As a former full-time CPO and Certified CPO Instructor now living in France, I have been fielding a steady flow of questions from UK-based operatives and companies looking to take on work here. Much of what I’m hearing is based on outdated information or, frankly, bad advice. Some are still being told that an SIA licence is enough for short-term work in France. It is not.
This article sets out the facts and points you toward a practical route forward for those serious about operating legally in the French security sector.
The Legal Reality: The SIA Licence Is Not Recognised in France
Before Brexit, SIA licence holders occasionally worked across EU borders under periods of cooperation or informal acceptance. That ended when the UK left the European Union. The SIA licence now holds no legal standing in France.
France regulates all private security activity through CNAPS (Commission Nationale des Activités Privées de Sécurité). Whether you are providing close protection, guarding, residential security, event cover, or specialist protective services, the law requires that:
- You hold a CNAPS-issued professional card (carte professionnelle)
- You work for or are subcontracted through a CNAPS-authorised company
- Your prior qualifications are validated by CNAPS, or you complete a French-recognised course
There is no grace period, no week-long exemption, and no “client is British so we’re fine” defence. Work without CNAPS approval is illegal under French law.
The Declining Value of the SIA Licence Abroad
Across parts of Europe and the United States, the SIA licence is increasingly viewed as a low benchmark, with inconsistent training depth and limited practical competency requirements. That reputation, combined with Brexit, means it carries little or no influence with regulators like CNAPS. Experience still counts, but the SIA card itself will not open doors in France.
A Better Option: The Irish PSA Licence
If you hold Irish citizenship, dual nationality, EU residency, or have the option to train under an EU framework, the Private Security Authority (PSA) licence offers a more credible, EU-aligned foundation.
The PSA is Ireland’s national regulator for private security services. It operates within the European Union regulatory environment, which means that when you apply to CNAPS in France, your PSA training and licensing status can be formally considered under EU rules on the recognition of professional qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC).
While a PSA licence is not automatically recognised in France, it can significantly strengthen your CNAPS application because it demonstrates:
- Verified, regulated training delivered within an EU member state
- Documented licensing, background vetting, and regulatory oversight
- A standards-based approach that aligns more closely with European expectations than the current SIA framework
Good News for SIA Licence Holders
There is a viable and structured pathway open to all SIA licence holders, including those qualified in Close Protection (CP), Door Supervision (DS), and Security Officer (SO) roles.
Whether you are UK-based or an international operative holding a valid SIA licence, including African nationals, you may be eligible to obtain a PSA licence by attending a recognised PSA Augmented Course. This is typically delivered as a one-day programme, available not only in Ireland but also internationally through approved providers.
In fact, we have already seen SIA-qualified African nationals successfully gain PSA licences through this route.
The PSA Augmented Course is designed specifically to transition existing SIA licence holders into the PSA framework by bridging the regulatory and training requirements expected within the EU.
It offers a practical and legally compliant way to bring your qualifications into line with European standards, significantly improving your chances of CNAPS recognition.
This approach will not bypass the French system, but it provides a credible stepping stone and a realistic solution for professionals who wish to continue working across Europe.
A Note from Experience
I still hold a current SIA CP Licence and am currently navigating the CNAPS recognition process myself. Even as a European passport holder, full French resident, French social security number, and with over 30 years of checkable close protection experience, the process is not quick. Expect document requests, sworn translations, verification of course content, and a detailed background check. That said, it is the only lawful and credible way to work in the French private security sector. Anything else exposes you and your client to legal and reputational risk.
Quick Guide: If You Want To Work Legally in France
Step 1: Confirm eligibility. Are you an EU citizen, Irish passport holder, or eligible to train and licence under the PSA?
Step 2: Complete the PSA Augmented Course (or full PSA-accredited training) through an approved provider.
Step 3: Gather evidence: certificates, syllabi, training hours, assessment results, licence status.
Step 4: Obtain certified French translations of all key documents.
Step 5: Apply to CNAPS for recognition of foreign qualifications (reconnaissance). Be prepared for follow-up questions.
Step 6: Complete any top-up or bridging modules required by French law.
Step 7: Secure employment or subcontracting through a CNAPS-authorised company and obtain your carte professionnelle.
Final Thoughts
The takeaway is simple. The SIA licence no longer gives you access to the French market. The law is clear and enforcement is tightening. If you want to operate professionally in France, work toward CNAPS compliance.
If you are looking for a credible stepping stone, the Irish PSA licence, supported by the PSA Augmented Course, is one of the strongest options currently available within the European framework. With proper documentation, translation, and supporting evidence, it can help move you toward full authorisation in France.
Working With the Right People
I am currently collaborating with the Head of Training at the Security Institute of Ireland and the PSA-accredited provider SSE Training & Consultancy to promote this legitimate and workable pathway.
If you would like more information on the PSA licence, feel free to contact me directly.
Stay safe,
Sean
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