Six-day Level 2 licence training for pubs, clubs, events and licensed venues
Our SIA door supervisor course is the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry. It is the qualification you must pass before you can apply to the SIA for a door supervisor licence. Security Training UK runs door supervisor training in London and Essex from £194.99 (East London), and our team will check your eligibility by phone before you pay anything.
✔ Licence-linked qualification that meets SIA requirements
✔ Six days, 09:00 to 18:00, with practical and classroom learning
✔ Book online or call 020 3983 4570 for advice
Licence-linked training
Built around the SIA syllabus for door supervision.
Local London venues
Train in East, North-East, South or West London.
Straight answers
Ask about first aid, ID and eligibility before you book.
SIA Door Supervisor Course: Key Details
Here is the course at a glance. Dates vary by venue, so call us or use the booking form to see the next start date near you.
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry |
| Course length | Minimum of six days, 09:00 to 18:00 |
| Contact hours | Minimum of 44 contact hours between trainer and learners, excluding breaks |
| Units | 4 units covering industry knowledge, door supervision, conflict management and physical intervention |
| Minimum age | 18 or over |
| Course price | From £194.99 (East London) |
| What you get | Course materials, trainer support, exams and your qualification certificate |
| Next step | Apply to the SIA for your door supervisor licence once we confirm you have passed |
The SIA licence fee is paid directly to the SIA and is not part of our course price. Check the current fee on GOV.UK before you apply.
Written by the Security Training UK team and checked against SIA guidance in October 2026.
What Is a Door Supervisor Licence and Who Needs One?
Door supervision means controlling entry to, and keeping order inside, licensed premises. That covers pubs, bars and nightclubs, but also restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and event venues anywhere alcohol is sold. The door supervisor qualification is entry-level, so no previous security experience is needed.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates the private security industry. Working as a door supervisor without a valid SIA licence is a criminal offence, and you cannot get the licence without first passing an approved qualification with a training provider like us. The licence is a front line licence, which means it is for people who work directly with the public.
A door supervisor licence also lets you work as a security guard, so it keeps more jobs open than a guard-only licence. If you only want static guarding work, compare it with our SIA security guard course.
What You Will Learn on the Door Supervisor Training Course
The course has four units. Theory is taught in the classroom, and the physical intervention unit is practical, so expect to be on your feet.
Unit 1: Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry
- The purpose of the private security industry and the role of the SIA
- Legislation that applies to a security operative, and arrest procedures
- Safe working practices, fire procedures and emergency procedures
- Effective communication and record keeping
- Terror threats and what a security operative should do
- Keeping vulnerable people safe and managing the aftermath of an incident
Unit 2: Principles of Working as a Door Supervisor
- Crimes relevant to door supervision and preserving evidence
- Search procedures and drug-misuse legislation
- Licensing law for licensed premises
- Queue management, venue capacity and the equipment a door supervisor uses
Unit 3: Application of Conflict Management
- Principles of conflict management for the role
- How to recognise, assess and reduce risk in conflict situations
- Problem-solving techniques and communicating to de-escalate conflict
Unit 4: Application of Physical Intervention Skills
- What physical intervention is and the risks of using it
- How to reduce those risks
- Non-pain-compliant skills to protect yourself and others
At least 13 hours of the physical intervention unit must be delivered as contact time with your trainer.
How the Door Supervisor Course Is Assessed
You are assessed on every unit, and you must pass all of them to be eligible for the licence.
- Multiple-choice exams: taken on the final day, with each unit examined separately.
- Practical assessment: the physical intervention and conflict management skills are assessed in practice.
- Resits: if you fail a unit you retake that unit rather than the whole course.
- Results: usually within about five working days, and your certificate typically follows within ten working days.
Once we confirm you have passed and your result is uploaded, you can apply for your licence through the SIA’s online licensing portal.
Before You Book: Entry Requirements
Check these points first. They are the most common reasons a learner cannot start on the day.
- Age: you must be 18 or over.
