Private Security Authority Types, Eligibility and Training

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activities/sub-activities:

• Crowd control
• Security guard – unarmed guard
• Security guard – control room operator

Units of competency

• CPPSEC2101 – Apply effective communication skills to maintain security
• CPPSEC2102 – Apply legal and procedural requirements to work effectively within a security team
• CPPSEC2103 – Apply WHS, emergency response and evacuation procedures to maintain security
• CPPSEC2104 – Apply risk assessment to select and carry out response to security risk situations
• CPPSEC2105 – Provide quality services to a range of security clients
• CPPSEC2106 – Protect self and others using basic defensive techniques
• CPPSEC2107 – Patrol premises to monitor property and maintain security
• CPPSEC2108 – Screen people, personal effects and items to maintain security
• CPPSEC2109 – Monitor and control access and exit of persons and vehicles from premises
• CPPSEC2110 – Monitor and control individual and crowd to behaviour to maintain security
• CPPSEC2111 – Apply security procedures to manage intoxicated persons
• CPPSEC2112 – Apply security procedures to remove persons from premise
• CPPSEC2113 – Escort and protect persons and valuables
• HLTAID003 / HLTAID011 – Provide first aid

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activity/sub-activity:

• Security guard – armed guard

Note: Entry to CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations is conditional. For further information please contact an approved Registered Training Organisation or the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

Units of competency

• BSBFLM312 – Contribute to team effectiveness
• CPPSEC3101 – Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
• CPPSEC3102 – Maintain operational safety and security of work environment
• CPPSEC3103 – Determine and implement response to security risk situation
• CPPSEC3104 – Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour
• CPPSEC3105 – Coordinate Provision of quality security services to clients
• CPPSEC3106 – Gather, organise and present security information and documentation
• HLTWHS003 – Maintain work health and safety
• CPPSEC3114 – Control security risk situations using firearms
• CPPSEC3115 – Carry, Operate and maintain revolvers for security purposes
• CPPSEC3116 – Carry, Operate and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes
• CPPSEC3110 – Control persons using batons
• CPPSEC3111 – Restrain persons using handcuffs
• CPPSEC3125 – Implement security procedures to protect critical infrastructure and public assets

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activity/sub-activity:

• Security guard – cash-in-transit

Note: Entry to CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations is conditional. For further information please contact an approved Registered Training Organisation or the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

Units of competency

• BSBFLM312 – Contribute to team effectiveness
• CPPSEC3101 – Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
• CPPSEC3102 – Maintain operational safety and security of work environment
• CPPSEC3103 – Determine and implement response to security risk situation
• CPPSEC3104 – Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour
• CPPSEC3105 – Coordinate Provision of quality security services to clients
• CPPSEC3106 – Gather, organise and present security information and documentation
• HLTWHS003 – Maintain work health and safety
• CPPSEC3114 – Control security risk situations using firearms
• CPPSEC3115 – Carry, Operate and maintain revolvers for security purposes
• CPPSEC3116 – Carry, Operate and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes
• CPPSEC3118 – Inspect and test cash-in-transit security equipment
• CPPSEC3119 – Implement cash-in-transit security procedures
• CPPSEC3120 – Load and unload cash-in-transit in secured and unsecured environments

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activities/sub-activities:

• Security guard – armed guard
• Security guard – cash-in-transit

Note: Entry to CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations is conditional. For further information please contact an approved Registered Training Organisation or the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

Units of competency

• BSBFLM312 – Contribute to team effectiveness
• CPPSEC3101 – Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
• CPPSEC3102 – Maintain operational safety and security of work environment
• CPPSEC3103 – Determine and implement response to security risk situation
• CPPSEC3104 – Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour
• CPPSEC3105 – Coordinate Provision of quality security services to clients
• CPPSEC3106 – Gather, organise and present security information and documentation
• HLTWHS003 – Maintain work health and safety
• CPPSEC3114 – Control security risk situations using firearms
• CPPSEC3115 – Carry, Operate and maintain revolvers for security purposes
• CPPSEC3116 – Carry, Operate and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes
• CPPSEC3118 – Inspect and test cash-in-transit security equipment
• CPPSEC3119 – Implement cash-in-transit security procedures
• CPPSEC3120 – Load and unload cash-in-transit in secured and unsecured environments
• CPPSEC3110 – Control persons using batons
• CPPSEC3111 – Restrain persons using handcuffs
• CPPSEC3125 – Implement security procedures to protect critical infrastructure and public assets

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activity/sub-activity:

• Security guard – guard with dog

Note: Entry to CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations is conditional. For further information please contact an approved Registered Training Organisation or the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA).

