Courses for Security

Courses for Security in 2023

[Updated 16th of March, 2023]

The past few years have seen a lot of changes for the security industry. When COVID hit the sector had a boom as many businesses needed additional security measures in place and extra security guards to enforce state and national rules.

Since society has settled down, the security industry continues to enjoy a steady increase in demand. But that’s not the only change the industry has had these last few years. In regulation, education and training requirements there has been a shift as well. The emergence of new and improved training packages has changed the game for aspiring security guards.

What does this mean for new entrants into the security industry?

Basically, the biggest change is that aspiring security guards no longer need to complete a Certificate III in Security Operations to be able to apply for their security guard licence. In fact, entry into the new Certificate III is limited to those who have completed the Certificate II.

The new course – the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is the standard requirement for those looking to gain their security guard licence. This means that all new entrants to the security industry must complete the CPP20218 first, resulting in the ability to apply for a Security Providers Licence for unarmed, crowd control and monitoring (in most states). Specific training in monitoring is not required for this to be added to a security licence (in most states).

About the Certificate II in Security Operations

At ASSET, we offer Certificate II in Security Operations designed to meet the licensing requirements in every state and territory in Australia. Our version of the course includes the 14 core units listed below.

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 behaviour to maintain security
CPPSEC2111 Apply security procedures to manage intoxicated persons
CPPSEC2112 Apply security procedures to remove persons from premises
CPPSEC2113 Escort and protect persons and valuables
HLTAID011 Provide first aid

The duration and delivery of the course differs slightly depending on the state or territory requirements.

The Certificate III is only for those who completed the Certificate II now

Previously, security students who were looking to get their licence would enrol in the old Certificate III in Security Operations. This course basically contained the units that are now taught in the Certificate II course, the one exception being the bodyguarding unit. With the old qualification, students were able to apply for their security guard licence and add a bodyguarding function.

The new CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations does not include a bodyguarding module.

The new Certificate III in Security Operations is designed as a pathway to further professional development for existing security guards. The course does not provide individuals with any additional functions that can be added to their security licence. It’s meant to deepen their existing industry knowledge.

What about Bodyguarding?

If security guards want to add bodyguarding as a function to their licence the process has changed considerably. While it used to be something covered within their initial Certificate III training, it is now a whole separate course on its own.

For anyone looking to have bodyguarding added as a function to their licen e they will need to complete the CPP31418 Certificate III in Close Protection Operations. The training requirements for bodyguards have increased dramatically.

The new training package includes specific and targeted units to provide students with specialist knowledge of close protection procedures and protocol.

So, if you are looking for courses in security and have no previous experience, you should be looking at providers who offer the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations as this is the latest qualification.

What does this mean for existing workers in the security industry?

Refresher training requirements have changed

The required refresher training to maintain your security guard licence has also changed. Pre-2020, licensed Security Officers were required to complete Crowd Control Refresher training plus HLATID011 Provide First Aid to maintain their licence every 3 years.

In 2020, the requirements for training were changed and strengthened. Security guard refresher training now requires the completion of HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid. This is a higher level first aid course which requires 1 day face to face training and up to 8 hours of online learning completed prior to attendance at the course.

With this addition, security officers now have 2 full days of face-to-face training to maintain their licence.

Those who have not kept their licence current may get a shock

Any Security Officer who has previously completed security training but has NOT kept their licence current should contact the licensing body in their state or territory for advice on what is required moving forward.

Some may only be required to complete the new refresher training but depending on how far back you completed your original security training, if you did not keep your licence current, you may need to complete the new CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations again in full.

Our advice is to check in with the licensing body in your state or territory before enrolling in any new training.

Asset College continues to be a leading provider of courses for security. If you are new to the industry, you can attend one of our free information sessions to explore your options.