Beat the Price Hike: SIA Licence Fees are Changing in April 2026

Time is running out to save money on your professional security credentials. If you are working in the private security industry or planning to start your career soon, you need to pay attention to the upcoming changes from the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Starting April 1, 2026, the cost of an SIA licence is going up. Currently, the fee stands at £184. From the start of April, this will increase to £204.

This change marks the end of a temporary rebate period that helped many security professionals over the last couple of years. Now, the fees are returning to a higher standard rate to cover the increasing costs of regulation and individual vetting.

At Zems Academy, we want you to keep as much money in your pocket as possible. By acting now, you can beat the price hike. You need to complete your sia training course and get your application in before the deadline.

Why the SIA Fee is Increasing

The SIA is the statutory organization responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. They ensure that every person working as a door supervisor, security guard, or CCTV operator is "fit and proper" to hold the role.

The increase from £184 to £204 isn't just a random number. For the past period, the SIA provided a temporary rebate to support the industry. This discount is now being phased out. The new £204 fee reflects the actual cost of processing applications, conducting background checks, and maintaining the register of licensed individuals.

If you apply for your licence on or after April 1, 2026, you will be charged the higher rate. If you apply on March 31 or earlier, you still pay the lower price.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

The security industry is busy. Application processing times can vary depending on the volume of people trying to get licensed. As we approach April, a surge of applications is expected from people trying to avoid the £20 extra charge.

If you wait until the final week of March, you risk running into technical delays or missing out because your training isn't finished. You cannot apply for your SIA licence until you have passed your sia training course and received your results.

Get Your Training Done in Birmingham

Zems Academy provides high-quality security training Birmingham residents trust. We offer all the essential courses you need to qualify for your licence. Whether you want to work at pubs and clubs or monitor high-tech surveillance systems, we have a spot for you.

Check our current course list:

• Level 2 Door Supervision
• Level 2 Security Officer
• Level 2 CCTV Operator
• Refresher Training for existing badge holders

How to Save £20 on Your Licence

Saving money is simple, but it requires a bit of planning. Follow these steps to ensure you pay the £184 rate instead of £204:

1. Book your course immediately: You need a qualification before you can apply.
2. Complete your training: Attend all days of your security course birmingham at Zems Academy.
3. Wait for your results: We process results as fast as possible, but the awarding bodies take time.
4. Log into the SIA portal: Have your personal details and ID ready.
5. Pay the fee before April 1, 2026: Ensure your payment is processed by midnight on March 31.

If your current licence is due to expire within the next four months, you can renew it early. You don't have to wait for the exact expiry date to submit a renewal application. Renewing now locks in the lower price.

Level 2 Door Supervision: Our Most Popular Course

Most people entering the industry choose the Door Supervisor licence because it is the most flexible. With this badge, you can work in retail, corporate security, and at venues that serve alcohol.

Our Level 2 Door Supervision course in Birmingham costs £350. It lasts for 7 full training days and includes the Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work certification, which is now a mandatory requirement for the SIA.

Course Details:

• Price: £350
• Duration: 7 Days
• Location: Birmingham
• Requirements: Photo ID and two proofs of address

By finishing this course in late March, you can submit your licence application just in time to avoid the fee increase.

Security Officer vs. Door Supervisor

Some people prefer working in a "dry" environment, such as an office block, a construction site, or a warehouse. For these roles, you only need the Security Officer licence.

Zems Academy offers the Security Officer course for those who do not intend to work in licensed premises (places that sell alcohol). However, keep in mind that a Door Supervisor licence allows you to do everything a Security Officer does, but a Security Officer badge does not allow you to work as a Door Supervisor.

Whichever path you choose, the licence fee increase applies to both. Get your security training birmingham sorted now to stay ahead of the curve.

CCTV Operator Training in Birmingham

If you prefer a role that is less physically demanding and more tech-focused, our Level 2 CCTV Operator training course is the right choice.

Working in a control room requires a specific SIA licence. Our course at Invicta House on Warwick Road costs £250 and takes 3 days to complete. You will get hands-on experience with CCTV systems and learn the legal requirements for monitoring the public.

CCTV Course Highlights:

• Price: £250
• Duration: 3 Days
• Qualification: Level 2 Award for CCTV Operators (PSS) in the Private Security Industry

Just like the other licences, the CCTV licence fee is jumping to £204 in April. Book your security course birmingham today and get certified.

The Importance of Being Licensed

Working without a valid SIA licence is a criminal offense. Both you and your employer can be prosecuted, fined, or even jailed. Maintaining your licence is the most important part of your professional life in security.

Licensed officers are in high demand across the UK. From crowd management at major festivals to protecting local businesses, the opportunities are endless. Having your badge ready means you can start working and earning money immediately.

Why Train at Zems Academy?

Zems Academy is a leading provider of security training Birmingham. We focus on vocational education that gets results. Our instructors are industry experts who have "been there and done that." They don't just teach you how to pass an exam; they teach you how to be a professional.

We provide a supportive learning environment at our Birmingham location. We make sure you understand the material, practice the physical interventions correctly, and feel confident for your exams.

What we offer:

• Expert-led classroom sessions.
• All-inclusive pricing (no hidden exam fees).
• Assistance with the SIA application process.
• Central Birmingham location with easy transport links.

Visit our course categories to see all upcoming dates.

Refresher Training Requirements

Are you an existing licence holder? Don't forget that since 2021, the SIA requires "top-up" or refresher training for Door Supervisors and Security Officers. You cannot renew your licence without completing this extra training and having a valid First Aid certificate.

If your renewal is coming up in April or May 2026, do not wait. Book your refresher course in March. Complete the training, get your First Aid certificate, and apply for your renewal before the April 1st deadline to save that £20.

Action Plan: Beat the Hike

Follow this checklist to ensure you are prepared for the changes:

• Check your expiry date: If your licence expires before August 2026, consider renewing now.
• Book your course: Find a sia training course at Zems Academy that fits your schedule.
• Prepare your ID: You will need a valid passport or driving licence and two proofs of address (utility bills, bank statements).
• Budget for the fee: Set aside £184 now so you are ready to pay as soon as your training results are in.
• Apply online: Create your SIA online account early so you are familiar with the system.

Summary of Changes

The price increase is a 10% jump. While £20 might not seem like a fortune, it's money better spent on your own gear, travel, or savings.

Get Started Today

The countdown to April 1st has begun. Zems Academy is here to help you navigate these changes and get your career moving. Our security training Birmingham courses fill up fast, especially when there is a financial incentive to get finished early.

Don't let the SIA take an extra £20 from you. Take control of your career, get the training you need, and submit your application before the price hike hits.

Ready to book?
Check our available courses and secure your spot today.

Contact Zems Academy:

• Location: Invicta House, Warwick Road, Birmingham
• Focus: Security, CCTV, and First Aid Training
• Goal: Your success in the security industry

Apply Now. Train Now. Save Now.