The SIA Is Updating Its Licensing Criteria: What Security Professionals Need to Know for 2025
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is implementing the most significant changes to licensing criteria in years. These updates take effect December 1, 2025 and will impact how security professionals get licensed across the UK.
The changes follow a major public consultation that received over 3,300 responses from industry stakeholders. The message is clear: standards are rising, and the security industry is professionalising.
Who Do These Changes Affect?
The new criteria apply to anyone submitting a new licence application or renewal from December 1, 2025 onwards.
Current licence holders can continue working under existing rules until their renewal date. However, if the SIA receives new information about you – like a recent conviction – they may review your licence against the updated standards.
Bottom line: if you're renewing or applying fresh after December 1st, you need to meet these tougher requirements.
Expanded List of Criminal Offences
The SIA is dramatically expanding which criminal offences they consider "relevant" to security work. The updated list reflects modern crimes that weren't covered under the old system.
New offences include:
- Human trafficking and modern slavery
- Revenge porn and upskirting
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Domestic abuse
- Immigration offences
- Public order offences
- Tax evasion
- Company law violations
This isn't about making it impossible for people with criminal records to work in security. It's about ensuring the industry maintains public trust by properly assessing modern risks.
Two New Refusal Categories
The SIA is introducing stricter approaches to serious criminality through two new categories:
Absolute Refusal
Applications will be automatically refused for:
- Anyone on the sex offenders register
- Multiple sexual or child abuse convictions
No exceptions. These applications won't proceed.
Intention to Refuse
The SIA will intend to refuse applications involving:
- Certain serious convictions
- Any custodial sentence over 48 months
- Unless the applicant proves they pose no public protection risk
This shifts the burden of proof. Instead of the SIA having to justify refusal, applicants must demonstrate they're safe to licence.
Stricter Overseas Criminal Record Checks
Living abroad? The requirements just got tougher.
Previously, you needed overseas criminal record checks if you'd lived abroad for 6+ months in the last 5 years.
Now it's 6+ months in the last 10 years.
This aligns security industry checks with other sectors like education and healthcare. If you've spent significant time overseas in the past decade, prepare for additional paperwork.
Broader "Fit and Proper" Assessment
The SIA is expanding what they consider when assessing if you're "fit and proper" to hold a licence.
Beyond criminal convictions, they may now consider:
- Domestic violence orders
- Professional misconduct proceedings
- Disciplinary actions
- Other relevant conduct issues
This gives the SIA wider discretion to refuse licences based on behaviour that suggests unsuitability for security work, even if it didn't result in criminal conviction.
What You Need to Do Now
Before December 1, 2025
- Review the updated criteria against your personal history
- Gather any required overseas criminal record checks
- Consider timing of renewal applications
If You're Applying After December 1
- Allow extra time for enhanced background checks
- Prepare detailed mitigation if you have relevant convictions
- Ensure all documentation meets the stricter standards
Current Licence Holders
- Your licence remains valid until renewal
- Start preparing for stricter renewal requirements
- Avoid any conduct that could trigger a licence review
The SIA will publish additional guidance before December 1st. Check their official website regularly for updates.
How Zems Academy Supports You Through These Changes
At Zems Academy, we understand these changes create uncertainty. That's why we're here to help you navigate the updated requirements.
Our support includes:
- Up-to-date guidance on new licensing criteria
- SIA training courses that meet current standards
- Advice on application timing and documentation
- Support throughout the licensing process
Whether you need SIA top-up training or are starting fresh with security training, we ensure you're prepared for the new standards.
Why These Changes Matter for Your Career
The security industry is professionalising rapidly. These stricter criteria aren't obstacles – they're opportunities.
Higher standards mean:
- Greater public trust in security professionals
- Better career prospects for qualified operatives
- Increased respect for the industry
- Potentially higher wages as standards rise
Security professionals who meet these elevated standards will benefit from a more respected, professional industry.
Official Resources and Next Steps
Stay informed through official SIA channels:
The consultation received strong support from both licence holders and security businesses, indicating industry readiness for higher standards.
Ready to Meet the New Standards?
Don't let the updated criteria catch you unprepared. Whether you're renewing your licence or entering the security industry, proper training and preparation are essential.
Contact Zems Academy today:
- Get expert advice on the new licensing requirements
- Book SIA training that meets updated standards
- Ensure your application succeeds under the stricter criteria
Call us now or visit Zems Academy to discuss how we can help you navigate these important changes.
The security industry is raising its game. Make sure you're ready to rise with it.
Book your SIA training today and secure your place in the professional security industry of tomorrow.