Most people don’t fail an SIA course because they “can’t do the job”. They struggle because they turn up unprepared: missing ID, unfinished pre-learning, or not knowing what to expect on Day 1.
This post is a simple, practical checklist you can use to get ready. Save it, tick it off, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of a calm start.
1) Confirm you’re on the right course (before you do anything else)
Before you spend time on prep, make sure you’re booked on the correct route.
- If you’re starting from scratch, use: https://trainingnetworks.uk/what-course-should-i-take/
- If you’ve held a licence before and it’s expired, use: https://trainingnetworks.uk/what-course-after-licence-expiration/
If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Ask the provider to confirm the right route in writing.
2) Complete your ACT e-learning (don’t leave it until the night before)
Most SIA courses require mandatory pre-learning. This is not “optional reading” — it’s part of what you’re expected to have done before classroom training starts.
Your provider should tell you exactly which ACT modules you need. If you’re doing it through Training Networks, these guides help:
- ACT Awareness e-learning: https://trainingnetworks.uk/act-awareness-e-learning/
- ACT Security e-learning: https://trainingnetworks.uk/act-security-e-learning/
Quick tips
- Do it on a laptop if you can (phones can be fiddly)
- Screenshot or download your completion certificates
- If something won’t load, tell your provider early (don’t wait until Day 1)
3) Download your self-study material and start Module 1
Most learners underestimate this part. The self-study isn’t there to catch you out — it’s there to make sure you’re ready for the pace of the classroom days.
If you’re on a Door Supervisor route, start here:
- Door Supervisor Refresher self-study material guide: https://trainingnetworks.uk/door-supervisor-self-study-material-guide/
For general guidance:
- SIA course self-study material guide: https://trainingnetworks.uk/sia-course-self-study-material-guide-2/
- Step-by-step guides on pre-learning tasks: https://trainingnetworks.uk/step-by-step-guides-on-your-pre-learning-tasks/
What “good” looks like
- You’ve opened the material successfully
- You’ve read (or watched) the first section
- You’ve done at least a small amount of note-taking
Even 30–45 minutes a day in the run-up is better than trying to cram everything at once.
4) Get your ID documents ready (originals, not photos)
Your provider will tell you what counts as acceptable ID. The key point is this: turning up without the right original documents can stop you from training.
Do this a few days before the course:
- Put your documents together in one place
- Check names match your booking details
- If anything is missing, tell the provider immediately
5) Expect a Day 1 English and self-study check
This catches people by surprise, but it shouldn’t.
Many providers will do:
- A written English assessment on Day 1
- A short check to confirm you’ve done the self-study
This isn’t about embarrassment. It’s about making sure you can safely keep up with the course and assessments.
If you’re worried about exam anxiety or you’ve been out of education for a while, that’s normal. The best thing you can do is start the pre-learning early and ask questions before the course begins.
6) Plan your week like it’s a work shift
SIA training days are full days. Treat them like shifts:
- Plan your travel (and a backup route)
- Bring water and something sensible for lunch
- Get sleep the night before (especially before assessment days)
- Arrive early so you’re not starting stressed
7) Bring what you need on Day 1
Every provider is slightly different, but as a minimum you should expect to bring:
- Your original ID documents
- Proof of completed pre-learning (certificates downloaded/saved)
- A notebook and pen
- Any joining instructions your provider sent you
If you don’t receive clear joining instructions, ask for them.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- “I’ll do the e-learning later.” Later becomes the night before.
- “I’ve got a photo of my ID.” Many providers require originals.
- “I didn’t know there was self-study.” Assume there is unless told otherwise.
- “I’m not good at exams.” Start early, ask questions early, and don’t hide it.
Quick prep checklist (save this)
- I’ve confirmed I’m on the right course route
- I’ve completed the required ACT e-learning
- I’ve downloaded my self-study material and started Module 1
- I’ve got my original ID documents ready
- I understand there may be Day 1 English/self-study checks
- I’ve planned travel, sleep, and what I’m bringing
Soft next step
If you’re booked on a course and you’re unsure about any prep step, message your provider now (before Day 1). A good provider would rather answer a “simple” question early than have you turn up stressed and stuck.
If you’re still choosing dates/locations, you can browse options here:
