This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of a security officer, responsible for maintaining safety and security by patrolling, protecting and guarding property, and screening entry, monitoring behaviour and removing persons from premises.
Occupational titles could include:
- security officer
- unarmed guard
- crowd controller.
This qualification is suitable for individuals who wish to deepen and broaden their skills and knowledge in security operations and lead security teams in the field. It provides a pathway to further learning and work in various security roles and settings, including security risk management.
Security officers at this level provide leadership in a team environment, operate under limited supervision, and use discretion and judgement in known and unpredictable work contexts. They take responsibility for their own outputs in work and learning, and limited responsibility for the output of others in the work team.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements
Occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply at the time of publication. This qualification does not provide the required competencies for a security officer license. Learners who hold a security license may select units as part of this qualification required for additional license endorsements in;
- Batons and handcuffs
- Canine
- Cash-in-transit
- Control room operations
- Firearms.
Please refer to the CPP Companion Volume Implementation Guide for information.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
1 year - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Contribute to team effectiveness | Core |
| Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour | Core |
| Coordinate provision of quality security services to clients | Core |
| Determine and implement response to security risk situation | Core |
| Gather, organise and present security information and documentation | Core |
| Maintain operational safety and security of work environment | Core |
| Maintain work health and safety | Core |
| Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation | Core |
| Carry out vehicle inspection | Elective |
| Carry, operate and maintain revolvers for security purposes | Elective |
| Carry, operate and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes | Elective |
| Carry, operate and maintain shotguns for security purposes | Elective |
| Conduct security screening using explosive trace detection equipment | Elective |
| Conduct security screening using hand-held metal detectors | Elective |
| Conduct security screening using walk-through metal detection equipment | Elective |
| Conduct security screening using x-ray equipment | Elective |
| Control evacuation to muster point | Elective |
| Control persons using batons | Elective |
| Control persons using empty hand techniques | Elective |
| Control security risk situations using firearms | Elective |
| Defend persons using spray | Elective |
| Handle dogs for security patrols | Elective |
| Implement cash-in-transit security procedures | Elective |
| Implement close protection services | Elective |
| Implement security procedures to protect critical infrastructure and public assets | Elective |
| Inspect and test cash-in-transit security equipment and rectify faults | Elective |
| Load and unload cash-in-transit in secured and unsecured environments | Elective |
| Manage training and well-being of dogs for security functions | Elective |
| Monitor electronic security equipment and respond to alarm events | Elective |
| Monitor security and coordinate response from control rooms | Elective |
| Operate commercial vehicle | Elective |
| Plan provision of close protection services | Elective |
| Prepare and present evidence in court | Elective |
| Provide Advanced First Aid | Elective |
| Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Respond effectively to behaviours of concern | Elective |
| Restrain persons using handcuffs | Elective |
| Select, use and maintain body armour for security purposes | Elective |
| Store, protect and dispose of security information | Elective |
| Use and maintain security databases and compile reports | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Security Operations sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Alarm, Security and Surveillance Monitor
ANZSCO 442211
Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitors monitor security alarms, CCTV and other surveillance equipment, and contact supervisors, police or fire brigades if security is breached or fire is detected.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Armoured Car Escort
ANZSCO 442212
Armoured Car Escorts provide armed escorts for transportation and delivery of cash and other valuables.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Crowd Controller
ANZSCO 442213
Crowd Controllers carry out crowd control duties at entertainment, sporting or recreational venues.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Private Investigator
ANZSCO 442214
Private Investigators conduct investigations for clients and prepare evidence for court proceedings.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Retail Loss Prevention Officer
ANZSCO 442215
Retail Loss Prevention Officers detect and investigate shoplifting, fraud and other unlawful acts of employees or customers in retail establishments.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Security Consultant
ANZSCO 442216
Security Consultants advise clients on security requirements, and recommend and design security specifications.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Security Officer
ANZSCO 442217
Security Officers patrol and guard industrial and commercial property, railway yards, stations and other facilities.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Other Security Worker
ANZSCO 442299
Other Security Workers includes jobs like Bodyguard.
Recommended education level:
Certificate I or secondary education -
Radio Despatcher
ANZSCO 599914
Radio Despatchers provide radio and communications services for the coordination of operational units in transport, courier, military, emergency, security, rescue and road service organisations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Security Operations
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Advance-Forward RTO (RTO code 45256)
Contact this provider
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ALLEGIANCE INVESTIGATIONS AND SECURITY SERVICES (RTO code 5579)
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Alpha Beta College Australia (RTO code 45195)
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APS Training Group (RTO code 31588)
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Asset Training (RTO code 60083)
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Asset Training Australia (RTO code 31718)
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ATTN PTY LTD (RTO code 22604)
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Australian Concert & Entertainment Security Pty Ltd (RTO code 90024)
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Australian Institute of Skills Pty Ltd (RTO code 41344)
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Australian Training Academy Pty Ltd (RTO code 0686)
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Australian Training Institute (RTO code 30200)
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BARS Training Australia (RTO code 32061)
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BODYGUARD SECURITY (RTO code 1709)
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COLLEGE FOR LAW, EDUCATION AND TRAINING (RTO code 31254)
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CROWN TRAINING PTY LTD (RTO code 40529)
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Diverse Training Concepts (RTO code 88182)
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Five Star Training Academy (RTO code 31996)
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Guardrite Security and Industry Training Pty Limited (RTO code 0678)
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Health Security & Education Pty Ltd as trustee for Health Security & Education Unit Trust (RTO code 40907)
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Human Resource Training (RTO code 31678)
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In 4 Training (RTO code 32041)
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INDUSTRIAL RESOLUTION AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (RTO code 20855)
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Integrated Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 52720)
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ISG Education (RTO code 45078)
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ISS Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 45519)
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Knights College (RTO code 41269)
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LEADERS INSTITUTE OF TRAINING AND EDUCATION PTY LTD (RTO code 41313)
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Linked 2 Pty Ltd (RTO code 21789)
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Multisec Training (RTO code 45548)
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Nexar Training Academy (RTO code 45990)
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NSTA Pty Ltd (RTO code 32292)
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Op-Skill Development Group Pty Ltd. (RTO code 41107)
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Pal Education (RTO code 45540)
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PM SQUARED (RTO code 41304)
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Precision Training Academy (RTO code 31555)
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PRIDE INSTITUTE (RTO code 31982)
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Regal Security and Industry Training (RTO code 32331)
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safeNsecure training (RTO code 45229)
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Security Institute (RTO code 31962)
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SHIELD TRAINING GROUP (RTO code 45663)
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STARK INSTITUTE (RTO code 45180)
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STEP INTO TRAINING SERVICES (RTO code 91533)
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Tactical Training (Australia) Pty Ltd (RTO code 2292)
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Threat Protect Security Services Pty Ltd (RTO code 52880)
Contact this provider
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Westbourne College Pty Ltd (RTO code 41084)
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How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.