SIA Security Industry Authority Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the correct procedure when a door supervisor discovers that a fire exit has been blocked or locked during operating hours?

Immediately clear the obstruction or unlock the exit, report it to management, and record it as a critical safety issue (Correct answer)
Reduce the venue capacity by the percentage that exit serves
Place a sign redirecting people to an alternative exit
Note it in the log book and report it at the next weekly team meeting

Correct answer: Immediately clear the obstruction or unlock the exit, report it to management, and record it as a critical safety issue

A blocked or locked fire exit during operating hours is a critical and immediate safety hazard. The door supervisor must act immediately to clear the obstruction or have the exit unlocked, report the issue to management urgently, and record it as a critical incident. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all fire exits must be kept clear and available during opening hours. Failure to act could result in criminal prosecution if there is a fire.

Question 2: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety at a licensed venue?

The most senior SIA-licensed door supervisor on duty
The local fire and rescue authority inspector
The employer, owner, or any person who has control of the premises (Correct answer)
The designated premises supervisor named on the premises licence

Correct answer: The employer, owner, or any person who has control of the premises

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the 'responsible person' is the employer (if the workplace is under their control), or any person who has control of the premises, such as the owner or occupier. While the DPS has responsibilities under the Licensing Act, the fire safety 'responsible person' is specifically defined under this separate legislation.

Question 3: What does a CRITICAL threat level mean in the UK system?

The government has activated emergency powers
A terrorist attack has just occurred
An attack is highly likely in the near future (Correct answer)
All public venues must close immediately

Correct answer: An attack is highly likely in the near future

CRITICAL is the highest UK threat level and means 'an attack is highly likely in the near future.' It does not mean an attack has occurred or that venues must close, but it signals that intelligence suggests an attack is expected imminently. Security measures at venues should be heightened significantly.

Question 4: How should a door supervisor create a welcoming environment at a venue?

By maintaining a visible but approachable presence, greeting customers warmly, offering directions and information, being helpful and courteous, and treating all customers with equal respect (Correct answer)
By standing silently at the door and only speaking when spoken to
By staying inside the venue rather than standing at the door
By memorising regular customers' names and giving them preferential treatment

Correct answer: By maintaining a visible but approachable presence, greeting customers warmly, offering directions and information, being helpful and courteous, and treating all customers with equal respect

Creating a welcoming environment starts at the door. Greet customers with a smile and friendly manner, offer helpful information (cloakroom location, facilities, event details), be approachable for questions, and treat everyone equally regardless of appearance. A welcoming door team sets the tone for the entire venue experience and can reduce conflict, as customers who feel respected are more likely to behave respectfully.

Question 5: A door supervisor needs to communicate an urgent safety message to the entire team. The radio channel is busy with non-urgent traffic. What should they do?

Leave their post and find each team member individually
Wait patiently until the channel is clear
Use their personal mobile phone to send a group text message
Transmit 'Priority, priority, priority' or the venue's agreed emergency code word to clear the channel for their urgent message (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Transmit 'Priority, priority, priority' or the venue's agreed emergency code word to clear the channel for their urgent message

Most radio communication protocols include a priority or emergency procedure that allows urgent messages to take precedence over routine traffic. Transmitting a priority call or agreed code word alerts all users to clear the channel. Waiting could cost critical time, and leaving your post creates a security gap.

Question 6: What is the first step in the SIA conflict management model?

Call the police
Use physical force
Identify potential signs of conflict early (Correct answer)
Remove the person

Correct answer: Identify potential signs of conflict early

The SIA model emphasises early identification of conflict through observing body language, tone, and behaviour before escalation.

Question 7: Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, what is the venue's obligation towards non-employees such as patrons and visitors?

The employer must conduct their business in a way that ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that non-employees are not exposed to risks to their health and safety (Correct answer)
Non-employees enter the venue at their own risk and the venue has no obligations under this Act
The Act only covers employees — patrons are covered by separate consumer protection legislation
The venue must provide personal protective equipment to all patrons entering the premises

Correct answer: The employer must conduct their business in a way that ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that non-employees are not exposed to risks to their health and safety

Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on employers to conduct their undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in their employment (including patrons, visitors, and passersby) are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. This is a broad obligation that covers everything from fire safety to crowd management to slip hazards.

Question 8: What is a 'dynamic risk assessment' in the context of emergency procedures?

A risk assessment carried out only after an incident has occurred
A risk assessment completed at the start of each year
A continuous, real-time evaluation of risks and threats as a situation develops, allowing responses to be adapted accordingly (Correct answer)
A written document kept in the manager's office

Correct answer: A continuous, real-time evaluation of risks and threats as a situation develops, allowing responses to be adapted accordingly

A dynamic risk assessment is the ongoing mental process of evaluating risks in real-time as a situation unfolds. It allows door supervisors to continuously assess threats, weigh options, and adapt their response as circumstances change.