Units of competency

• BSBFLM312 – Contribute to team effectiveness
• CPPSEC3101 – Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
• CPPSEC3102 – Maintain operational safety and security of work environment
• CPPSEC3103 – Determine and implement response to security risk situation
• CPPSEC3104 – Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour
• CPPSEC3105 – Coordinate Provision of quality security services to clients
• CPPSEC3106 – Gather, organise and present security information and documentation
• HLTWHS003 – Maintain work health and safety
• CPPSEC3110 – Control persons using batons
• CPPSEC3111 – Restrain persons using handcuffs
• CPPSEC3112 – Manage training and wellbeing of dogs for security functions
• CPPSEC3113 – Handle dogs for security patrols
• CPPSEC3121 – Control persons using empty hand techniques
• CPPSEC3125 – Implement security procedures to protect critical infrastructure and public assets

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activity:

• Bodyguard

Units of competency

• CPP31418 Certificate III in Close Protection Operations
• CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
• CPPSEC3103 Determine and implement response to security risk situation
• CPPSEC3105 Coordinate provision of quality security services to clients
• HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
• HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid
• CPPSEC3121 Control persons using empty hand techniques
• CPPSEC3122 Plan provision of close protection services
• CPPSEC3123 Implement close protection services
• TLIC1051 Operate commercial vehicle
• BSBFLM312 Contribute to team effectiveness
• CPPSEC3102 Maintain operational safety and security of work environment
• CPPSEC3104 Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour
• CPPSEC3110 Control persons using batons
• CPPSEC3111 Restrain persons using handcuffs

Private Security Business Licence applicants are required to demonstrate competency as part of their licence application. Competency for licencing is typically demonstrated via training or membership to an approved security industry organisation. Applicants who provide training as evidence of competency for licensing must obtain a Certificate IV in Security Management (comprised of 12 units, including 4 core units and 8 elective units).

Units of competency

Core Units

• CPPSEC4001 Manage work health and safety in the security work environment
• CPPSEC4003 Assess and advise on client security needs
• CPPSEC4005 Facilitate security operations briefing and debriefing processes
• CPPSEC4022 Establish and implement ethics and governance arrangements for security businesses

Elective Units

Electives are to be chosen as follows: 

1. You must either complete all units within Group A or all units within Group B; and
2. Up to 4 units from Groups A, B or C (not already selected); and
3. An elective unit must be selected from Group D or from any training package, as long as it contributes to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome and maintains the AQF level of this qualification.

Group A: Business Management

• BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
• BSBHRM415 Coordinate recruitment and onboarding
• BSBOPS401 Coordinate business resources
• CPPSEC4023 Implement contracting arrangements for security businesses

Group B: Supervision

• BSBLDR413 Lead effective workplace relationships
• BSBLDR414 Lead team effectiveness
• BSBPEF402 Develop personal work priorities
• CPPSEC4004 Supervise security operations

Group C: Specialist

• CPPINV4013 Undertake case management of investigations
• CPPSEC4008 Assess and prepare security tender submissions
• CPPSEC4009 Interpret electronic information from advanced technology security systems
• CPPSEC4010 Manage monitoring centre operations
• CPPSEC4011 Manage field staff activity and incident response from control room
• CPPSEC4014 Commission and decommission networked security systems
• CPPSEC4015 Maintain networked security systems
• CPPSEC4016 Install networked security systems
• CPPSEC4017 Design security system configurations and specifications
• CPPSEC4018 Program and configure networked security systems
• CPPSEC4019 Diagnose faults in networked security systems
• CPPSEC4020 Advise on advanced technology security systems to meet client needs
• CPPSEC4021 Develop standard operating procedures for advanced technology security systems

Group D: General

• BSBESB403 Plan finances for new business ventures
• BSBFIA412 Report on financial activity
• BSBHRM412 Support employee and industrial relations
• BSBINN301 Promote innovation in a team environment
• BSBITS411 Maintain and implement digital technology
• BSBOPS404 Implement customer service strategies
• BSBPEF402 Develop personal work priorities
• BSBSTR402 Implement continuous improvement
• PSPREG017 Undertake compliance audits

For Further information refer to the training.gov.au(opens in a new window) website.

