Thinking about becoming a licenced security guard or crowd controller in NSW? This quick guide outlines the 9 essential steps to get your Class 1 A, C, E security licence and launch your career. Let’s go.
Before you dive into the application process, first make sure you’re eligible to hold a security licence. The NSW government has strict rules about who can, and cannot become a security guard, so here’s a quick overview:
| MUST (BE) | MUST NOT HAVE BEEN |
| At least 18 years old | Convicted of an offence within the last 10 years. |
| Hold an NSW driver's licence or state-issued photo ID | Found guilty of a crime in the last 5 years. |
| Australian or NZ Citizen, Permanent Resident or Approved Visa Holder (Full-working rights required). | Dismissed from the Police force. |
| Physically and mentally fit and capable of carrying out duties required of a security guard for the related licence class | Involved in corruption. |
PLEASE NOTE: this is a brief summary only, for full details visit the NSW Police website.
If there is no good reason why you cannot hold an NSW security licence, your next step is to complete security guard training with an approved RTO (registered training organisation).
Unarmed security guards and crowd controllers in NSW must hold the nationally recognised qualification CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. You must complete the course pre-requisites that include Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Test (LLN) and hold a current First Aid Certificate. The training can be completed here at Vigil Training College over 3 weeks of classroom-based training (full-time) or part-time on the weekends over 8 weekends."
Your Cert II qualification can be used to obtain the Class IA, 1C, and 1E Security Licence, but it's also a pathway towards higher education and training as a Guard Dog Handler (1D), Bodyguard (1B) or Armed Guard (1F).
After you complete your security training with Vigil Training College, your official certificates are issued to you within 10 days of finishing the course.
While you are waiting for your training Certificates to arrive you can begin gathering the other paperwork you’ll need to submit with your application. This includes:
REMEMBER: each document must be copied and individually certified by a Justice of the Peace, legal practitioner, or Notary Public.
Applications for Class 1 Security Licence are processed online via the Service NSW website. When completing your application, you’ll need electronic copies of your certified documents and a credit card to pay the application fees.
Fees for new applications start at $160 + $40 fingerprint/palmprint fee — and do remember that at least $120 is non-refundable if you change your mind.
Once your application has been submitted you can expect to wait at least 6-8 weeks to hear back from the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED). SLED will then contact you with instructions to visit an NSW police station. This could be via text message, email, or printed letter.
Next, you’ll book an appointment at an approved NSW police station to have your fingerprints and palmprints taken. This must be done within 42 days and you’ll need to take the ‘Finger/Palmprint Advice’ with you to the police station.
After you’ve been fingerprinted, SLED will begin a probity assessment. This can take another 4-6 weeks as full background checks will be conducted in NSW as well as other Australian states and territories.
If the probity assessment comes up clear and your security licence is approved, you will receive a ‘Photograph Advice’ letter in the mail.
Your ‘Photograph Advice’ letter must be taken to a Service NSW center within 60 days. Service NSW will take your photograph and finalize your licence application.
After you’ve had your photo taken, you will (at last) receive your NSW Security licence in the mail within 10 working days.
Alternately, if your application was refused, you’ll receive a letter outlining the reasons why, and if there are any avenues to appeal the decision.
Getting a security licence in NSW can take several months, so if you’re keen to get started why not browse our upcoming course dates?
The Vigil Training College is located in Parramatta, NSW and our Certificate II in Security Operations is approved by the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED).
If you have any questions about the course or licensing requirements, please reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and get you enrolled.
