If you are a newcomer to the security industry and do not have a current security licence, this guide will help you determine which licence you need.
If you are a licensed security officer and are unsure about the introduction of this new licensing system, this guide will help clarify things.
What Has Really Changed And Why?
The new NSW Security Industry Act and Regulations bring much needed reforms to the Security Industry Training Standards.
The new Act was prompted by the findings of the NSW Industrial Commission CIT Inquiry, which recommended an immediate overhaul of training procedures and trainers qualifications.
Under the new system trainers and courses must be accredited by the Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB), and licensed by the NSW Police Security Industry Registry. To keep things simple we are only listing the changes that effect security officers.
Under the old system there were two security officer licences: The 1A (Security Guard and Crowd Controller) and the 1B (Bodyguard) licence. To qualify for these licences you only needed to participate in a two-day course.
Under the new system there are three types of licences.
All these new licences are valid for five years and will cost $350.00. (Under review). You may also apply for a one year licence at the cost of $35.00. However, remember that you are also required to pay a $50.00 lodgement fee which in reality takes the cost of the licence to $85.00 per year, so you are far better off applying for the five year licence.
You pay $350.00 when you lodge the application with the NSW Police Security Industry Registry (or $85.00 for a one year licence).
You can have more than one class on your licence. For example a 1ABC licence will cost a total of $350.00 for five years.
In most cases you are best advised to qualify for all three licences, as this will make you more competitive in the workplace. However, if you are only interested in performing occasional work as a Crowd Controller (bouncer) or Bodyguard, it is pointless to waste time and money in achieving other qualifications.
How to
obtain the licence of your choice
Safecity customers can download a form for their personal use only. Please obtain a password before downloading the form by registering with us. Police stations do not carry these forms.
Lodge the form with your Safecity instructor.
Your local Police or the Security Industry Registry Unit will not process
these forms.
Security Industry Registry, Locked Bag 5099, Parramatta NSW 2124
When you receive notification in the mail, go to a branch of the Road Traffic Authority and process your photo licence.
Please note that under the new system you are
expected to have literacy and numeracy skills. If you have problems with
literacy and numeracy or are from a non-English speaking background, please
contact Ms. S. Flinders who will advise you about Safecity's Literacy/Numeracy
Support Scheme.
If you are a NSW licensed security officer
You will receive a letter from the NSW Police Service Security Industry Registry advising you of the new requirements. The process of qualifying under the new system is quite simple so you need not be alarmed.
Your 1AB licence remains valid until it expires. When it expires you will need to renew it under the new system. (Some licences will be extended to give you time to gain the new qualifications.) You can renew you licence two ways.
1. Obtain a 'Conditional licence'. As an existing licence holder you are entitled to apply for and be granted this licence immediately. The licence fee is $350.00 for 5 years. (You must attach the full fee) or $85.00 for a one year licence, to the Road Traffic Authority when you go to process your photo licence). As a conditional licence holder you must complete a Certificate II in Security within 12 months or your licence will be revoked.
2. Complete the Certificate II in Security and qualify for the new licence.
What is a Conditional Licence? (This section applies for licensed security officers only)
The conditional licence will allow you to continue working as a security officer for a period of up to one year. Within this twelve month period, you will be expected to complete all the requirements under the new licensing system. Current holders of the 1AB licence will be able to apply for the Conditional Licence when their licence is due for renewal. You will not be required to undergo any further training to apply for the Conditional Licence. If you do not complete the requirements within the prescribed 12 months period, the licence will become invalid.
How do I
obtain a Conditional Licence? (Applies
only if you are currently a licensed security officer)
1. Obtain two written character references from an approved referee (justice of the peace; employer; accountant; bank manager; lawyer; doctor; minister of religion; licensed security officers, teachers or public servants who have been active or licensed for 5 consecutive years or more. Other approved referees are judges, clerks of court and chartered accountants, members of Institute of Chartered Company Secretaries. Police officers or law enforcement officers may not act as approved referees.
2. Send the application form you received in the mail to the NSW Police Security Industry Registry (Your local Police will not be processing these forms). Be sure to attach the character reference and the $350.00 application fee. The licence will be valid for 5 years. A one year licence will cost you $85.00.