Question 9: What is the Licensing Act's approach to 'late night refreshment'?

All food service is licensed
Sale of hot food and hot drink between 11pm and 5am requires a licence (Correct answer)
Late night refreshment isn't covered by the Act
Only alcohol-related food needs a licence

Correct answer: Sale of hot food and hot drink between 11pm and 5am requires a licence

Providing hot food or hot drink to the public between 11pm and 5am is a licensable activity, which is why late-night takeaways need licences.

Question 10: What should happen at a post-incident debrief?

Only discuss it if someone was injured
Nothing — just move on to the next incident
Review what happened, what went well, what could improve, and check staff welfare (Correct answer)
Blame the person who caused the incident

Correct answer: Review what happened, what went well, what could improve, and check staff welfare

Post-incident debriefs improve future responses, identify training needs, and check that staff are coping emotionally. They should be constructive, not blame-focused.

Question 11: How should a door supervisor respond if a patron pulls out a weapon?

Create distance, evacuate nearby people, call 999 immediately, do not attempt to disarm (Correct answer)
Confront them directly to show no fear
Try to disarm them using martial arts
Take the weapon and keep it as evidence

Correct answer: Create distance, evacuate nearby people, call 999 immediately, do not attempt to disarm

Weapons situations are for police to handle. Your priority is creating distance, evacuating the area, calling emergency services, and preserving life. Attempting to disarm is extremely dangerous.

Question 12: What is victimisation under the Equality Act 2010?

Being the victim of any type of crime
Receiving unwanted contact from a former partner
Being bullied at work by a colleague
Being treated unfavourably because you have made or supported a complaint about discrimination (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Being treated unfavourably because you have made or supported a complaint about discrimination

Victimisation under the Equality Act 2010 specifically means treating someone badly because they have made a complaint or raised a grievance about discrimination, or because they have supported someone else's complaint. It protects people who speak up about discrimination from retaliation.

Question 13: Which radio communication protocol should door supervisors use when reporting an incident over the radio?

Use complex code words that only the security team understands to prevent patron eavesdropping
Send a text message to the team WhatsApp group instead of using the radio
Shout the information as quickly as possible to ensure rapid response
Use plain language, state your location, the nature of the incident, and what assistance is needed, using a calm and clear voice (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use plain language, state your location, the nature of the incident, and what assistance is needed, using a calm and clear voice

Radio communications should be clear, calm, and structured. The message should include: who you are, your location, the nature of the incident, and what assistance you need. Plain language is preferred over codes as it reduces confusion, especially when team members from different companies are working together. A calm voice conveys professionalism and avoids causing panic.

Question 14: What is the 'Ask for Angela' scheme and how does it relate to a door supervisor's role?

A police operation targeting drink spiking in bars
It is a staff rota system for finding a colleague named Angela
A safety initiative where customers who feel unsafe on a date or in a social situation can discreetly ask bar staff to 'Ask for Angela', signalling they need help to leave safely (Correct answer)
A customer feedback programme where customers ask for the manager Angela

Correct answer: A safety initiative where customers who feel unsafe on a date or in a social situation can discreetly ask bar staff to 'Ask for Angela', signalling they need help to leave safely

'Ask for Angela' is a UK-wide safety initiative. If a customer feels unsafe on a date or in a social situation, they can approach staff and 'Ask for Angela.' This is a discreet code phrase signalling they need help. Staff should then assist them by calling a taxi, reuniting them with friends, or helping them leave safely. Door supervisors should be aware of this scheme and ready to support colleagues in responding to it.

Question 15: In the SIA model, what does 'Summarise' mean in LEAPS?

Restate the key points of what the person has said to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
Write a summary report for the police
Give them a summary of the venue's rules
Summarise your shift in the incident log

Correct answer: Restate the key points of what the person has said to confirm understanding

Summarising confirms you've understood the person's concerns correctly. It shows you've been listening and gives them the opportunity to correct any misunderstandings.

Question 16: A door supervisor needs to refuse entry to a patron. Which communication approach is most likely to prevent escalation?

Speaking loudly and firmly to assert authority, using commanding gestures
Avoiding eye contact to show they are not looking for confrontation
Using a calm, respectful tone, explaining the reason for refusal clearly, and offering alternatives where possible (Correct answer)
Using technical jargon and legal terminology to demonstrate knowledge

Correct answer: Using a calm, respectful tone, explaining the reason for refusal clearly, and offering alternatives where possible

A calm, respectful approach with a clear explanation reduces the likelihood of escalation. Offering alternatives, such as suggesting the patron returns another time or visits when sober, shows professionalism. Aggression, avoidance, or jargon all increase the risk of confrontation.

