There was a time when it was practically unheard of for women working in the security industry. Back in the day, the archetype of the security guard was big, burly, and definitely male. But there is a positive shift to the number of females working in the security sector, though slowly. The number of females working in the industry only made up 14% of security guards, according to 2016 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
You may have seen an increase in female security guards in recent years, posted at the door of your local chemist or patrolling shopping centres and community events. These days, women can and do work in any job males do, even as bodyguards. In fact, if you want a career in security, being a woman in the security industry can be an advantage.
Jobs as a Security Guard
A security guard protects people or property from harm or theft. Security personnel also act as a deterrent against unauthorised presences or criminal behaviour. When people see someone in a uniform on site, they are less likely to trespass on factory grounds or shoplift from department stores.
Day-to-day responsibilities for female guards include monitoring surveillance with cameras, responding to alarms and incidents, making scheduled or unscheduled patrols, checking who comes and goes, and writing incident reports. When situations arise, security teams may need to confront suspicious individuals or coordinate with police and emergency services. While many days may be uneventful, security guards must stay vigilant and be prepared for potential danger, which is why proper training is essential.
Where Security Guards Work
Security guards work across an incredible range of industries and environments, including:
Public buildings
Banks
Universities
Shops
Nightclubs
Office buildings
Sporting events
Concerts
Protecting armoured cars
Bodyguard duties
This variety means you can find security work that matches your interests and lifestyle, whether you prefer quiet office environments or the energy of concerts and events.
Benefits of Being a Woman in the Security Industry
Industry analysis shows there are several unique advantages that come with being a female security guard:
Often, women are perceived as less threatening, which can help de-escalate tense situations.
Some people, particularly women and children, may be more willing to communicate openly with female security officers about sensitive issues or incidents.
Female security guards are legally required for screening roles to perform frisk searches on women, as same-sex searches must be conducted in airports and other security-sensitive venues.
Female bodyguards can blend in more easily when discretion is important, such as accompanying female clients without drawing unwanted attention.
Other women and children often feel more comfortable around female security officers for personal protection or sensitive situations.
The importance of diversity in security personnel is becoming increasingly recognised as more employers understand the range of skills women bring to their security career.
Common Concerns About Female Security Guard Training
You might worry that you’ll be seen as less authoritative than male officers, or face inappropriate behaviour from others. You may also be concerned about physical size, as you’re likely to be smaller than many of your male counterparts.
The reality is that while security work can involve challenging situations with aggressive or intoxicated people, security guard training prepares you for these scenarios. Your training will focus on conflict resolution skills and problem-solving skills that help you handle security challenges effectively. Many women find that these skills, combined with the advantages outlined above, make them highly effective security personnel.
It’s worth remembering that security work can be very rewarding. You’ll be relied upon to provide effective security and keep people and property safe, which brings real job satisfaction to many in the industry.
Get Your Security Licence: How Women in Security Get Started
To work as a security guard, you need the right training and qualifications. At a minimum, most Australian employers prefer applicants to have Certificate II in Security Operations from a registered training organisation and first aid training, which can come with your Certificate II.
Security guards are entrusted with keeping others safe, so they must be safe people to be around. Security industry employers will usually demand that you have a background check, like a National Police Check. These security checks are essential for identifying potential security risks. You must also be over the age of 18.
To work as a security guard in Australia, you must hold a valid security licence, and each state or territory sets its own rules. The common baseline is the same nationwide: you must be at least 18, complete Certificate II in Security Operations, hold a current first aid qualification, and pass a National Police Check. Here’s how it differs by jurisdiction:
New South Wales: Licences are issued by NSW Police Force. Applicants must complete Certificate II, provide fingerprints, and hold current first aid.
Victoria: Overseen by the Licensing and Regulation Division. Requires Certificate II, first aid, fingerprints, and character references.
Queensland: Managed by the Office of Fair Trading. Applicants must complete Certificate II, and separate endorsements are required for roles such as crowd control or monitoring.
Western Australia: Issued by WA Police. Requires Certificate II, first aid, and police clearance, with additional categories for armed security, crowd control, or bodyguard work.
South Australia: Administered by Consumer and Business Services. Applicants must complete Certificate II, first aid, and background checks, with licence classes tailored to specific duties.
Tasmania: Managed by the Department of Justice. Requires Certificate II, first aid, and a National Police Check, with renewal required every three years.
Australian Capital Territory: Issued by Access Canberra. Applicants must hold Certificate II, first aid, and a police clearance, with renewals typically every one to three years.
Northern Territory: Managed by Licensing NT. Requires Certificate II, first aid, and police clearance, with licence terms usually one to three years depending on the category.
Once you have your qualifications and licence, applying for security roles involves submitting a resume and attending interviews, just like most other positions. Look for openings on job boards like Seek and Indeed, contact security companies directly, or check with shopping centres, event venues, and other businesses that employ security guards. Any new job you get will generally provide on-the-job training.
Your Future in Security
Thanks to the wide variety of areas security guards work in, there are always plenty of job opportunities in the industry. Not only can women be employed in any of these general security guard roles, but in many situations, there is a requirement that some female security officers be available.
If you’re a woman interested in becoming a security guard, there’s no need to let preconceptions about what a security guard looks like stop you. Employers understand better than ever the importance of having female security officers, so being a woman in the security industry is more likely to help than hinder you. And with proper training, you can easily overcome any challenge and be well-prepared for what is quickly becoming a more popular career for women.
FAQs
What physical training can help women prepare for security work?
Strength and endurance training build the fitness needed for long shifts and physically demanding tasks. Defensive tactics and self-defence classes improve confidence in handling confrontations safely. Many women also benefit from conditioning programs that combine cardiovascular fitness with functional strength exercises tailored to real-world security scenarios.
What are the most common industries hiring female security officers today?
Retail and events remain large employers, but women are also in strong demand in healthcare facilities, where they assist with patient and visitor safety, and in aviation, where female officers are required for passenger screening. Corporate environments and government buildings increasingly employ women in front-line and monitoring roles.
Can security training be completed online?
Security guard training in Australia cannot be completed online because every unit includes mandatory practical demonstrations that must be carried out under the supervision of an accredited trainer. Classroom instruction is also required for legal and procedural content, with written and verbal assessments conducted on site.
