success of a venue. The right crowd will be inside having fun, and any problems will be kept to a minimum.

Important Point of Entry duties:

• Meet customers in a pleasant and professional manner
• Control the entry of customers to ensure their safety
• Monitor the numbers of customers inside the venue
• Controlling the queue, make sure it is not too large or becomes rowdy.
• Search for illegal items such as concealed weapons and drugs
• To deny access to unsuitable people

By controlling the point of entry a door supervisors will be able to ensure the safe and swift entry of good customers, while keeping the venue safe in regards to undesirables and capacity.

Refusing Entry

A large part of a door supervisor’s job while ‘working the doors’ is to refuse entry to unsuitable people.

The conditions generally are that anyone who is too drunk, or anyone who is underage has to be refused entry. Beyond that a venue may have its own conditions of entry, (certain dress codes, or an entrance age above the legal drinking age etc).

A venue should clearly advertise its conditions of entry so that customers are aware before arriving. If this is made clear, there is no issue of people joining a long queue only to be turned away for conditions that they were not aware of. Basically, it is about fair treatment of your customer.

When refusing entry to customers it is important that a door supervisor does so in a polite and professional way. Explaining clearly the reason for refusal is also important.

Admission is generally refused under the following situations:

• The venue is full (fire and safety precautions)
• The customer seems to be inebriated on either drugs or alcohol
• A person has not complied with the dress code
• Refusal or inability to pay the entry fee
• Refusing to be searched
• The customer is under age
• A known trouble-maker
• Any other reasonable breach

Some people will always argue when refused entry, especially if they are drunk. As was explained in our article on dealing with aggression, any reasons for refusal should be patiently explained. And re-explained if necessary.

In some circumstances it may be appropriate to call the manager for further explanation to the customer. If the person still refuses to leave, the police can be called to move them from the premises. Most customers will leave once informed that the police will be called.

QUEUES

Queues need to be controlled so trouble does not start. Unfortunately the average SIA training course cannot show you what to do in such situations, however common sense should prevail.
If large numbers of people are waiting to get in, then the queue should be monitored. A door supervisor should be walking along the length of the queue. This way they can talk to customers, explaining the situation and if necessary refusing entry to those where applicable.

Customers understandably get annoyed if in a queue too long. This can be exaggerated under the influence of alcohol, or in bad weather. Explaining the reasons for delays will avoid the tension mounting. Again, if someone has to be refused entry, they are likely to be accommodating if they are told as they join the queue rather than having to wait 30 minutes before being asked to leave.

Queue-jumping should also be supervised. People understandably get upset and annoyed if others are pushing into the queue making their wait even longer. Fights can start this way.

If a membership scheme allows people to go straight in, this needs to be clear to those waiting in line. People do not like to think that others are getting beneficial treatment for no reason.

A clear message will always help the door team. Customers will be aware of rules and regulations and will know that the door supervisors are not exercising biased judgments.
Overall a door supervisor needs to ensure that they are completely up to date with conditions of entry and policies of the venue. They need to be able to enforce them fairly, consistently and with confidence.

Only then will the venue attract the type of crowd it wants, while keeping everyone safe and on site incidents to a minimum. Which at the end of the day is what makes a perfect working environment for any door supervisor.

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Calling for More Women SIA Licence Holders

Aug 29 • SIA Licence • 7585 Views

You don’t have to be a genius or have access to in-depth industry statistics to know that there a far fewer women with SIA licences in the UK than there are men.

Traditionally the roles within the security sector have been more attractive to males.

There is continuing misconception that the average security guard, door supervisor or close protection operative should be a big burly male.

While the gender balance is not going to sway to the centre anytime soon, there are more and more roles available that should interest women and encourage them to train and apply for an SIA licence.

In an effort to make people aware of this, we are happy to report that the security sector is to benefit from a new joint research project launched by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and Skills for Security (SfS). A definite move in the right direction.

What is it about?

The project is to proceed by evaluating the perceptions women have of taking a role in the security industry, and choosing the sector as a viable career path. The study will focus on two key groups; female students who have yet to decide on their career, and then females who are currently working within the security industry.