- English: you need a good level of English, roughly CEFR B2 or an accepted equivalent, because the exams are taken in English.
- First aid: you need a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, or an accepted equivalent, with at least 12 months left on the first day of the course. If you do not have one, see our 1 day first aid course or 3 days first aid course.
- Identity: bring valid photo ID. Our documents required page lists exactly what we accept.
- Criminal record: the SIA checks this when you apply for the licence, not when you book training. Read the SIA guidance on getting a licence with a criminal record before you pay for a course.
How to Become a Door Supervisor
Becoming a licensed door supervisor is straightforward when you follow the steps in order.
- Check eligibility: confirm your age, English level, ID and right to work.
- Get first aid: hold a valid certificate before day one.
- Pass the door supervisor course: complete all four units and the assessments.
- Apply to the SIA: create an account and apply through the SIA licence application, paying the SIA’s fee directly.
- Receive your licence card: often called the SIA badge. Wait for it before you start any licensable work.
Licences last three years. When yours is due, see the renewal section below.
Can You Take the Door Supervisor Course Online?
Many people search for an online door supervisor course, so here is the honest answer. You cannot complete the whole qualification online. The conflict management and physical intervention units are practical and must be taught and assessed in person, and the exams are supervised.
Some awarding bodies allow part of the learning to be done as supervised self-study, but the SIA’s minimum contact time still has to be met in the classroom. Be careful with any provider promising a fully online licence course, because the SIA will not accept it. If you are unsure, call us on 020 3983 4570 and we will explain how our delivery works.
Door Supervisor or Security Guard: Which Should You Choose?
Match the licence to the work you want. Choosing on price alone can leave you unable to take the jobs you applied for.
| Licence | Where you can work | Course |
|---|---|---|
| Door supervisor | Pubs, bars, clubs, events, licensed venues, and security guard roles | This course |
| Security guard | Offices, retail, warehouses and building sites | SIA security guard training |
| CCTV operator | Control rooms and public space surveillance | SIA CCTV training |
| Close protection officer | Personal protection and VIP work | SIA close protection |
Door supervisor and CCTV is a popular pairing for learners who want control room and front line options. For stadium and event work, also look at Level 2 Spectator Safety. To compare every course in one place, see our guide to SIA security training in London.
Explore Other SIA and Safety Courses
Add a second licence or certificate to widen the jobs you can apply for. Door supervisor with CCTV or first aid is a popular combination.
Security Guard
For offices, retail, warehouses and building sites.
CCTV Operator
For control rooms and public space surveillance.
Close Protection
Higher-level training for personal protection roles.
Spectator Safety
For stadiums, arenas and large events.
1 Day First Aid
The quick route to the first aid certificate you need.
3 Days First Aid
Full first aid at work qualification over three days.
Door Supervisor Refresher
Renewing a door supervisor licence? Start here.
Door Supervisor Upskilling
Top-up for older qualifications or lapsed licences.
Door Supervisor Training Locations in London and Essex
Our main focus is Greater London, and our East London centre near Stratford suits learners from Forest Gate, Manor Park, Ilford, Barking and Romford. Stratford has train, DLR, tube and bus links, and free parking is available near the centre. Pick your nearest venue below, because each page has its own local details.
Door Supervisor Training in Scotland
The same SIA rules apply in Scotland. Choose your nearest venue:
Employers wanting a whole team trained can ask about group bookings on our contact page.
Door Supervisor Jobs and Career Progression
Door supervisors are needed wherever alcohol is sold or crowds gather, not just in nightclubs. Typical employers include bars and restaurants, hotel groups, supermarkets, festivals and event companies, and security agencies. Because the licence also covers guarding, you can take day work as well as night shifts.
Pay depends on the employer, shift pattern, location and any extra qualifications. Nights, weekends and bank holidays often pay more, and London roles tend to pay above the national average. Adding first aid, CCTV or spectator safety makes you suitable for more roles, and experienced door supervisors move up to team leader, supervisor and site manager positions. You can read more about the role on the National Careers Service, and browse vacancies on our security jobs page.