Question 17: What is RIDDOR?

Complaint system
Fire extinguisher type
Radio protocol
Legal requirement to report certain workplace accidents and dangerous occurrences (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Legal requirement to report certain workplace accidents and dangerous occurrences

RIDDOR requires reporting specified incidents to the HSE including major injuries, over-7-day incapacitation, and dangerous occurrences.

Question 18: Why is active listening important during conflict?

It shows the person they are being heard, reducing frustration (Correct answer)
It's not important — action matters more
It gives you time to plan a physical response
It wastes time until police arrive

Correct answer: It shows the person they are being heard, reducing frustration

When people feel heard, their frustration often decreases. Active listening builds rapport and can defuse situations without physical intervention.

Question 19: After a physical intervention, why is it important to separate from the person once they're calm?

There's no reason to separate
So they can't identify you later
To show you don't care about them
To reduce the risk of re-escalation and allow both parties to decompress (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To reduce the risk of re-escalation and allow both parties to decompress

Continued close proximity after a physical confrontation can trigger re-escalation. Separation allows emotions to subside on both sides and reduces risk.

Question 20: A patron is bleeding heavily from a deep cut to their arm. While waiting for an ambulance, what should you do?

Remove any embedded objects from the wound
Pour cold water over the wound to clean it
Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean pad, elevate the limb above heart level if possible, and monitor for shock (Correct answer)
Apply a tourniquet immediately above the wound

Correct answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean pad, elevate the limb above heart level if possible, and monitor for shock

Apply firm, direct pressure using a clean pad or dressing. Elevate the limb above heart level to reduce blood flow. Do not remove embedded objects. Monitor for signs of shock (pale, cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing). Keep the casualty warm and reassured.

Question 21: Under what legislation does the right to use reasonable force exist?

The Equality Act 2010
The SIA Act 2001
The Health and Safety Act 1974
Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967

Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 provides the legal basis for using reasonable force to prevent crime.

Question 22: Under the Equality Act 2010, which of the following would constitute unlawful discrimination by a door supervisor?

Refusing entry to someone who is excessively intoxicated
Refusing entry to a group solely because of their race or ethnicity (Correct answer)
Refusing entry to someone who does not meet the dress code
Refusing entry to someone who is underage

Correct answer: Refusing entry to a group solely because of their race or ethnicity

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination based on nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Refusing entry solely based on race or ethnicity is direct discrimination and is unlawful. Legitimate reasons for refusal (intoxication, age verification, dress code, capacity) are not discriminatory.

Question 23: Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, who is the 'responsible person' for fire safety in a licensed premises?

The most senior door supervisor on duty
The local fire brigade commander
The local council licensing officer
The employer, owner, or any person who has control of the premises (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The employer, owner, or any person who has control of the premises

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the 'responsible person' is the employer, owner, occupier, or anyone with control of the premises. They must carry out fire risk assessments, implement fire safety measures, and ensure staff are trained.

Question 24: Which technique is prohibited in SIA training?

Escorting by holding upper arm
Approved restraint holds
Open-hand guidance
Chokeholds or neck restraints (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Chokeholds or neck restraints

Chokeholds and neck restraints are extremely dangerous, can cause death, and are prohibited.

Question 25: What is a 'trigger' in the context of conflict?

The button that activates the venue alarm
An event, word, or action that causes an emotional reaction leading to conflict (Correct answer)
A type of firearm
A dance move that starts fights

Correct answer: An event, word, or action that causes an emotional reaction leading to conflict

Triggers are stimuli that provoke emotional reactions. Identifying common triggers (refusal, perceived disrespect, alcohol) helps door supervisors anticipate and prevent conflict.

Question 26: A venue's management instructs door supervisors to refuse entry to anyone wearing traditional African clothing. What should the door supervisor do?

Follow the instruction as management sets the door policy
Refuse to follow the instruction as it constitutes racial discrimination, and report it to the SIA and management's senior leadership (Correct answer)
Follow the instruction but document their disagreement
Apply the policy but make exceptions when they personally disagree

Correct answer: Refuse to follow the instruction as it constitutes racial discrimination, and report it to the SIA and management's senior leadership

An instruction to refuse entry based on traditional African clothing would constitute direct racial discrimination. Door supervisors have a professional and legal duty not to follow unlawful instructions. They should refuse to comply, report the instruction to senior management, and if not resolved, report to the SIA, as this could affect the venue's licence.