The purpose of the Study?

The study aims to challenge the current view that the security industry is a male-orientated career choice, with no prospects or career paths for women. In short, to get more women SIA licensed and trained to begin working within the sector.

The study comes off the back of the 100 in 100 apprenticeship campaign – a somewhat catchy named initiative that aims to place 100 apprentices within the security sector in as many days. (For more information on the 100 in 100 scheme, head here)

A recent Ofsted report, one that officially states that the security industry needs to attract more female apprentices, is another reason for the study to be conducted.

Head of Commercial Services at SfS, Jayne Sale states:

“Our industry already has many successful female figureheads, from entrepreneurs and company directors to award-winning installers and security officers, all of whom have proven that security is a viable career option for women.

Despite this, the security sector is still significantly male-dominated and, through this survey, we’re hoping to change perceptions and encourage more young people to consider exploring a security apprenticeship. We welcome responses from all women working in the security sector, who can use their own experiences to help inspire a new generation of business leaders.”

Additional Links:

BSIA website www.bsia.co.uk
Skills for Security visit www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk

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Surrey SIA Licence Checks – Door Supervisors

Aug 28 • Door Supervisor, SIA Licence • 4895 Views

Investigators from the SIA accompanied licensing officers from Surrey Police force last Friday (23 August 2013) to check that door supervisors were working with valid SIA licenses in the Guildford area.

Similar to our report on the spot checks conducted by the Metropolitan Police in the West End earlier this year, the checks were carried out across a large number of premises forming part of the local night time economy.

56 door supervisors were inspected in total and everyone of them were found to be working with a valid SIA licence. Understandably the SIA have released a statement declaring the success of the operation.

SIA Head of Investigation Darren Woodhouse said:

“I am very pleased with the results of this operation; it shows the night-time economy in Guilford is benefiting from vetted, trained and licensed professionals.”

The fact that all door supervisors were working with valid licenses does show that regulatory measures taken by the SIA in recent years seem to be working.

Only one door supervisor was issued a warning – this was for failing to take action after a relevant conviction. On this Darren Woodhouse said:

“Thanks to intelligence from the police we will be conducting enquiries into the individual who was discovered to be working after receiving a relevant conviction. We will continue to share key information to ensure that the licence status of these individuals is reassessed when necessary.

I must however reiterate the need for security operatives to keep the SIA up to date with any changes in their circumstance; failure to do so could lead to prosecution in court.”

A further warning was issued to one individual for failure of notifying the SIA regarding a change of residing address.
SIA licence – Important Notes
Security personnel working under contract and all UK door supervisors have to hold and display a valid SIA licence. Failure to do so is against the law.

For those that manage, supervise and/or employ people that carry out licensable roles need to have a non-fron line SIA licence. This includes directors and partners of companies employing front line security operatives. Head to www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/enforcement for more information on SIA licence enforcement and penalties:

The SIA is responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom. The organization reports to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. For more information on this read our article: What is the SIA?

For further information on all areas of the Security Industry Authority visit the website at www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk.
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The New SIA Licence for Private Investigators

Aug 26 • SIA Licence • 13048 Views

Last month the Home Office revealed that Private Investigators will now have to obtain an SIA licence in order to work legally within the UK.

The Home Office said it wanted to “ensure rigorous standards” and universal licensing practices in an industry where “rogue investigators” had been infringing privacy. The Security Industry Authority is best placed to oversee this.

Amazingly, private investigators currently operate without any kind of license. With no regulation anyone can take on the role, regardless of their skills, experience or criminal history.

The recent Levison enquiry uncovered that 22 law firms exist on a 102-strong list of companies to have used private investigators, alongside several insurance companies, financial services groups and more. With such widespread usage, the proper SIA licensing of private investigators could not come sooner.

From autumn 2014, the SIA will issue licences to private investigators only where an applicant has completed the required SIA endorsed training and has achieved a Government-recognised qualification. Those that break the new rules and operate without an SIA licence could face serious problems. The maximum penalty for working as an unlicensed private investigator or supplying unlicensed investigators will be a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison.

