6 Essential Requirements to Become a Security Officer

Have you ever thought about what a security officer does? Other than safeguarding people and property from threats and criminal activities, security officers also contribute significantly to local communities by ensuring public spaces feel safe.

With the growing demand for protective services jobs in Europe like security officers, spanning retail stores, public buildings, educational institutions, etc., the role offers strong job stability and opportunities for career advancement.

However, getting a job in the field of security isn’t an easy process. Strict regulations control the industry to uphold integrity and minimize risk to the public. 

In this article, we have mentioned 6 essential requirements needed to become a licensed security officer.

Age Requirements

Initially, to start any job in Europe, including a security officer, you need to be at least 18 years old to apply.

Training

Another thing required is proper training. To qualify as a licensed security officer in the UK, you must complete a government-approved Security Officer Licensing Course through an authorized training provider.

After completing the course and providing the necessary documents to the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the official regulator for the security sector, your license will be issued.

Background Checks

You are only eligible to apply for a security job from the Abroad Jobs in Europe website if you have a clean criminal record. To ensure that, the SIA will perform a background check after you submit your application.

Citizenship

Another important thing to remember is that you need to be a UK citizen or be legally permitted to work in the UK before applying. To prove your citizenship, you have to submit a copy of your passport or residency permit to the SIA.

Identification

To apply for a security job, you must provide a valid identification. Also, a certified photograph should be submitted to the SIA.

First Aid Training

First aid training is a vital requirement in the official security application process and is now mandatory, too. So, you must complete and pass an approved First Aid training course from an SIA-approved provider.

In the end, these are some of the requirements you will need to obtain a valid security officer license. Apart from this, you will also need to pay a nominal one-off licensing fee of around £200.