Question 27: Which communication technique is best when dealing with an aggressive person?

Use calm, open body language and steady voice (Correct answer)
Match their aggressive tone
Ignore them until they calm down
Threaten to call police

Correct answer: Use calm, open body language and steady voice

Calm body language and a steady voice help de-escalate tension.

Question 28: Which of these is NOT a recognised sign of cannabis use?

Bloodshot eyes
Giggling and increased appetite
Distinctive sweet herbal smell
Aggressive and hyperactive behaviour (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Aggressive and hyperactive behaviour

Cannabis typically causes relaxation, bloodshot eyes, a distinctive smell, giggling, and increased appetite (the 'munchies'). Aggressive and hyperactive behaviour is not a typical sign of cannabis use, though reactions can vary.

Question 29: A customer approaches you with a complaint about another customer's behaviour inside the venue. How should you handle it?

Ignore the complaint unless you personally witnessed the behaviour
Immediately eject the person being complained about without investigation
Tell them to sort it out themselves
Listen actively, take the complaint seriously, thank them for reporting it, explain what action you will take, and follow up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Listen actively, take the complaint seriously, thank them for reporting it, explain what action you will take, and follow up

All complaints should be taken seriously and handled professionally. Listen actively without interrupting, show empathy, thank the customer for bringing it to your attention, and explain what steps you will take. Investigate the situation before taking action, and follow up with the complainant where possible. This builds trust and shows the venue takes customer welfare seriously.

Question 30: Why should a door supervisor avoid using martial arts techniques?

There's no reason to avoid them if you're trained
Martial arts don't work in real situations
Martial arts are illegal in the UK
Techniques not covered in SIA training may cause disproportionate harm and aren't insured (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Techniques not covered in SIA training may cause disproportionate harm and aren't insured

Only techniques taught in the SIA-approved course are covered by the venue's insurance and recognised as appropriate. Using untrained techniques increases the risk of injury and legal liability.

Question 31: During a hot summer event, several patrons show signs of heat exhaustion — dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating. What actions should the door supervisor take?

Call an ambulance immediately for every patron showing these symptoms
Tell them to stop drinking alcohol and they will feel better
Move affected patrons to a cool area, provide water, apply first aid, and alert management to consider venue temperature and ventilation (Correct answer)
Eject the patrons as they may be under the influence of drugs

Correct answer: Move affected patrons to a cool area, provide water, apply first aid, and alert management to consider venue temperature and ventilation

Heat exhaustion is a foreseeable risk at crowded venues in hot weather. Door supervisors should move affected individuals to a cool, ventilated area, provide water, loosen clothing, and apply cool compresses. Management should be alerted to consider increasing ventilation, providing free water (required under mandatory licensing conditions), and potentially reducing capacity. If symptoms worsen to heat stroke (confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness), emergency services must be called immediately.

Question 32: A venue has a capacity of 400 people. The door clicker shows 395 inside. A group of 10 arrives. What should the door supervisor do?

Explain that only 5 can enter now and operate a 'one in, one out' policy for the remaining 5 (Correct answer)
Allow all 10 in but radio the floor team to ask 5 people to leave
Refuse the entire group as splitting them up could cause a confrontation
Allow the group in as 5 people over capacity is within an acceptable tolerance

Correct answer: Explain that only 5 can enter now and operate a 'one in, one out' policy for the remaining 5

The maximum capacity must never be exceeded. The door supervisor should explain the situation politely, admit up to 5 from the group to reach capacity, and operate a 'one in, one out' policy for the remaining members as other patrons leave. This maintains safety while still offering a reasonable solution to the group.

Question 33: Why is it important to communicate during physical intervention?

To distract the person
To alert bystanders for social media content
To tell the person what you're doing, give commands, and reassure them to gain compliance (Correct answer)
Communication isn't needed during physical intervention

Correct answer: To tell the person what you're doing, give commands, and reassure them to gain compliance

Clear communication during restraint ('Calm down, I'm holding you for your safety') can reduce resistance, reassure the person, and demonstrates professionalism to witnesses.

Question 34: What is a 'sterile area' in security terms?

A hospital-clean zone
A controlled buffer zone between the venue and any ongoing incident, free of bystanders (Correct answer)
A venue with no alcohol served
The staff room

Correct answer: A controlled buffer zone between the venue and any ongoing incident, free of bystanders

Creating a sterile area means clearing bystanders from the immediate vicinity of an incident. This protects the public, reduces interference, and gives space to manage the situation.

Question 35: What must be displayed at a licensed premises?

