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SIA Physical Intervention study materials
SIA Physical Intervention study resources

SIA Physical Intervention practice questions

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Question 1Licensing criteria and eligibility

Under the SIA licensing regime, which activity requires a front line licence rather than a non-front line licence?

  1. Supervising door staff at a licensed venue Correct answer.
  2. Managing a security company's payroll
  3. Auditing a firm's accounts
  4. Typing up incident reports in an office

Explanation

Front line licences are required for roles where the individual personally delivers licensable conduct to the public, such as door supervision. Non-front line licences cover managers and supervisors who do not personally carry out licensable activity.

Question 2Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is the minimum age at which a person can hold an SIA licence?

  1. 21
  2. 25
  3. 16
  4. 18 Correct answer.

Explanation

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be granted an SIA licence. This age requirement applies across all licence types.

Question 3Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant must demonstrate that they have the right to work in the United Kingdom. Which document best evidences this for a British citizen?

  1. A valid British passport Correct answer.
  2. A tenancy agreement
  3. A utility bill in their name
  4. A national insurance card

Explanation

A valid British passport is a primary document proving identity and the right to work in the UK. Utility bills and tenancy agreements evidence address, not nationality or work rights.

Question 4Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which criminal conviction outcome is considered 'spent' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is therefore generally not disclosable to the SIA?

  1. A conviction resulting in a suspended sentence of two years
  2. A conviction resulting in a caution after the rehabilitation period Correct answer.
  3. A conviction resulting in a prison sentence of four years
  4. A conviction resulting in a prison sentence of thirty months

Explanation

Cautions become spent after a defined rehabilitation period under the 1974 Act. Sentences of more than four years never become spent, and sentences over 30 months are excluded from the spent regime.

Question 5Licensing criteria and eligibility

The SIA assesses an applicant's criminal record to determine whether they are fit and proper. Which principle best describes how the SIA treats convictions?

  1. Each case is assessed on its merits including seriousness and time elapsed Correct answer.
  2. Only convictions within the last six months are considered
  3. Only unspent convictions are ever considered relevant
  4. Any conviction automatically bars an applicant for life

Explanation

The SIA considers the nature, seriousness and age of offences, along with evidence of rehabilitation, rather than applying an automatic bar. This reflects the fit and proper person test.

Question 6Licensing criteria and eligibility

A person applying for a licence must provide proof of identity. Which combination best satisfies the SIA identity requirement?

  1. A single payslip
  2. One photograph and a verbal statement
  3. A letter from a friend confirming identity
  4. A group of documents confirming identity and address Correct answer.

Explanation

Applicants must supply a specified combination of documents that together confirm identity, right to work and address. A single document is rarely sufficient.

Question 7Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which qualification is typically required before an applicant can be granted a door supervisor licence?

  1. A first aid certificate only
  2. A recognised door supervisor training qualification Correct answer.
  3. A driving licence
  4. A customer service award

Explanation

Applicants for a door supervisor licence must hold the relevant recognised qualification, which covers the required knowledge and skills. Other certificates do not substitute for this requirement.

Question 8Licensing criteria and eligibility

What does the SIA mean by a 'fit and proper person' when deciding licence applications?

  1. Someone who has no criminal record at all
  2. Someone who has worked in security for five years
  3. Someone who is physically fit enough for the role
  4. Someone who is honest, trustworthy and compliant with the law Correct answer.

Explanation

The fit and proper test concerns honesty, integrity, criminal history and compliance with the law, not physical fitness or length of service. It is a broad character assessment.

Question 9Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has a caution for a minor public order offence from eight years ago and no other record. How should they approach their application?

  1. Disclose it only if asked at interview
  2. Omit it because it is old
  3. Wait until the SIA contacts them
  4. Disclose it fully and provide context Correct answer.

Explanation

Applicants should disclose all relevant matters fully and honestly; concealment can itself undermine the fit and proper assessment. Providing context allows the SIA to weigh the age and nature of the matter.

Question 10Licensing criteria and eligibility

A licence holder is convicted of a relevant offence while licensed. What is the licence holder's obligation?

  1. Report it only if the offence is imprisonable
  2. Take no action because the police inform the SIA
  3. Wait until the licence comes up for renewal
  4. Notify the SIA without undue delay Correct answer.

Explanation

Licence holders must inform the SIA of relevant convictions or changes in circumstances without undue delay. Failing to notify can lead to enforcement action.

