The process for applying for a security licence can vary from state to state in Australia. Here’s a general overview of how to apply for a security licence in each state. We also discuss what to avoid when applying for your security licence.
Remember, it’s essential to verify the most up-to-date information from the relevant authorities in each state.
Victoria: A Confluence of Tradition and Modernity
Individual Licence Types?
Private security authority types are separated into Licence (Class A) and Registration (Class B) type activities.
- Class A Activities include Investigator, Bodyguard, Crowd controller, Private security trainer or Security guard (including sub-activities)
- Class B Activities include Security equipment installer (CCTV, Security Cameras, Security alarms, safes, vaults, etc.) and security adviser – a person employed to provide advice in relation to security equipment, security methods, or principles.
How to submit your application?
- Access the Victoria Police Licensing eServices Portal and fill out your application.
- When you submit your application, you will be prompted to print it and send it to the Licensing and Regulation Division along with your supporting documentation via the post.
- During this time, you will receive a notification in the mail to organize your fee payments, have your photograph taken at an approved VicRoads photo point, and have your fingerprints taken (if applicable). Note: This does not mean your application has been approved. If your application is refused, you will receive a refund.
- Upon receipt of your application, the Licensing and Regulation Division will process your application and, if approved, will provide you with your plastic license in the mail.
Regulator: Licensing and Regulation Division (VIC Police)
Web: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/licensing-and-regulation-division
NSW: Diverse Opportunities Await
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in NSW, you must hold the appropriate Class 1 or Class 2 security operative license. You can hold more than one class or subclass on a single licence.
- Class 1 licenses: 1C Cash-in-Transit Guard, 1D Guard Dog Handler, 1E Monitoring Centre Operator, 1F Armed Guard.
- Class 2 licenses: 2A Security Consultant, 2B Security Seller, 2C Security Equipment Specialist, 2D Security Trainer, 2E Private Investigator
How to submit your application?
- Check you meet the eligibility requirements.
Note: Refer Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate website.
- Gather the required digital and scanned documentation.
Note: You are not able to make any changes online once you’ve submitted your application.
- Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
- Log in or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
- Follow the prompts to apply for your security operative licence.
- Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation and payment receipt. You’ll also receive a letter if you need to attend a Service NSW Centre to have your photo taken for your new security licence card.
Regulator: Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (NSW Police)
Web: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/sled
Queensland: Where Sunshine Meets Professionalism
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in Queensland, you must hold the appropriate Class 1 or Class 2 security operative licence.
- Class 1 licences: Bodyguard, private investigator, crowd controller, security officer (cash in transit, unarmed, monitoring, dog patrol).
- Class 2 licences: a security adviser or a security equipment installer.
How to submit your application?
- Identification: These documents must be either original (if lodged at the counter) or certified copies. Your identification must include at least one of the following five documents: Birth certificate or extract, Passport, ImmiCard, driver’s license, and photo identification card. You will need to pay the required fees when you lodge your application.
- Fingerprinting: By law, the police need to fingerprint all security providers. We will contact you after you lodge your application form to explain what you need to do.
- Criminal history check: To confirm your suitability, we will submit your application for a criminal history check. This will be thorough and may be time-consuming.
- Processing time: The processing time is four to six weeks. This can take longer if you have not supplied us with all the information we need or you have not paid the correct fees.
Regulator: Office of Fair Trading
Web: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading
Western Australia: Where Opportunities Abound
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in Western Australia, you must hold the appropriate agent or non-agent licences.
- Agent Licences: Security Agent, Crowd Control Agent, Inquiry Agent.
- Non-Agent Licences: Security Officer, Security Officer – Control Room/Monitoring Centre, Security Bodyguard, Crowd Controller, Security Consultant, Security Installer, Investigator.
How to submit your application?
The following documents are required for all licence types:
- Proof of Age and Identity (Applicants must provide 100 points of identification)
- Two (2) Character References
- Four (4) passport-sized photos (Head and shoulders only on white or light background)
- Overseas Police Clearance (Required if not a resident of Australia for the last five years)
- Licence application forms can be found in Police Direct, and you must carefully complete all sections.
- Applicants within 50km of the Perth GPO must apply in person at Licensing Services Security
- Applicants more than 50km from the Perth GPO must apply in person at their local police station. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Regulator: Licensing Services Security
Web: https://www.police.wa.gov.au/About-Us/Our-Agency/Police-Licensing-Services/Security
Tasmania: The Island of Opportunities
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in Tasmania, you must hold the appropriate Security employee license. An employee can apply for the following security license activities to be added to their licence:
- Licence activities: Crowd Control, Security Guarding General (Security Guard, Monitoring Room Operator Bodyguard, Commercial Employee), Additional endorsements.
- Additional endorsements to be added to their licence: permitted to use a guard dog, permitted to carry a firearm, permitted to carry the baton, permitted to carry handcuffs.
How to submit your application?
- Read the information on this license page so you know what to do and what documents to provide.
- Read the Personal Information Protection Statement
- Prove your identity and have your photo taken at a Service Tasmania shop.
- Give consent and have your fingerprints checked at a Tasmania Police station.
- Give consent to CBOS to request a National Criminal History check for the purposes of your security licence.
