SIA Licensing Criteria Changing: What the 2025 Consultation Means for Security Professionals

The security industry is about to experience its biggest licensing shake-up in years. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has confirmed major changes to licensing criteria, taking effect December 1, 2025. These changes emerged from one of the largest consultations in SIA history, and the results send a clear message: the industry wants higher standards.

If you hold an SIA licence or plan to get one, these changes will impact you directly. Here's everything you need to know about what's changing, why it matters, and how to prepare.

The Consultation Results: Strong Industry Support

The SIA consultation received 3,392 responses between March and May 2025. The numbers tell a compelling story about who participated and what they wanted.

Nearly 97.5% of respondents hold active SIA licences. Around 70% of these are door supervisors, with the remainder spread across close protection, security guarding, CCTV operation, and other security sectors. This wasn't just random feedback – it represented the voice of working security professionals.

The result? Overwhelming support for tougher licensing criteria. Security businesses and licence holders backed the proposed changes, recognizing that higher standards benefit everyone in the industry.

The Minister for Security has now given formal approval for these changes. This means December 1, 2025 is locked in as the implementation date.

What's Actually Changing

The new licensing criteria introduce several significant changes that will affect how the SIA evaluates applications and renewals.

Expanded Criminal Offences List

The SIA is adding more criminal offences to the list they consider during licensing decisions. This includes modern crimes that weren't adequately covered before, such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and domestic abuse offences. The expanded list reflects the evolving nature of criminal activity and public safety concerns.

New Assessment Approach

The SIA is introducing a more sophisticated approach to assessing applicants with certain types of criminal records. Instead of blanket rules, they'll use a more nuanced system that considers the nature of the offence, when it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Overseas Criminal Record Requirements Extended

If you've lived abroad for six months or more in the past ten years (extended from five years), you'll need to provide overseas criminal records. This aligns SIA standards with other regulated sectors like healthcare and education.

Clearer "Fit and Proper" Standards

The criteria now explicitly state what information the SIA may consider when determining if someone is fit and proper to hold a licence. This includes domestic violence orders and disciplinary proceedings from other sectors.

Impact on Different Security Professionals

Door Supervisors

As the largest group of licence holders, door supervisors will see the most immediate impact. The tougher criminality criteria particularly affect this sector, where public interaction is constant and trust is essential.

Close Protection Operatives

Close protection professionals already work to high standards, but the extended overseas checks may affect operatives who've worked internationally. Level 2 Close Protection Top-Up training becomes even more valuable for maintaining professional standards.

Security Guards and CCTV Operators

These roles will benefit from the enhanced reputation that comes with stricter licensing. Higher standards mean better public perception and potentially better employment opportunities.

New Applicants

Anyone applying for their first SIA licence from December 1, 2025 will face the new criteria immediately. This means getting proper training and understanding the requirements is more critical than ever.

Timeline and Implementation

November 2025: Updated "Get Licensed" guidance published

December 1, 2025: New criteria take effect for all applications and renewals

Ongoing: Current licence holders continue under existing rules until renewal

The SIA will review existing licence holders against new standards only if they receive new information about criminal activity or other relevant circumstances.

How Zems Academy Supports You Through These Changes

These licensing changes don't just affect individual professionals – they elevate the entire security industry. At Zems Academy, we've been preparing for these changes and updating our training programmes accordingly.

Comprehensive SIA Training

Our SIA training courses cover all the essential knowledge and skills needed to meet both current and upcoming licensing standards. We ensure our students understand not just the technical requirements, but the professional standards expected in modern security work.

Up-to-Date Knowledge

We monitor SIA developments closely and update our training materials to reflect the latest requirements. When you train with Zems Academy, you're getting current, relevant information that meets industry standards.

Career Guidance

Our instructors help students understand how the licensing changes affect their career prospects and provide practical advice on maintaining professional standards throughout their security careers.

Preparing for December 1, 2025

Check Your Renewal Date

If your licence expires after December 1, 2025, your renewal will be assessed under the new criteria. Check your licence card and plan accordingly.

Gather Overseas Documentation

If you've lived abroad for six months or more in the past ten years, start obtaining overseas criminal record certificates now. This process can take several months in some countries.

Maintain Professional Standards

The new criteria emphasize the importance of being "fit and proper" to hold a security licence. This includes your conduct both on and off duty.

Stay Informed

The SIA will publish detailed guidance in November 2025. Stay updated through official SIA channels and reputable training providers like Zems Academy.

What This Means for Industry Standards

These changes represent a significant step forward for the security industry. Higher licensing standards mean:

• Better Public Trust: Stricter criteria enhance the industry's reputation
• Professional Recognition: Security work gains greater recognition as a skilled profession
• Career Opportunities: Higher standards can lead to better employment prospects
• Industry Growth: A more professional sector attracts quality employers and clients

The overwhelming support from industry professionals shows that these changes aren't being imposed from outside – they're driven by security professionals who want to see their industry continue improving.

Taking Action Now

Don't wait until November to start preparing. Whether you're renewing a licence or applying for the first time, understanding these changes helps you plan your career development.

For Current Licence Holders

Review the new criteria and assess how they might affect your next renewal. If you have concerns about meeting the new standards, seek professional advice early.

For New Applicants

Factor the new criteria into your application planning. Quality training becomes even more important when standards are higher.

For Career Changers

The security industry's commitment to higher standards makes it an attractive career option for professionals from other sectors. Our training programmes provide the foundation you need to enter the industry with confidence.

The December 1, 2025 implementation date is approaching fast. The security professionals who prepare now will be the ones who benefit most from these positive changes to industry standards.

Get started with your SIA training today. Higher standards mean better opportunities for those who are prepared to meet them.