← Certificate III qualifications
Certificate III in Security Operations
CPP - Property Services
Entry licensing qualification for unarmed security officers. Required for state security licensing in every Australian jurisdiction.
Entry requirements
- 18 years old
- National Police Check
What you will learn
The CPP30419 covers the legal, communication and physical knowledge required for unarmed security work. Core units include working effectively in the security industry, applying communication skills with members of the public, managing conflict using verbal de-escalation, controlling persons using empty-hand techniques, screening people and goods, monitoring CCTV and patrol routes, and applying first aid. You also study state and territory law including powers of arrest, lawful use of force under common law, and reporting under the relevant Security Industry Act. Most providers run the course in classroom-only mode over 10 to 12 weeks of full-time study.
Skills you build
- Verbal conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Empty-hand defensive tactics
- Crowd control and queue management
- CCTV monitoring and incident reporting
- First aid (HLTAID011) and basic emergency response
- Lawful powers of arrest and use of force
- Radio communication and patrol procedures
How the course runs
Most providers deliver CPP30419 as a 10 to 12 week classroom intensive, with around 200 to 250 hours of contact time. Roughly 50 percent classroom theory and 50 percent practical scenarios covering control tactics, scenario roleplays and CCTV monitoring. After completion you apply for your state security licence with the relevant regulator (e.g. NSW Police Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate, Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division).
How you will be assessed
- Scenario-based practical assessments (conflict roleplay)
- Defensive tactics demonstrations
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- First aid practical assessment
- State law and powers of arrest exam
Workplace and placement
No mandatory work placement, but most graduates begin work soon after receiving their state security licence. Common entry roles include crowd controller at venues, gatehouse and front-of-house guard, mobile patrol officer and event security. Wages are set under the Security Services Industry Award with shift loadings for nights, weekends and public holidays. Most security work is night and weekend rostered.
Typical employers
- Major event security and crowd-control contractors
- Shopping centre and retail loss-prevention teams
- Hotel, bar and licensed-venue door teams
- Mining and resources site security contractors
- Government building security (defence, courts)
- Cash-in-transit and armoured car operators (with additional licensing)
Pay after this qualification
$55,000 - $80,000 per year
Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/explore-careers/occupation/security-officers-and-guards. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
Is this the right course for you?
You probably thrive here if
- You can stay calm under verbal aggression
- You can work alone for long stretches on night shift
- You can document incidents clearly in reports
- You can handle shift work and weekend rosters
- You have the physical fitness for control tactics if needed
It is probably not for you if
- You react aggressively when challenged
- You cannot pass a Police Check
- You cannot work night and weekend shifts
- You have a back, knee or shoulder condition
After you finish
After CPP30419 and a state security licence you can progress to Certificate IV in Security and Risk Management (CPP40719) for supervisor and security manager roles, or Certificate IV in Security Risk Analysis for corporate security work. Add-on endorsements include cash-in-transit (armed where licensed), bodyguard and close personal protection, and technical security and alarm response. Some security professionals move into policing, military or corrective services careers.