Embarking on a career as a security guard in Queensland? Great choice! But before you can start, you’ll need to navigate the process of obtaining your security licence. It’s a journey that might seem complex at first, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely manageable. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to become a security guard QLD.
Starting Your Journey: The Initial Steps
First things first, you’ll need to complete a security guard course. Wondering where to start? Check out the course for security offered by Skills Training College. We also offer a CRICOS approved security course for international students wanting to begin an exciting new career in Australia.
Once you’ve got your Certificate II in Security Operations under your belt, you’re ready to move on to the next step: applying for your Security Provider Licence through the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland.
Navigating the Application Process
When it comes to the application, you’ll need to fill out the ‘Application for Security Provider Licence Class 1’. This is essential for roles like in-house security officer, loss prevention officer, or security gate officer. The functions covered include unarmed security, crowd control, and monitoring. If your career path includes working as an armed security officer or with a guard dog, please remember, you’ll need a different licence for that.
What You’ll Need for Your Application
To apply, you’ll need:
Copies of your security and first aid training certificates
Identification documents
Passport size photos
To meet the eligibility criteria
Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and have completed the necessary training courses, including the Certificate II in Security Operations and a First Aid course. A key factor is ensuring you ‘do not pose a risk to public safety’, which means not having been convicted of a disqualifying offence in the past ten years.
Potential Disqualifications
Certain crimes can disqualify you from obtaining a security guard licence in Queensland. The Office of Fair Trading also considers other factors, like associations with criminals or dishonest behavior, which might impact your application.
Automatic disqualification will occur if, within the last decade, you have been found guilty of any of the following offenses:
Crimes outlined in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Code 1899, which encompasses, but is not limited to, offenses like murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual assault, general assault, theft, fraud, armed robbery, dangerous driving, and consorting.
Any weapons-related offense that carries a minimum sentence of one year in prison. This includes illegal possession of certain firearms, engaging in dangerous activities with weapons, or not properly securing weapons.
Drug offenses that are punishable by at least one year of imprisonment, such as possession of dangerous drugs, or the manufacture and distribution of these substances.
Specific offenses related to police administration, including impersonating a police officer or illegal possession of police property.
Offenses specified in the Penalties and Sentences Act of 1992, like rioting, robbery, extortion, involvement in organized crime.
Acts of terrorism.
When submitting your application for an unarmed security guard license, it’s required to present 100 points of formal identification. Ensure that these are original documents if you’re applying in person, or certified copies if you’re mailing your application. It’s advisable to submit your application in person for the best results.
Your identification must include at least one of the following:
Birth Certificate or an official extract of it
Passport
ImmiCard
Driver’s License
A valid photo identification card
The Cost of Applying
The cost of your licence application varies depending on whether you choose a single or multiple function licence. As of September 30, 2021, there’s also a mandatory criminal history check fee of $39.55 and a fingerprinting fee of $100.00.
Processing Time
After submitting your forms, the Office of Fair Trading will process them and contact you for a fingerprinting appointment, following your criminal history check. Remember, fingerprinting can only be done at specific police stations, as indicated by the Office of Fair Trading.
The process typically takes between 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the Office of Fair Trading’s workload and the details of your criminal history check. Non-Australian citizens, especially New Zealand citizens, should obtain their criminal history in advance, as it’s needed for the application.
Security Licence Renewal QLD
Remember, your security licence isn’t indefinite. You’ll need to renew it periodically. The security licence renewal in QLD process is straightforward, but it’s important to know when your licence is due for renewal to avoid any lapse in your eligibility to work.
Security Licence Check QLD
The Queensland government maintains an online public register of all licensed individuals and companies in the security industry. This register is freely accessible for informational purposes but isn’t admissible as evidence in legal proceedings. For an official record of your search, you can request an extract online at the QLD Government website which does incur a fee.
Exploring Training Options
Interested in getting started in the security industry? Skills Training College provides the best Brisbane security course and Gold Coast security course on offer. Situated conveniently in the CBD, our training courses are easily reachable, with ample parking and public transport options available nearby.
The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is essential for obtaining a QLD security licence from the Queensland Office of Fair Trading. Skills Training College, a CRICOS registered institution, offers this training for both domestic and international students.
Complete a Quality Security Course
Our course is a vital step for those aiming for entry-level roles in the security sector, both public and private. Career options post-completion include unarmed guard, security officer, crowd controller, control room operator, and more. Earning a security training certificate from Skills Training College can be your gateway to a promising security career.
Graduates can explore further opportunities and specialised roles like cash-in-transit officer, transport security protection, or guard dog handler through additional training and learning.
What You’ll Learn
Embark on your new career path with Skills Training College’s comprehensive security courses. Our in-depth security training equips you with practical skills essential for implementing security measures. You’ll learn to:
Conduct risk assessments to safeguard individuals, venues, major events, or establishments.
Manage access control and property surveillance.
Address and mitigate security risk situations and conflict
Implement evacuation protocols and security procedures.
Safely handle situations involving intoxicated individuals
Administer emergency first aid.
What You need to Enrol
To enroll in the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations at Skills Training College, no prior academic background is needed. However, students must meet certain criteria:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have basic physical fitness and be a fit and proper person.
Have good English communication and numeracy skills.
Bring a laptop or tablet for in-class training.
Before enrolling, completing a criminal history check is advised, as convictions for disqualifying offences within the last 10 years or associations with criminals may affect eligibility.
Can I Study as an International Student?
International students interested in our CRICOS approved security course in Brisbane need a Student Visa Subclass 500 or a temporary visa that permits study. Subclass 500 Visa holders must comply with these requirements:
The Australian Department of Education must have updated their PRISMS record to reflect no concurrent study.
National Code Standard 7 prohibits transferring within the first 6 months of the primary course.
Students can’t enroll concurrently until completing 6 months of their main course.
Standard 7 release conditions still apply.
For eligibility queries, reach out to us at compliance@skillstrainingcollege.com.au.
Embarking on Your Career
Once you’ve got your licence, the world of security work is open to you. Whether you’re patrolling a shopping center, managing crowd control at events, or ensuring the safety of a corporate building, your skills and licence will pave the way for a rewarding career.
Remember, staying informed, compliant, and up-to-date with your training and licence renewals is key to a successful career in security. Good luck!