How to Become a Door Supervisor in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Becoming a door supervisor is one of the fastest ways to start a career in the UK security industry. Door supervisors are needed in pubs, bars, nightclubs, events, festivals and retail, and the licence also lets you work as a security guard. Here's exactly how to get started.

Step 1: Check you meet the requirements

• You must be 18 or over
• You must have the right to work in the UK
• You must be able to communicate in English well enough to do the job and write reports
• You'll go through a criminal record check as part of the SIA licence application

A criminal record doesn't automatically stop you getting a licence. The SIA looks at the type of offence and when it happened. Always be honest on your application.

Step 2: Get an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate

The SIA requires a valid first aid certificate before you start Door Supervisor training. At UK City Academy it's included on day 1 of the Door Supervisor course, so you don't need to book it separately.

Step 3: Complete the Level 2 Door Supervisor qualification

The course covers:

• Working in the private security industry (law, health and safety, terror threat awareness)
• Working as a door supervisor (admissions, searching, drugs awareness, licensing law)
• Conflict management
• Physical intervention skills

You'll take multiple-choice exams and a practical assessment. At UK City Academy the course takes 7 days in total, including First Aid.

Step 4: Apply for your SIA licence

Once you've passed, you apply online with the Security Industry Authority. The licence fee is paid to the SIA; check the current fee on GOV.UK. Applications usually take a few weeks, but mistakes on the form can add weeks more. We help our learners complete their application correctly.

Step 5: Start working

With your licence you can work as a door supervisor at licensed venues and events, or as a security officer. Many people start with agency work for flexible shifts, then move into permanent roles, supervisor positions or specialist areas such as CCTV.

How long does it take altogether?

Stage	Typical time
Training (incl. First Aid)	7 days
Exam results	Up to about 10 working days
SIA licence processing	Usually a few weeks

Ready to start? See our Door Supervisor course in Manchester or apply online.