3. Establish what competencies you need for the licence of your choice. (See the table of competencies we provide in this page).
4. Enrol in Safecity's Certificate II in Security Course within 12 months. As an experienced Security Officer, you may already qualify for some or all the units required under the principle of Recognition of Prior Learning (also called Recognition of Current Competency)
5. Complete an approved Senior First Aid Course. This is available from Safecity. (Our Senior First Aid course is ideal for busy security professionals because it involves two days of home study and one day classroom practice.)
Remember--you are expected to complete the full requirements for your licence within twelve months or you Conditional Licence will become invalid.
Click here to download an application form.
If you are a new to the industry and do not hold a security
licence in other states
All applicants for training in the Certificate II in Security (Guarding) course must lodge an Authority for Pre-training Criminal Record Check form number P607 and receive a NSW Police Clearance before commencing training. Safecity's customers can download a form for their own personal use only. Please obtain a password before downloading the form by registering with us.
Some Police stations may have these forms;
however, police are busy people so we recommend you get the form from us or any
other Registered Training Organisation.
Enrol
in Safecity's Certificate II
in Security (Guarding) Course. (Download a form here)
If you are a current holder of a 1ABC Conditional Licence
As we have explained, each licence has certain learning requirements. Chances are that you already qualify for most of their requirements because of prior learning or workplace experience. Safecity can assess your current qualifications and match them to the new requirements. In order to do this we must receive from you a submission for Recognition of Prior Learning and Current Competency. If you have not already done so please read our easy to follow guide titled 'Applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (Recognition of Current Competency) in five easy steps 'you prepare your submission. We have produced an RPL kit to help you prepare a good submission.
In all cases, we strongly suggest you attend to the full course. Safecity has been conducting Certificate II in Security Courses for the past two years. Our courses are fun and are conducted in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
You will receive a software package that will help you excel in your tests. Our manual comprises of more than 400 pages of valuable and up-to-date information.
Order an RPL Kit here by downloading an order form.
Enrol in a Safecity's Certificate II in Security. Download an enrolment form.
The competencies required under the new legislation will be as follows:
Class 1 (a) (mobile/static guard, general security work, monitor room operator)
initially: units 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11, & 17.
after 12 months: units 1, 2, 3, 4, S. 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 17, 18 & one elective unit.
Class 1 (b) (bodyguard)
initially: units 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 12, 13, & 17.
after 12 months: units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 17, 18 & one elective unit
Class 1(c) (crowd controller)
initially: units 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 13, & 17.
after 12 months: units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17, 18 & two elective units.
These units equate to the following areas of competency:
unit 1 - maintain the security of premises and property
unit 2 - control access to and exit from premises
unit 3 - maintain safety of premises and personnel
unit 4 - communicate in the workplace
unit 5 - manage conflict
unit 6 - maintain occupational health and safety
unit 7 - manage own performance
unit 8 - operate basic security equipment
unit 9 - apprehend offenders
unit 11 - escort and carry valuables
unit 12 - provide for safety of persons
unit 13 - control crowds
unit 17 - maintain an effective relationship with clients/customers
unit 18 - work as part of a security team
PRSSG10A Screen baggage and people to minimise security risk
In addition to the
above, all class 1 licence applicants will be required to show evidence of
completion of a senior first aid course.
Applying for Recognition of Prior Learning
(Recognition of Current Competency) in five easy steps
This easy to follow guide will help you to understand the process of RPL/RCC. If you have not had any previous experience in the Security Industry, this form does not apply to you.
If you are an experienced security officer and
have already enrolled in industry recognized courses, chances are that you
qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) also known as Recognition of
Current Competency (RCC).
Understanding the principle of RPL and RCC
Before you embark in this assignment, we would like to explain the principle of RPL/RCC. Safecity's Certificate II in Security, is a competency based course. The course consists of 15 modules. Each module deals with a specific competency. For example, Module 13 deals with 'Dog Handling', Module 14 deals with 'Operate Security Vehicles' and so on.
