PSA Event Security Licence Ireland
— What You Need to Know
Working at concerts, festivals, and sporting events in Ireland requires a PSA licence. Here is exactly which one you need and how the temporary event licence works.
Which Licence Do I Need?Event Security Licensing in Ireland — The Full Picture
Event security in Ireland is covered under PSA licensing but works differently to other licence categories. There is no single standalone "Event Security Licence" for most workers — instead, event security roles are covered by either the PSA Door Supervisor Licence or a Temporary Event Licence, depending on your situation.
This is one of the most misunderstood areas of PSA licensing. Many workers assume their static guard licence covers event work — it does not. Getting this wrong can result in unlicensed working, which is a criminal offence.
Door Supervisor Licence vs Temporary Event Licence
There are two legitimate routes for working in event security in Ireland. Which one applies to you depends on how regularly you work events and whether you already hold another PSA licence.
| Licence Type | Who It's For | Training Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door Supervisor Licence | Regular event security workers, anyone wanting full flexibility | QQI Level 4 Door Security Procedures (4N20611) | €150 (3 years) |
| Temporary Event Licence | Occasional event workers — must have a PSA-licensed employer | In-house training provided by the licensed event contractor | Check psa.gov.ie |
Static Guard Licence Does Not Cover Events
A PSA Security Guard (Static) licence does not permit you to work at concerts, festivals, or sporting events. The Door Supervisor licence is now required for all large event security work in Ireland. If you are currently working events on a static guard licence, you are working unlicensed.
Getting the Door Supervisor Licence for Event Work
The Door Supervisor Licence is the recommended route for anyone who wants to work events regularly. It also covers licensed premises (pubs, clubs) and can be held alongside a static guard licence — giving you the widest possible range of shifts and employers.
Complete the QQI Level 4 Door Security Procedures Course (4N20611)
Available online and in-person through PSA-approved providers. Runs across 6–8 sessions. Cost is typically €395 for the door course alone, or €495–€595 for the combined Static + Door programme — which most people choose.
Register and Pay Online at psa.gov.ie
The Door Supervisor licence fee is €150 for 3 years. If applying for both the Static Guard and Door Supervisor licences together, the combined fee is €160.
Complete Garda Vetting
Respond to the National Vetting Bureau email within 7 days. Missing this window is the most common cause of delays.
Return Signed Application Pack
Return within 21 days with a colour passport photograph and your training certificate.
Receive Your Licence Card and Start Working Events
Allow approximately 6 weeks. Once issued, your licence covers all event security work including concerts, festivals, and sporting events across Ireland.
The Temporary Event Licence
The Temporary Event Licence is designed for individuals who want to work in event security on an occasional basis without completing the full Door Supervisor course. There are important restrictions you need to understand before going down this route.
You Must Have a PSA-Licensed Employer First
You cannot apply for a Temporary Event Licence independently. You must already have a confirmed employer who is a registered PSA Event Security contractor. The employer must provide or arrange your training.
Training Is Provided In-House by the Contractor
Unlike other PSA licence categories, the training for a Temporary Event Licence is delivered in-house by the registered PSA event security contractor — not through an external QQI course. A training letter or certificate from the contractor must accompany your application.
Apply Online at psa.gov.ie
Register and pay the applicable fee through the PSA's online portal. Check psa.gov.ie for the current Temporary Event Licence fee as this can change.
Complete Garda Vetting
Standard vetting process applies — respond within 7 days of receiving the vetting email.
Event Security Licensing — Cost & Timeline
Event Security Licence — FAQ
No. Large sporting events and concerts require a Door Supervisor licence or a valid Temporary Event Licence under a registered PSA contractor. A standard static guard licence does not cover this work.
Unpaid voluntary stewarding at small community events may fall outside PSA licensing requirements. However, anyone being paid to provide security or crowd management services at events must hold a valid PSA licence. If in doubt, contact the PSA directly at info@psa.gov.ie.
The main PSA-registered event security contractors in Ireland include Securitas Ireland, Bidvest Noonan, G4S Ireland, and Synergy Security Solutions, as well as a number of specialist event security firms. You can verify contractor licences on the PSA Public Register at psa.gov.ie.
Largely yes. The main season runs from May to September, covering outdoor festivals, concerts, and sporting events. However, Dublin's indoor venues (3Arena, Convention Centre, Aviva) provide year-round event security work, and the Christmas period generates significant additional demand.
Event security typically pays €14 to €16 per hour, with some contractors offering higher rates for night shifts or specialist crowd management roles. Rates vary by contractor and event type.