- Scan and save (computer or storage device like a USB) a digital copy of your documents.
- Current visa or Australian Citizenship certificate, or Australian Passport if born overseas showing you have work rights in Australia
- qualifications of full training requirements
- When you are completing your online application or renewal, you will need to answer a set of suitability questions.
- There is a penalty for supplying any false or misleading information.
Regulator: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
Web: https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/
South Australia: The Festival State’s Call to Security
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in South Australia, you must hold a security agent’s licence.
- Services: crowd or venue control, installing and maintaining security systems, guarding property or people, security systems sales, and advice.
How to submit your application?
- Check you have the right knowledge and experience to apply for a security or investigation agent licence.
- Complete Online Application for Security and Investigation Agents Licence.
- As part of the application process, South Australia Police will contact you to arrange fingerprinting. South Australia Police will contact you using the email address provided on your application.
- Security agents must complete a personal information declaration (PID)
- You can download your license or registration to an Apple or Android smartphone or tablet using the mySAGOV app.
- Your client ID can be found in the Consumer and Business Services license register.
Regulator: consumer and business services
Web: https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/sections/Licences
Northern Territory: From the Desert to the Sea
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in the Northern Territory, you must hold a security agent’s license to:
- Work as a security officer or crowd controller
- Run a security firm
- Provide crowd control or private security services as a corporation or partnership.
How to submit your application?
- Before you apply, get a criminal history check for yourself.
- Go to Licensing NT Online and fill in the application for a private security license.
- Get a police fingerprint check.
- Submit your application and pay the fee at your nearest Territory Business Centre.
Regulator: Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
Web: https://nt.gov.au/
Australian Capital Territory: The Heartbeat of the Nation
Individual Licence Types?
If you’re planning to work in the security industry in the Australian Capital Territory, A security employee license authorizes the licensee to do one or more of the following security activities under the relevant sub-class. The sub-classes and their identifiers are:
- Patrol, guard, watch, or protect property (including cash in transit) (1A);
- Act as a bodyguard (1B);
- act as a crowd controller (1C);
- Guard with a dog (1D);
- Act as a monitoring centre operator (1E);
- guard with a firearm for cash in transit (1FC);
- guard with a firearm for protecting property (1FP);
- Act as a security consultant (2A);
- Sell security equipment (2B);
- Carry out surveys and inspections of security equipment (2C);
- Give advice about security equipment (2D); and,
- Install, maintain, monitor, repair, or service security equipment (2E).
How to submit your application?
- You may apply for a security licence by completing the relevant application form and paying the prescribed fee.
- All applications will be forwarded to the Licencing Team for processing, and if approved, your license will be posted to you. Please note Access Canberra Service Centres cannot issue licenses while you wait.
- Applicants lodging by mail, email, or fax must attend one of the Service Centres listed above to have their photo and signature taken.
- A fingerprint-verified police certificate is only required once, at the time of your original application, or where one has not been provided previously to the Commissioner due to fingerprint services not being available. Thereafter, a name-only police certificate is required to renew your license.
Regulator: Access Canberra
Web: https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/article/security-industry-licensing-tab-overview
WHAT TO AVOID WHEN APPLYING FOR A SECURITY LICENSE IN AUSTRALIA
When applying for a security license in Australia, it’s essential to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the respective state or territory authority responsible for regulating the security industry. To avoid complications and ensure a smooth application process, you should avoid the following:
- Criminal Convictions: Depending on your jurisdiction, certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from obtaining a security license. Be aware of the specific eligibility criteria in your area, and if you have a criminal record, consult with the relevant authority about the potential impact on your application.
- False Information: Providing false or misleading information on your application can lead to immediate disqualification or revocation of your license if discovered later. Be honest and accurate when completing all application forms and disclosing any relevant information.
- Lack of Required Training: Different security roles may require specific training and qualifications. Ensure you have completed the necessary training and hold the required certificates or qualifications before applying for a license.
- Insufficient Documentation: Failing to submit all required documents or providing incomplete information can lead to delays in the application process or outright rejection. Carefully review the application requirements and ensure you provide all requested documentation.
- Financial Issues: Some jurisdictions may consider your financial history as part of the application process. Outstanding debts, bankruptcy, or financial instability may raise concerns about your suitability for a security license. It’s essential to address any financial issues before applying.
- Drug or Alcohol Abuse: Past or ongoing issues with substance abuse can be grounds for denial of a security license, as they may affect your judgment and reliability while on duty. Be prepared to demonstrate that you have overcome any such issues and can maintain a sober and responsible lifestyle.
- Mental Health Concerns: In some cases, mental health issues may impact your ability to obtain a security license, especially if they could affect your judgment or behaviour in a security role. Be ready to provide evidence of your mental health stability if required.
- Character References: Many security license applications require character references from individuals who can vouch for your trustworthiness and suitability for the role. Ensure that you choose reputable individuals who can provide a positive and accurate assessment of your character.
- Unlawful Activities: Involvement in unlawful activities or associations with criminal organizations can seriously hinder your chances of obtaining a security license. Maintain a clean record and distance yourself from any questionable affiliations.
- Failure to Meet Age Requirements: Different security roles may have minimum age requirements. Ensure you meet these age criteria before applying for a license.
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