Can I do a security course online?
The course you need to get a security licence in Australia is CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. This course can only be completed in a face to face workshop. The duration of the security course will differ depending on which state or territory you live in. A small amount of online training will be required prior to attending your face to face workshop.
Is the security course nationally recognised?
The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations course is a nationally recognised qualification. Licensing requirements however will vary from state to state. If you are not sure what you need to do to obtain a security licence in your state or territory you should contact the licensing body.
I have let my security licence expire. How do I get it back?
The new licensing standard for security licences in Australia is the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. If you completed your training prior to 2020, you may hold an older version of the security qualification.
If you did not keep your licence current and would now like to renew, it is likely you will need to recomplete the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. Check your previous certificates to see the course code that you completed.
If you are unsure, you should contact the licensing department in your state or territory to confirm.
I need to renew my security licence in QLD.
In QLD, Security Officers are required to complete refresher training every 3 years.
The units that need to be completed are:
- CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
- CPPSEC3121 Control persons using empty hand techniques
- HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid
For more information about booking your refresher training, you can visit our website.
Questions relating to your specific licensing requirements should be directed to the Office of Fair Trading in QLD.
What if I miss a couple of days of the security course?
It is a licensing requirement that you complete all required face-to-face training hours. If you miss a day of training, you will need to rebook for any days missed.
If you miss the first day of your class, you will need to rebook the start of your training in it’s entirety.
Is my security licence valid across Australia?
The short answer is no. Security licensing requirements differ from state to state.
If you are just entering the industry, you should complete your training in the same state that you wish to be licensed.
If you already hold a security licence and would like to move to another state or territory, you should contact the licensing body in that state or territory to ask what you need to do to get licensed. You may need to complete some gap training or their may be a straight forward mutual recognition process.
How old do I have to be to work in security?
To work in security you will need to be 18 years of age.
You can complete your training in most states and territories at 17 and 9 months of age.
Can I skip the Certificate II in Security and complete Certificate III instead?
The short answer is no.
CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is the new licensing standard for gaining a security licence in all states and territories. You must complete this qualification to gain a security licence.
Once you have completed this training you can go onto complete the Certificate III in Security Operations but this qualification standalone does not provide you any further licensing outcomes.
In QLD however, components of this course may be used towards gaining an occupational firerms licence.
What is the age limit for working in security?
You have to be 18 years of age to gain a security licence.
We have students who study with us from 17 years of age right up to 65 years of age. There are jobs in security to fit just about everyone!
How much is a security course?
The cost of the security course will depend on the state or territory you live in and your eligibility for any funded programs.
The standard fee for service cost of the course is $1500.
Funding is available in QLD under the Certificate 3 Guarantee for eligible participants.
Funding is available in NSW under Smart and Skilled for eligible participants.
We cannot offer any funding options in NT, TAS, WA, SA, ACT or VIC. However you can look into MSS Security Scholarships or Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers program.
Do I need to be fit to be a security guard?
Gone are the days where the only roles in security were carried out by big burly men!
For most types of security work, you should however be comfortable standing for long periods of time (up to 12 hours). For roles in the aviation industry, you will need to be able to bend and squat repeatedly to carry out screening of personnel. If you have any concerns over your personal fitness to perform a security role, give our team a call on 1300 731 602 to chat.
How can I start my own security company?
Asset College does not currently help people start their own security company.
In Queensland, security businesses are regulated by the Security Providers Act 1993 and Security Providers Regulation 2018. You should consult with legal, financial, and industry professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Consider seeking advice from a business advisor or lawyer who specialises in the security industry to help you navigate the process effectively.
Can I skip Certificate II in Security Operations and just complete Certificate III?
No.
CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is the first qualification you must complete to gain a Security Providers Licence.
Do you have weekend security courses?
Not at this stage. If we were to get enough interest to run programs across a couple of weekends, we could look at this option.
At this point in time ASSET’s courses require students to be available weekdays 8.30am – 5.00pm.
Do you help with a job in security?
Yes!
We are connected to the countries largest national security employers who are always looking to hire ASSET graduates! Our unique employer connections program helps over 90% of ASSET graduates gain employment on receipt of their licence.
Can I get a security licence with a criminal record?
Having a criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining a security licence in Australia. However, the specific impact of a criminal record on your ability to obtain a licence depends on the nature of the offense and the regulations of the state or territory where you plan to operate.
You should review the requirements on your state or territories licensing website or contact them directly to confirm your individual circumstances.
How much do security guards get paid?
The salary of security guards in Australia can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and the specific industry or employer. Generally, security guard wages are determined by industry awards, enterprise agreements, or individual employment contracts.
Check out the Security Services Industry Award for more details.
Do I need a first aid course to become a security guard?
Yes. You will need a current First Aid certificate to apply for your security licence. ASSET’s security courses include the required first aid units.
Do I need a security licence to become a bouncer?
Yes. Although the term bouncer is no longer really used in the industry. Bouncer is a slang term for a Security Officer who works crowd control usually in pubs and clubs.
Is a crowd controller the same as a security guard?
Essentially yes. A crowd controller usually performs work in pubs, clubs and at large scale events hired for the specific purpose of controlling the crowd. They can also be called security guards.
Security guard can also be used as a title for many other areas of the industry such as retail, corporate, concierge, patrols etc.
Can a security guard use a baton?
A security guard can only use a baton when they have been trained, have authority from their employer and when they have a genuine reason (eg. patrols, working alone, night shifts, etc). They are NOT to be carried for crowd control, private investigations, debt collections or when off duty.
Do security guards carry weapons?
Generally no. This will however depend on the job role that they are carrying out. For example, an armed Cash In Transit Officer will carry a firearm but a crowd controller would not. You need to also hold a separate licence to carry a firearm as a Security Officer.
Why do you do transport security protection courses in NSW but not in QLD?
Currently the demand for public courses for transport security protection is filled by ISS who are the employer for Security Officers at most QLD airports.
In NSW, we have a partnership with Certis Security who provide the security services at most NSW airports as well as MSS Security whom we also partner with.
Can I complete my Firearms and Defensive Tactics course without having first received my security licence?
Yes. A number of our students will do this training while awaiting their security licence. So long as you have completed your CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations course, then you can start other specialised security training.
Does Asset College provide lunch?
No. All students are required to bring their own lunch. Kitchen facilities are provided along with tea and coffee. We also have vending machines at most permanent office locations.
Can females work in security?
Yes! Actually, females are always in high demand in the security industry. Security offers flexibility for women who also look after children or who are looking at re-entering the workforce. Common areas of security that women are interested in include aviation, concierge, corporate and retail security.
Why do you need my photo identification?
We require photo identification to confirm you are the person you say you are. This protects the integrity of your training and qualifications. You can read more about data retention, storage and how we use your personal information in our privacy policy.