Please do not be put off by the term 'competency'. It is the universally accepted term in vocational training and we are stuck with it. It is important you realize that not having achieved a 'competency' in a module does not make you 'incompetent'. This offensive word has no place in vocational training.
The principle of RPL/RCC allows you to use your current level of competency and prior learning you have achieved to obtain credits. For example, if you are an experienced dog handler who has graduated from an industry recognized course, you will be able to submit this information to us and request a credit for Module 13 'Dog Handling'. This means you will not need to attend class for that particular module and your course fees will be adjusted accordingly.
In order to prevent the abuse of RPL/RCC, all Registered Course Providers must produce to the authorities evidence of the reasons why the credit was awarded. Please understand we are unable to award you credits unless you provide us documentary evidence to support your claim for the credit. Moreover, the fact that you may have been employed as a guard for many years does not necessarily mean you will be able to claim for RPL. As you know, there are many veteran security officers who are in urgent need of retraining.
Attempting to abuse the principle of RPL to avoid a few
days in class will most assuredly fail.
WARNING: We are aware (and so are the authorities) that some unethical providers are offering "easy certificates". Obtaining a certificate through deception and fraud is an offence and if you are caught you will be disqualified from holding a licence for 10 years.
The chances of being caught are high. The NSW Police Security Industry Unit and VETAB will conduct spot checks on training providers to prevent this type of fraud from taking place. Moreover, even if you do succeed, you will ultimately be the loser. Sooner or later your lack of training will show up and you will lose the respect of employers and colleagues.
The Security Industry is demanding better trained, more informed security officers. Lack of competency will soon become obvious, causing you loss of job opportunities and poor promotion prospects.
Please work on your RPL submissions with the same spirit of fairness with which is offered to you. Ask yourself 'could I do with a refresher and update my knowledge in this competency?'
Safecity's courses are fun and are conducted
in a friendly and supportive environment. You will meet other security
professionals and will enjoy the learning experience.
Decide what type of licence you need.
Under the new Security Industry Act there are three types of licences available to security operatives. You may apply for any one of them, or all of them.
The three licences types are
These licences are performance based, therefore if you apply for a 1C licence you will only be licensed to operate as a Crowd Control Officer--and nothing else.
To qualify for each licence you must study a number of subjects and achieve 'competency' in these subjects.
Have you decided what type of licence you need? If you are unsure, contact Safecity.
Order the RPL Kit from Safecity
Please use the order form on this site to
receive a kit. Make sure to tell us which type of licence you need and ... to
attach the appropriate fee. If your submission for credits is unsuccessful, we
will deduct the fee that you paid us from the cost of your course.
Establish the competencies required for the licences you want.
The process of working out competencies can be quite complex. So we have provided you with an easy to follow chart.
The chart lists the competencies required for each licence. Study the requirements carefully, and determine whether you already possess these competencies. As a rule of thumb, if you are unsure whether you qualify for RPL/RCC in a given competency, then you are unlikely to be able to obtain a credit for that competency. If you feel certain you qualify for RPL/RCC and are able to provide us with evidence (documents, certificates, employer's letter), then mark the competency for Recognition of Prior Learning.
Prepare your submission.
As previously mentioned, we will only be able to provide you with credits when we receive your submission and supporting evidence. To help you prepare a good submission we provide you with a template--all you have to do is complete it. The template is included in the RPL/RCC Kit. To obtain this kit please send the order form and appropriate fee.
Evidence that we accept include letters from
employers, certificates of competency or completion, statutory declarations in
absence of any formal documentation, lists of completed courses (dates, times,
certification/evidence attached), course contents, relevant course material,
videos, audiovisuals or hand-outs, and relevant course objectives. It is in your
interest to provide as much documented evidence as possible to support your
previous experience. Click here to see an example.
Sending your submission
We are unable to accept submissions by fax. Please send your submission by registered mail and post it to
When we receive your submission a
qualified, licensed training delivery staff member will contact you and arrange
for a face to face assessment. This assessment will take place in a
classroom setting and will involve an interview and a written assessment
activity.
Good Luck!
Click here to download and print the RPL Kit
