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Australian security courses are the first step to beginning a career in security. The path is the same whether you are starting your first career, switching from something else, or arriving from overseas with full working rights. Getting it right from the start makes the difference between a licence application that goes through and one that stalls.
Who Can Enrol in a Security Course
Before you book a place on any Australian security courses, check that you meet the eligibility criteria for a licence in your state or territory. These include:
Age
You must be at least 18 years old.
Working rights
You need current working rights in Australia. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens qualify automatically. If you are on a visa, check that your subclass carries full work rights before enrolling. If you hold an overseas student visa, your training provider must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
English language
Security training is delivered in English and has some simple math elements. You’ll need a basic understanding of English speech and literacy, as well as numeracy, to follow the course materials.
Identification and USI
You will need 100 points of identification at enrolment. A driver’s licence, passport, and Medicare card each count toward the total. You will also need a Unique Student Identifier (USI), which is a free government-issued number required for all vocational training in Australia which you can create or find at usi.gov.au.
What a Security Training Courses Covers
The CPP20218 Australian security course is a nationally recognised qualification made up of 14 core units of competency that cover the skills and knowledge to work as a security officer. These include: communicating with the public and colleagues, applying legal rights and responsibilities, risk management, meeting work health and safety obligations, responding to emergencies, conducting patrols, managing conflict, operating surveillance equipment, writing incident reports, and screening entries. First aid training is included as part of your security industry training when you enrol in your cert course with our RTO (Registered Training Organisation).
From Certificate to Licence: The Steps Between Finishing and Working
Once you have completed your Australian security course training and received your certificate, you can apply to the licensing authority in your state or territory. Your licensing authority varies by state and territory, and your trainer can help you find yours. These are:
- NSW: Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED)
- Victoria: Licensing and Regulation Division, Victoria Police
- Queensland: Office of Fair Trading
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services
- Western Australia: WA Police Licensing Services
- Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Northern Territory: Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
Your application needs to include your CPP20218 qualification and transcript, your first aid certificate, 100 points of certified identification, and a police clearance certificate. Fingerprinting is required for new applicants in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory.
Licensing fees vary by state, are paid directly to the licensing authority, and are non-refundable. Applications can take six to eight weeks to be approved once submitted, depending on how long the criminal history check takes. You cannot work in a security role until the process is complete.
Your licence is issued for your state or territory and is not automatically valid interstate. To work in another state, you apply to that state’s licensing authority under its mutual recognition process.
Become a Security Guard: Start Your Career Today
The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations unlocks the security licence that allows you to work across Australia. Licensing authorities only accept it from a registered training organisation, which makes the provider you choose matter as much as the course itself. Security Courses Australia is a registered training organisation delivering the CPP20218 through accredited, face-to-face Australian security courses built to meet your state’s licensing requirements. Your licence and the career behind it are waiting when you enrol in security training.
FAQs
Is Government Funding Available for the CPP20218?
State and territory governments fund eligible VET qualifications, and the CPP20218 falls within the certificate levels covered by most state funding schemes. Eligibility is based on residency, citizenship or permanent residency status, and prior qualifications.
Do Crowd Controllers Need an RSA Certificate?
A Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate is required for crowd controllers working at licensed premises in most states and territories, and is separate from security training.
What Are the First Aid Renewal Requirements After Licensing?
Your HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate is valid for three years and must remain current while you’re working in security. The CPR component, HLTAID009, requires annual renewal as a separate unit.
