The complete Dubai SIRA exam guide

1. What is SIRA and the SIRA exam?

SIRA stands for the Security Industry Regulatory Agency. It is the Dubai Government agency that regulates the private security industry in Dubai: it licenses security companies, sets training standards and certifies security guards.

The SIRA exam is the written test a guard takes after completing the approved basic security training. Passing it is required to receive the SIRA guard licence (guard card) that every private security officer in Dubai must hold while on duty.

Remember: SIRA regulates security in Dubai. Other emirates have their own authorities. This is a common trick question.

2. Who needs a SIRA licence?

• New security guards who will work as private security in Dubai.
• Guards moving to Dubai from other emirates or countries.
• Supervisors and officers, who usually need their own licence category.
• Licensed guards, who must keep the licence valid and renew it before it expires.

3. The licence process, step by step

1. Get a job with a licensed security company. Your application is usually made through a SIRA-licensed employer in Dubai.
2. Application and documents. The company submits your details and documents.
3. Attend the basic security training. Complete the SIRA-approved basic security guard course (about 40 hours, around one week).
4. Sit the written exam. A multiple-choice exam of about 60 questions, available in English and Arabic.
5. Pass and receive your licence. Your SIRA guard card is issued. Carry it at all times on duty.
6. Keep it valid. Renew before expiry and report a lost card immediately.

4. Exam format at a glance

Time limit, pass mark and fees can change. Always confirm the latest rules with SIRA or your employer before your exam.

5. Topics in the exam

The exam tests the practical knowledge from the basic training: SIRA rules, UAE general knowledge, guard duties, professional conduct, access control, patrolling, report writing, radio and the phonetic alphabet, CCTV, fire safety, first aid and CPR, emergency response, health and safety, UAE laws, conflict management, crowd control and terrorism awareness. Every topic has its own category page with a full lesson and quiz.

6. Documents usually requested

• Passport copy
• UAE residence visa
• Emirates ID
• Passport-size photos
• Education certificate
• Training completion record

Your employer will tell you the exact list for your application.

7. 4-week study plan

• Week 1 · Foundation: Level 1 categories (SIRA, UAE GK, guard role, conduct). One quiz every day.
• Week 2 · Core duties: Level 2 (access control, patrolling, reports, radio, CCTV).
• Week 3 · Safety and law: Levels 3 and 4 (fire, first aid, emergencies, UAE laws, conflict, crowds, terrorism awareness).
• Week 4 · Exam mastery: Most repeated and tricky questions, then one full mock test every day.

8. Exam-day tips

1. Sleep well the night before.
2. Arrive early with your ID and documents.
3. Read every question twice.
4. Watch for words like NOT, ONLY, ALWAYS and NEVER.
5. Answer the easy questions first.
6. Never leave a question blank.
7. Remember the guard rule: prevent, observe, report.
8. Check your answers if time is left.

9. Common mistakes and what happens after you pass

Avoid these mistakes: memorising answers without understanding them, mixing up the emergency numbers 997, 998 and 999, skipping first aid and fire classes, and thinking a guard has the same powers as the police.

After you pass: your SIRA guard licence is issued. Carry your card at all times on duty, follow SIRA rules to keep your licence, and renew it on time before it expires.