Do I need a license to work as a Security Guard in Australia?

Introduction:

To work as a Security Guard in Australia you would need to have a State or Territory security license.

However, there have been situations where security protection companies illegally hire individual security guards without licenses. Such situations often happen due to the following circumstances:

• During the Security Hire peak period (i.e. security for New Year’s Eve, major events security)
• The Security Firm is looking to underpay the ‘unlicensed’ hired security officer
• The individual lost their security officer license but,  the employer keeps offering them shifts.

Why You  Should Never Work as a Security Guard Without a License

If you are looking to work as an unarmed security guard, I will advise you to never follow the above route; ‘working without a security license.’ The reason why is:

• When the security companies- regulatory authority (i.e. LRD, SLED) discover you are working without a license, you will get a huge fine and possibly get thrown the books
• You are likely not going to be covered by Public Liability Insurance; this means the patron may sue you directly and your security employer might throw you under the bus and say, ‘we are not his employer or “he/she is not on our system”.’
• You are likely not going to be covered by Work Cover Insurance; so this means;  when you get hurt, you are on your own. The company is most likely going to deny being your employer and that would leave you out of pocket-sorting your own injuries/recovery.

How do I Get a Security Guard License in Australia

In most jurisdictions of Australia, to work as a security officer you need to first do the following:

• 1. Eligibility: you must have work rights in Australia (i.e., Citizen, Permanent Resident or Working Visa)
  2. Length of Stay: in most cases, you must have been in Australia for more than 12 months
  3. Education: you must complete Certificate 2 in Unarmed Security Guard Operations and Crowd Control. That means you need to find a Government approved vocational institute such as; Australia Vocational Education and Training Academy.
  4. Suitable Character: you must not have a current criminal record (i.e. less than 10 years)
  5. Fingerprint and Police Check: you must book an appointment for a fingerprint and police check (note; you might be required to provide an overseas police check if you have lived in an overseas country for more than 12 months in the last 5 years.)

Once you have complied with the above, you can then apply for a security guard license with your state or territory security license regulator.

You are likely to get your security individual license approved within 14-21 days if all your paperwork is in order.

Looking for Security Guard Jobs

Now that you have completer your course in Certificate 2 in Security Operations or have awaited your license. Start doing the following:

• Create a good resume
• Contact local security services companies with your resume and cover letter. Indicate the likely date or month you will get your license approved
• Search for security officer books to read like; “Security Adventure Service.” Reading such, will give you the opportunity to tap from others’ experiences and help you start your security guard journey on a brighter note
• Join your local or state security networking group on social media such as Facebook
• Ask questions so, those who are more experienced can help you with good information that will help make your security journey a success!

Conclusion

You need a security guard license to work as a Security Guard in Melbourne or a Crowd Controller in Australia. Always ensure your approved security license is current and have them with you at all worksites or you might get fined if you don’t.

Disclaimer: ensure you visit your State or Territory Licensing Authority website for comprehensive information on how to get your individual security guard license.