Already Licensed? Renewal and Upskilling for Door Supervisors
You do not need to repeat the full six days if you already hold a door supervisor licence or an earlier qualification. Which route applies depends on your situation:
- Licence due for renewal: take our SIA door supervisor refresher course. Book well ahead of your expiry date.
- Older qualification or lapsed licence: you may need the door supervisor upskilling top-up course to bring your training up to the current SIA standard.
- Also want guarding work: see the security guard upskilling course or the security guard refresher course.
Not sure which applies to you? Contact us with your licence or certificate details and we will point you to the right course.
Hiring Licensed Door Supervisors in Belgravia, Knightsbridge or Elsewhere in London?
Some visitors are venue owners rather than learners. We are a training provider and do not supply door staff from this page, but you can hire safely by following these steps.
- Ask to see the licence card. Every licensed door supervisor must carry and show it.
- Check the register. Use the SIA’s licence checker to confirm it is valid and covers the right activity.
- Use the right licence. Door supervision at licensed premises needs a door supervisor licence.
Group bookings: if you run a venue or security company in Belgravia, Knightsbridge or anywhere across London and want existing staff qualified, we offer group rates for ten or more learners. We can train at your venue or ours, so get in touch for a quote.
Why Train With Security Training UK
Choosing a provider is the biggest decision before you apply for a licence. Here is what you can expect from us.
- Clear information first. We explain the requirements, documents and first aid rules before you book, so there are no surprises on day one.
- SIA-approved qualification. Training is delivered through SIA-approved awarding bodies and mapped to the SIA syllabus.
- Qualified trainers. Our tutors hold the teaching, conflict management and physical intervention qualifications the SIA requires.
- Real support. Call 020 3983 4570 if you are unsure which course fits.
- Fair, transparent terms. Read our terms and conditions before you pay. Affordable pricing never means lower compliance standards.
What Our Learners Say
SIA Door Supervisor Course: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the SIA door supervisor course?
The course runs for a minimum of six days from 09:00 to 18:00, with at least 44 contact hours between trainer and learners, excluding breaks.
How much does a door supervisor course cost?
Our door supervisor course starts from £194.99 in East London. The SIA licence fee is separate and is paid directly to the SIA when you apply.
Do I need first aid before the course?
Yes. You need a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, or an accepted equivalent, with at least 12 months remaining on the first day of training.
Can I do the door supervisor course online?
No, not entirely. The practical units and supervised exams must be done in person. Be wary of any provider offering a fully online licence course.
Is there a weekend door supervisor course?
Start dates and day patterns vary by venue. Call 020 3983 4570 or check the booking page to see the current weekday and weekend options.
What is the minimum age for a door supervisor licence?
You must be 18 or over to take the course and to hold a door supervisor licence.
When can I apply for my SIA door supervisor licence?
Once we confirm you have passed every unit and your result is uploaded, you can apply through the SIA’s online licensing portal.
What is the difference between a door supervisor and a security guard?
A door supervisor works at licensed premises and events controlling entry and managing behaviour, and can also work as a security guard. A security guard licence covers guarding other sites but not door supervision at licensed venues.
Is there a door supervisor level 3 course?
The door supervisor licence qualification is Level 2. If you want a supervisory step up, look at our Level 3 Certificate in Spectator Safety Supervision or speak to us about career options.
Is a door supervisor limited to nightclubs and pubs?
No. Licensed premises include any place that sells alcohol, such as restaurants, hotels and supermarkets, and the licence also lets you work as a security guard.
How do I renew my door supervisor licence?
Book the refresher qualification well before your licence expires, then renew through the SIA. If your qualification is older, you may need the upskilling top-up course first.
How do I book the course?
Use the Book Course button on this page to reserve your place, or call 020 3983 4570 for advice first. Have your first aid certificate and ID details ready.
Ready to Book Your SIA Door Supervisor Course?
Reserve your place today and take the first step towards your door supervisor licence.