Question 11Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following best describes 'licensable conduct' in the private security context?

  1. Only work performed at night
  2. Any paid work carried out in a uniform
  3. Activities such as door supervision and security guarding specified by legislation Correct answer.
  4. Any work involving a uniform and a radio

Explanation

Licensable conduct refers to specified activities, such as door supervision, security guarding and close protection, defined in legislation. It is not defined by uniform or working hours.

Question 12Licensing criteria and eligibility

A person holds a close protection licence but is asked to work as a door supervisor at a nightclub. What is the correct position?

  1. No licence is needed for nightclub work
  2. The close protection licence covers all security roles
  3. The venue manager can authorise the work
  4. A separate door supervisor licence is required Correct answer.

Explanation

Licences are role-specific, so a close protection licence does not authorise door supervision. The individual must hold the appropriate door supervisor licence for that activity.

Question 13Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is the standard validity period of an SIA licence once granted?

  1. Five years
  2. Two years
  3. Three years Correct answer.
  4. One year

Explanation

SIA licences are generally valid for three years, after which renewal is required. Applicants should apply to renew before expiry to avoid a gap in licensable status.

Question 14Licensing criteria and eligibility

Before an SIA licence is granted, what must an applicant generally pay?

  1. The applicable licence fee Correct answer.
  2. A refundable bond to the venue
  3. A fee to their local council
  4. A training deposit only

Explanation

Applicants must pay the applicable SIA licence fee as part of the application process. Other payments, such as for training, are separate from the licence fee.

Question 15Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant's criminal record check reveals a relevant conviction that the SIA considers serious. What is the most likely outcome?

  1. Referral to the police only
  2. Grant with a reduced licence period
  3. Automatic grant with a warning
  4. Refusal of the licence Correct answer.

Explanation

Where the SIA concludes an applicant is not fit and proper due to serious convictions, it may refuse the licence. The decision is based on an assessment of the circumstances.

Question 16Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following is a recognised ground on which the SIA may refuse or revoke a licence?

  1. Having a different job during the day
  2. Being over 60 years old
  3. Being convicted of a relevant offence Correct answer.
  4. Living outside the venue's postcode

Explanation

Relevant criminal convictions are a recognised ground for refusal or revocation under the fit and proper test. Other listed factors are not licensing grounds.

Question 17Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant provides a forged identity document with their application. What is the most appropriate characterisation of this conduct?

  1. A matter to be resolved at renewal
  2. A serious integrity concern affecting fitness Correct answer.
  3. A minor administrative error
  4. An acceptable shortcut if the real document is lost

Explanation

Providing forged documents is a serious integrity issue that goes directly to the fit and proper test and may also be a criminal offence. It is not treated as a minor error.

Question 18Licensing criteria and eligibility

What does the SIA require regarding an applicant's mental and physical capability to perform the role?

  1. Only physical strength tests are required
  2. The applicant must be able to perform the role safely and effectively Correct answer.
  3. No capability consideration applies
  4. A medical certificate from a doctor is always required

Explanation

Applicants must be able to carry out the role safely and effectively; a blanket medical certificate is not always required. Capability is relevant to fitness for the licensed activity.

Question 19Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which statement best describes the relationship between a non-front line licence and managing a security business?

  1. A non-front line licence is for those who manage or supervise but do not deliver licensable conduct Correct answer.
  2. A non-front line licence replaces the need for any staff to be licensed
  3. A non-front line licence allows the holder to personally guard premises
  4. A non-front line licence is optional for all managers

Explanation

Non-front line licences are intended for managers and supervisors who do not personally carry out licensable activity. Staff who deliver licensable conduct still need front line licences.

Question 20Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has a conditional discharge that is still within its rehabilitation period. How is this generally treated in the licensing assessment?

  1. It may be considered as part of the fit and proper assessment Correct answer.
  2. It is disregarded entirely
  3. It automatically results in refusal
  4. It can be hidden until spent

Explanation

Matters still within their rehabilitation period can be considered as part of the overall assessment. They do not automatically bar an applicant but are relevant to fitness.

Question 21Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is the purpose of the SIA's fit and proper person test?

  1. To confirm applicants have a permanent address
  2. To check that applicants own their own equipment
  3. To assess honesty, integrity and suitability to hold a licence Correct answer.
  4. To ensure applicants have relevant qualifications only

Explanation

The fit and proper test evaluates character, honesty and integrity to protect the public. Qualifications and address are separate requirements.