This qualification, comprising of the below-listed units of competency, allows you to apply to be licensed in the following private security activity:

• Investigator

Units of competency

This qualification comprises of 16 units, including 5 core units and 11 elective units.

Core units

• CPPINV3026 Work effectively in investigative services
• CPPINV3027 Develop investigation plans
• CPPINV3028 Investigate and locate subjects
• CPPINV3029 Provide quality investigative services to clients
• CPPSEC3124 Prepare and present evidence in court

Elective units

Electives are to be chosen as follows:

1. You must complete all 8 units in Group A plus 3 units from any other group not already selected; or
2. All 7 units in Group B plus 4 units from any other group not already selected; and
3. Up to 1 unit may be selected from any Training Package, as long as it contributes to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome and maintains the AQF level of this qualification.

Group A: Factual Investigation

• BSBESB305 Address compliance requirements for new business ventures
• CPPINV3030 Conduct factual investigations
• CPPINV3031 Conduct interviews and take statements to support investigations
• CPPINV3032 Develop factual investigation reports
• HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
• PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes
• PSPREG006 Produce formal record of interview
• PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information

Group B: Surveillance

• BSBESB305 Address compliance requirements for new business ventures
• CPPINV3033 Conduct covert surveillance operations
• CPPINV3034 Organise and operate surveillance vehicles
• CPPINV3035 Develop surveillance investigation reports
• HLTWHS003 Maintain work health and safety
• PSPCRT007 Compile and use official notes
• PSPSEC009 Handle sensitive information

Group C: General Electives

• AVIY3075 Control remote pilot aircraft systems in normal flight
• BSBSMB301 Investigate micro business opportunities
• BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans
• BSBESB402 Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures
• CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation
• FNSMCA303 Serve legal process

For further information refer to the training.gov.au(opens in a new window) website.

Nil training qualifications requirements.

• CPP30619 Investigators – 170 hours
• CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations (Unarmed Guard, Crowd Control & Control Room Operator)  – 130 hours
• CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations (Armed Guard) – 112 hours
• CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations (Cash-in-Transit) – 112 hours
• CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations (Combined Armed Guard & Cash-in-transit) – 136 hours
• CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations (Guarding with a dog) – 157 hours
• CPP31418 Certificate III in Close Protection Operations – 136 hours

Providing evidence of training

Evidence of training that has not previously been provided to the Licensing and Regulation Division is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

When renewing a current licence you do not need to provide evidence of training. If, however, your licence expires or is cancelled for 12 months or more, you will have to reapply and you will have to provide new training certificates/newly issued Statement of Results. You will be required to go to an approved Registered Training Organisation to have your training qualifications or Statement of Results assessed.  Once assessed, a new Statement of Results must be issued to reflect the current training requirements.

The holder of a firearm licence issued for the genuine reason of Security Guard (employee or owner-operator) or Prison Guard must re-qualify at an approved industry specific firearms training course once every financial year (1 July to 30 June).

Upon providing evidence of having completed re-qualification training, the expiry date of the training will be automatically set to 30 June the following financial year. For example, training completed at any time in the 2021/2022 financial year will expire on 30 June 2022.

The current approved security industry specific firearms training unit of competency is Control Security Risk Situation Using Firearms.

This course is a two-day (16-hour) training program to be undertaken with an approved registered training organisation.

It is the personal responsibility of each licence holder to ensure that they provide the Licensing and Regulation Division with a copy of their certificate. A copy of the certificate must be provided to the Licensing and Regulation Division by post or email within seven days of the re-qualification having been completed. Licence holders should record their licence number on the training document to ensure records can be updated promptly.

While the Licensing and Regulation Division will accept certificates submitted by employers or trainers on behalf of licence holders, licence holders should not rely on, or assume that these parties will take responsibility for providing this documentation within the required time-frames.

Failure to comply with the re-qualification requirement by the end of each financial year (30 June) may result in the immediate suspension of the firearms licence.

If a firearms licence issued for private security or prison guard genuine reasons is suspended, a private security licence holder will not be able to handle firearms in the course of their employment regardless of whether their private security licence remains valid.

Where a licence holder is unable to undertake the re-qualification training by the annual expiry date (30 June) for reasons out of their control they must immediately notify the Licensing and Regulation Division.