Overview of the SIA/Home Office Private Investigators Licence

The various sectors of the Private Security Industry have been licensable activities for many years. The regulations are well established and there are SIA training providers based all over the UK.

So what will happen over the next year in preparation for the licensing of Private Investigators?

The SIA has a series of objectives covering each profession of the Private Security Industry. These objectives will also apply to the licensed Private Investigator sector. Mission statements such as: “Providing services and standards to their customers”, “Delivering regulatory activities effectively and efficiently”, “Delivering a development programme that continues effective regulation of the private security industry” and “To be recognised internally and externally as a model of good practice”, will all have to be adhered to by anyone working as a Private Investigator.

Much like the current application process, to obtain a SIA license in the forthcoming Private Investigator sector a person will undergo identity and criminality checks and will need to provide sufficient documentation for this.

Applicants will be checked against a national register of approved qualifications with data submitted by the relevant awarding bodies. In short you will need to have passed an accredited investigators course via an accredited awarding body before you can apply for an SIA licence. (The exact content of the SIA Training for private investigators has yet to be confirmed.)

To quote directly from the SIA, the organization has explained that in preparing the new Licence; “The specification does not represent all the training that would be required to produce a job-ready investigator, but it does cover the knowledge necessary to prevent harm to the public”

This does come across as rather non-committal, as it basically means the SIA will be responsible for ensuring a person completing the relevant training and applying for an SIA licence is free from criminal records, they who they say they are, have a right to work in the UK and be mentally fit to do so. (Actual on the job competency seemingly a lesser priority.)

Like all professions within the security sector, gaining your SIA licence marks just the beginning. Only with on the job experience, continual training and a good deal of luck will you be able to enjoy a successful career as a Private Investigator.

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Top Security Guard Interview Questions

Aug 22 • Career Advice, Security Guard • 15000 Views

You have finished your SIA Training. Check. You have successfully applied for your SIA Licence. Check. You have used the SIA Licence Hub Jobs Board and found some security jobs you wish to apply for. Check. You’ve sent off your CV and well done, you have been asked for an interview.

Now its time to prepare for that interview. Wouldn’t it be great to have an idea of what sort of questions will be asked?

Well below we give you an idea of the interview style and the kind of questions you should expect.
Security Guard Job Interview Questions
- Describe to me a time in a previous security role, where you had to work as part of a team to solve a problem. (If you have no security experience, you can describe an incident from any previous job role).
- Describe a time in the past where you have had to deal with an assault. What was your role in the situation and how did you handle it? Looking back on the incident, is there anything you would have done differently?
- Describe to me a time when you dealt with an angry member of the public, using only your words rather than any kind of physical force. What was the outcome?
- Tell me about a time while working you felt as if you could be in physical danger. What did you do in this situation?
- How computer literate would you say you are? What computer programs do you use regularly?
- What CPR/First Aid/AED qualifications do you have?
- If while on the job you discovered that a fellow security guard was accessing information he shouldn’t what would you do? Alternatively, what would you do if you felt that the information wasn’t important?
- Scenario Examples: (These can be asked in many different ways) – Imagine you are alone on the front desk at night time and 5 people are waiting to be checked in. You have been called to an emergency on the 12th floor of the building. What would you do in this situation?
- Imagine you are working a very busy event and the crowd has begun to rowdy and semi out of control. Describe to me the steps you would take to stop the event from becoming chaotic and dangerous?
- I am going to show you 2 photographs for 5 seconds. Once I remove them, please describe the people in the photographs.
These questions give you an idea of the kind of things you will be asked once you have your SIA licence and you begin looking for work.

As well as these, you can be expected to answer standard interview questions about your employment history, the type of SIA training you have done, how long you have had your licence, and those annoying questions about your strengths and weaknesses, goals and plans etc.

There are countless online guides about these types of interview question techniques. However, get your head around the list of questions above, and prepare yourself for this style of interview and you will be in your next security guard job in no time.

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