Question 22Licensing criteria and eligibility

A licence holder changes their home address. What should they do in relation to the SIA?

  1. Update their details with the SIA promptly Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next renewal
  3. Nothing, because address is irrelevant once licensed
  4. Inform only their employer

Explanation

Licence holders must keep their details, including address, up to date with the SIA. Failing to update records can cause problems with correspondence and compliance.

Question 23Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which factor is most likely to weigh against an applicant when the SIA assesses multiple recent convictions?

  1. A pattern of recent offending showing disregard for the law Correct answer.
  2. A single old conviction with evidence of rehabilitation
  3. Strong references from employers
  4. Completion of relevant training

Explanation

A pattern of recent offending suggests disregard for the law and weighs against fitness. Rehabilitation, training and references support the applicant.

Question 24Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is the significance of a licence being 'revoked' by the SIA?

  1. The holder may continue working until renewal
  2. The holder is no longer authorised to carry out licensable conduct Correct answer.
  3. The holder must retake training within a week
  4. The holder can transfer the licence to a colleague

Explanation

Revocation removes the holder's authority to perform licensable conduct. Continuing to work after revocation would be unlicensed activity.

Question 25Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant is unsure whether an old matter needs to be declared on their application. What is the safest and most compliant approach?

  1. Leave it out to avoid delay
  2. Declare it and explain the circumstances Correct answer.
  3. Ask a colleague to decide for them
  4. Declare it only if it was a conviction

Explanation

Declaring relevant matters with an explanation demonstrates honesty and allows the SIA to assess fitness properly. Omission risks refusal on integrity grounds.

Question 26Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which body is responsible for licensing private security operatives in the United Kingdom under the Private Security Industry Act 2001?

  1. The Health and Safety Executive
  2. The Security Industry Authority Correct answer.
  3. The local authority trading standards service
  4. The Home Office Immigration Enforcement team

Explanation

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and is responsible for licensing individuals in designated security roles. Other bodies have different regulatory remits and do not issue SIA licences.

Question 27Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following activities falls within the scope of activities that require an SIA licence when done for remuneration?

  1. Working as a door supervisor at licensed premises Correct answer.
  2. Selling tickets at a cinema box office
  3. Managing a supermarket stockroom
  4. Cleaning the concourse of a shopping centre

Explanation

Door supervision at licensed premises is a designated licensable activity under the private security regulatory framework. The other roles listed are ordinary retail or cleaning functions that are not designated security activities.

Question 28Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant wants to work as a door supervisor. Which type of SIA licence must they hold?

  1. A key holding licence
  2. A non-front line licence
  3. A public space surveillance licence
  4. A front line licence for door supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

Door supervision is front line licensable conduct, so the operative needs a front line licence covering door supervision. A non-front line licence covers management and supervisory roles that do not involve front line licensable conduct.

Question 29Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following is a core eligibility requirement that an SIA licence applicant must satisfy?

  1. They must be at least 21 years old
  2. They must have a full UK driving licence
  3. They must be a homeowner in the UK
  4. They must be at least 18 years old Correct answer.

Explanation

The minimum age to hold an SIA licence is 18. Driving licences and home ownership are not licensing criteria.

Question 30Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has completed the required qualification but their certificate has not yet arrived. What is the usual way they demonstrate they meet the qualification requirement when applying?

  1. Provide a letter from a family member confirming training
  2. Provide a self-declaration that training was completed
  3. Provide evidence of the qualification accepted by the SIA Correct answer.
  4. Provide a personal reference from a former employer

Explanation

Applicants must show they hold the required, recognised qualification, normally through evidence accepted by the SIA. References or self-declarations do not substitute for the qualification evidence.

Question 31Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is the primary purpose of the SIA's criminal record checks during licensing?

  1. To verify the applicant's employment history
  2. To decide the applicant's hourly pay rate
  3. To confirm the applicant's tax status
  4. To assess whether the applicant is fit to hold a licence Correct answer.

Explanation

Criminal record checks inform the SIA's assessment of whether an applicant is fit and proper to hold a licence. They are not used to set pay, tax status, or employment history.

Question 32Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following best describes the SIA's approach to a licence that has been suspended?

  1. The licence remains fully valid with no change in effect
  2. The licence is permanently cancelled and cannot be restored
  3. The licence temporarily loses its effect while the matter is reviewed Correct answer.
  4. The licence automatically converts to a different licence type

Explanation

Suspension means the licence is temporarily without effect while the SIA considers the matter, and it may later be restored or lead to revocation. It is distinct from revocation, which cancels the licence.