Nothing needs to be displayed
The door supervisor's SIA licence number
A summary of the premises licence or a club premises certificate (Correct answer)
The owner's home address

Correct answer: A summary of the premises licence or a club premises certificate

The summary of the premises licence must be prominently displayed. This shows the licensable activities permitted, hours, and any conditions.

Question 36: What is 'excited delirium' and why is it dangerous during restraint?

A type of drug commonly found at raves
A happy feeling from too much dancing
Excitement about getting into the venue
A medical emergency involving extreme agitation, hyperthermia, and risk of sudden death (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A medical emergency involving extreme agitation, hyperthermia, and risk of sudden death

Excited delirium involves extreme agitation, insensitivity to pain, elevated body temperature, and can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Physical restraint increases the danger significantly.

Question 37: What is a 'prohibition notice' from the HSE?

A notice prohibiting entry to the venue
A ban on certain types of music
An enforcement notice requiring immediate cessation of dangerous activities (Correct answer)
A notice prohibiting alcohol sales

Correct answer: An enforcement notice requiring immediate cessation of dangerous activities

A prohibition notice requires immediate cessation of a dangerous activity. Failure to comply is a criminal offence. It's more serious than an improvement notice.

Question 38: When ejecting an intoxicated patron from a venue, what is the door supervisor's duty of care?

The duty of care ends once the patron is outside the venue's premises
Simply escort the patron to the pavement and return to the door immediately
Take the patron to the nearest police station for their own safety
Ensure the patron is not left in a vulnerable state — consider calling a taxi, contacting their friends, or calling an ambulance if necessary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ensure the patron is not left in a vulnerable state — consider calling a taxi, contacting their friends, or calling an ambulance if necessary

Door supervisors have a duty of care that extends beyond simply removing someone from the venue. An intoxicated person left alone on the street is vulnerable to injury, crime, or exposure. Best practice includes helping them contact friends or family, calling a taxi, or calling emergency services if they are severely intoxicated. Abandoning a vulnerable person could result in negligence claims.

Question 39: What should a door supervisor do if they notice overcrowding in the venue?

Turn off the music to make people leave
Nothing — that's management's problem
Call the fire brigade
Alert management immediately and implement a 'one in, one out' policy at the door (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Alert management immediately and implement a 'one in, one out' policy at the door

Overcrowding is a serious fire safety risk. Door supervisors should monitor capacity, alert management, and control entry to maintain safe numbers.

Question 40: A patron refuses to be searched at the door of a venue operating a mandatory search policy. What should the door supervisor do?

Inform the patron they are legally required to submit to a search and call the police if they refuse
Physically restrain the patron and search them as the policy gives legal authority to do so
Explain that refusal means they cannot enter, remain polite, and suggest they visit another venue (Correct answer)
Allow them entry but alert inside staff to monitor them closely throughout the night

Correct answer: Explain that refusal means they cannot enter, remain polite, and suggest they visit another venue

A patron has every right to refuse a search — it is a consensual process. The door supervisor should politely explain that searching is a condition of entry and that refusal means they cannot enter. There is no legal power to force a search, and the patron should be treated with respect throughout the interaction.

Question 41: What is a 'pain compliance' technique and what are its risks?

A technique using pressure on joints/nerves to gain compliance, which can cause injury (Correct answer)
A training exercise for new door staff
A way to test if someone is really injured
A relaxation technique for stressed patrons

Correct answer: A technique using pressure on joints/nerves to gain compliance, which can cause injury

Pain compliance uses pressure on specific points to encourage cooperation. Risks include joint injury, nerve damage, and it may not work on intoxicated individuals who have reduced pain sensitivity.

Question 42: What is 'duty of care' in relation to physical intervention?

Making sure the venue is clean
Caring about your career development
The legal obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm to others (Correct answer)
Only applies to medical professionals

Correct answer: The legal obligation to take reasonable steps to avoid causing harm to others

Duty of care means you must take reasonable steps to avoid causing foreseeable harm. This applies during and after restraint — including calling medical help if needed.

Question 43: What is 'vicarious liability' in licensing?

Being held responsible for the actions of employees or agents acting in the course of their duties (Correct answer)
Liability that only applies to police
Being liable for your own actions only
A type of insurance

Correct answer: Being held responsible for the actions of employees or agents acting in the course of their duties

Premises licence holders can be held liable for the actions of their staff (including door supervisors) if the offence occurred during the course of employment.

SIA Security Industry Authority Exam

The SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence-linked exam covers conflict management, physical intervention, legal powers and responsibilities, and counter terrorism awareness for UK security professionals.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

74%

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