Question 33Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following is a recognised way the SIA may deal with a licence when new adverse information comes to light?

  1. Transfer the licence to another operative
  2. Revoke the licence following review Correct answer.
  3. Extend the licence validity for five years
  4. Downgrade the licence to a non-front line licence automatically

Explanation

The SIA can review a licence and revoke it when adverse information shows the holder is no longer fit to hold it. Licences are personal and cannot be transferred, and the SIA does not automatically extend or downgrade licences in this way.

Question 34Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has a spent conviction that is protected under the rehabilitation framework and is not required to be disclosed. How should they approach the application form?

  1. Ask a friend to complete the criminal record section for them
  2. Leave the criminal record section blank entirely
  3. Answer the form accurately according to what it asks to be disclosed Correct answer.
  4. Declare every matter regardless of what the form asks

Explanation

Applicants should answer the form accurately and disclose what it asks for; protected matters that are not required to be disclosed need not be declared. Blank sections or having someone else complete the section risks an inaccurate application.

Question 35Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has several convictions, the most recent being two years ago. How is this pattern generally viewed in the licensing assessment?

  1. Recent offending is outweighed by a long employment history
  2. Recent offending is only relevant for close protection licences
  3. Recent, repeated offending is likely to weigh against the applicant Correct answer.
  4. Recent offending is ignored if the applicant has a qualification

Explanation

The SIA considers the number, nature and recency of convictions; a pattern of recent, repeated offending is likely to weigh against fitness. A qualification or employment history does not automatically offset this.

Question 36Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant is unsure whether a particular old matter should be declared. What is the most appropriate approach?

  1. Declare it only if the SIA later asks
  2. Omit it because old matters are never relevant
  3. Omit it to avoid delaying the application
  4. Declare it and let the SIA decide its relevance Correct answer.

Explanation

The safest approach is to declare the matter and allow the SIA to assess relevance; failing to disclose can itself undermine fitness. Omitting information risks refusal or later action even if the matter alone would not have been decisive.

Question 37Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following best describes what the SIA means by requiring an applicant to be 'fit and proper'?

  1. The applicant is physically fit enough to work long shifts
  2. The applicant belongs to a recognised trade association
  3. The applicant is assessed as suitable and trustworthy to hold a licence Correct answer.
  4. The applicant has a suitable uniform and equipment

Explanation

The fit and proper assessment considers character, honesty and suitability to hold a licence, drawing on criminal records and other relevant information. It is not a physical fitness test and does not depend on uniform, equipment or trade membership.

Question 38Licensing criteria and eligibility

A licence holder is arrested and charged with a serious offence while licensed. What is the most appropriate expectation regarding their licence?

  1. The SIA may review the licence and consider suspension or revocation Correct answer.
  2. The licence automatically transfers to a colleague until trial
  3. The licence is unaffected until a court conviction is recorded
  4. The licence remains valid but the holder may not be paid

Explanation

The SIA can review a licence when serious allegations arise and may suspend or revoke it while matters are considered. The licence is personal and does not transfer, and payment arrangements are separate from licensing status.

Question 39Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is meant by 'licensable conduct' in the context of SIA licensing?

  1. Activity performed only by company directors
  2. Any activity performed after dark
  3. Any activity carried out on commercial premises
  4. Activity that may only be carried out by a licensed person Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensable conduct refers to designated activities that require the person carrying them out to hold an appropriate SIA licence. It is defined by the nature of the activity, not by premises, time of day or job title.

Question 40Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has a caution from many years ago that is now spent and not required to be disclosed. How should this affect their application?

  1. It automatically bars the applicant from a licence
  2. It requires the applicant to apply for a different licence type
  3. It need not be declared if the form does not require it Correct answer.
  4. It must always be declared regardless of the form

Explanation

Where a matter is spent and the form does not require disclosure, the applicant is not obliged to declare it. A spent matter does not automatically bar licensing and does not change the licence type required.

Question 41Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which statement best describes the relationship between holding a non-front line licence and managing a security business?

  1. It replaces the need for a business to be approved by the SIA
  2. It is required only for companies with more than 50 staff
  3. It covers management activity that does not involve front line licensable conduct Correct answer.
  4. It authorises the holder to perform any front line security role

Explanation

A non-front line licence covers management and supervisory roles that do not involve front line licensable conduct. It does not authorise front line work and does not replace any separate business approval requirements.

Question 42Licensing criteria and eligibility

What is the usual validity period of an SIA licence once granted?

  1. Three years Correct answer.
  2. Six months
  3. Five years
  4. Ten years

Explanation

SIA licences are normally valid for three years, after which the holder must renew. Shorter or longer periods do not reflect the standard licence term.

Question 43Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following best explains why the SIA requires applicants to prove their identity?

  1. To confirm the applicant's creditworthiness
  2. To confirm the applicant's membership of a trade body
  3. To confirm the applicant's entitlement to benefits
  4. To confirm the person applying is who they claim to be Correct answer.

Explanation

Identity verification ensures the licence is issued to the correct person and helps prevent fraud and impersonation. It is not a credit check, trade body check or benefits check.

Question 44Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant with a relevant conviction applies for a licence. Which factor is most likely to weigh against them in the SIA's assessment?

  1. The conviction being recent and closely related to security work Correct answer.
  2. The applicant having many years of unrelated work experience
  3. The applicant having completed the required qualification
  4. The applicant having a stable home address

Explanation

The SIA weighs the nature, relevance and recency of convictions; a recent conviction closely connected to security work is likely to weigh heavily against fitness. Unrelated work history, qualification completion and a stable address do not offset this in the same way.

Question 45Licensing criteria and eligibility

Which of the following best describes the SIA's requirement regarding an applicant's right to work in the United Kingdom?

  1. Applicants must be sponsored by an employer
  2. Applicants must have lived in the UK for ten years
  3. Applicants must hold a UK passport
  4. Applicants must be entitled to work in the UK Correct answer.

Explanation

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the UK; this can be shown in various ways and does not require a UK passport or a long residence period. Employer sponsorship is not a general licensing requirement.

Question 46Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant is applying for a close protection licence but currently holds a door supervisor licence. What is the correct approach?

  1. Ask their employer to amend the licence on their behalf
  2. Apply for the licence that covers the activity they intend to carry out Correct answer.
  3. Assume the existing licence automatically upgrades
  4. Use the door supervisor licence to cover close protection work

Explanation

Each licence covers the activities it specifies, so an applicant must hold the licence appropriate to the work they intend to do. An existing licence does not automatically extend to other activities, and employers cannot amend licences.

Question 47Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has a conditional discharge that remains within its rehabilitation period. How is this generally treated in the licensing assessment?

  1. It is a relevant matter that should be considered and disclosed as required Correct answer.
  2. It is relevant only if the applicant works at night
  3. It is ignored because no conviction was recorded
  4. It automatically prevents any licence being granted

Explanation

A conditional discharge is a relevant matter during its period and should be considered and disclosed as the form requires. It is not automatically a bar to licensing, and relevance does not depend on working hours.

Question 48Licensing criteria and eligibility

A licence holder is convicted of a relevant offence while licensed. What is the licence holder's obligation to the SIA?

  1. Notify the SIA of the conviction as required Correct answer.
  2. Notify only their employer and no one else
  3. Wait for the police to inform the SIA
  4. Take no action because the licence is already granted

Explanation

Licence holders are expected to notify the SIA of relevant convictions so the licence can be reviewed. Relying on the police or employer to pass information on does not meet the holder's own obligation.

Question 49Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant has a serious relevant conviction that the SIA considers significant. What is the most likely outcome of the licensing decision?

  1. The application will be granted with a warning letter
  2. The application may be refused on fitness grounds Correct answer.
  3. The application will be held until the conviction is spent
  4. The application will be granted but with a shorter licence term

Explanation

Where a serious relevant conviction leads the SIA to conclude the applicant is not fit and proper, the application may be refused. A warning letter, shorter term or indefinite hold are not the standard outcomes in such cases.

Question 50Licensing criteria and eligibility

An applicant holds a valid door supervisor licence and now wishes to carry out close protection work as well. Which statement best describes what the licensing rules require of them?

  1. They only need a close protection licence if they work directly for a client rather than through an employer
  2. Their existing door supervisor licence automatically covers close protection once they notify the SIA
  3. They can carry out close protection work as long as the door supervisor licence has more than six months left
  4. They must apply for a separate close protection licence, because each licensable activity needs its own licence Correct answer.

Explanation

Each licensable activity is licensed separately, so holding one type of licence does not authorise work under another activity. A door supervisor who wants to work in close protection must therefore obtain a close protection licence in addition to (or instead of) the one they hold.