How Do I Apply for a Security License in NSW After Cert II Security?

To work as a licensed security guard in New South Wales you need a Class 1A Security Licence from the NSW Police Force Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED). A Certificate II in Security Operations completed in another state, including ALIT’s Victorian course, is not on its own enough: SLED requires the NSW Security Licence Course, delivered by a SLED Approved Organisation. This guide explains the difference between NSW training, Victorian training and mutual recognition of an existing interstate licence.

Understanding the NSW Security Licence

In New South Wales, security operations are regulated by the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW). To work as a security guard you must hold a security licence issued by SLED. The most common licence class for entry-level security work is the Class 1A Security Licence, which covers unarmed security guarding. You must be at least 18 years old to apply.

NSW training, Victorian training and mutual recognition

These three things are often confused, and they are not interchangeable.

• NSW SLED-approved training. Class 1 licence applicants (except Class 1E) must complete the NSW Security Licence Course (SLC) through a SLED Approved Organisation. The course covers the current approved mandatory units of CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. SLED publishes the list of Approved Organisations and the courses they deliver.
• Victorian security training. ALIT delivers CPP20218 in Victoria as an 18-day blended program over approximately three weeks (one live online class, online self-study and three practical classes at our West Melbourne campus, including First Aid). It is designed for the Victorian licensing pathway. This website does not offer it as the NSW Security Licence Course, and completing it does not by itself satisfy NSW licensing requirements.
• Mutual recognition of an existing interstate licence. If you already hold a current security licence from another state or territory, mutual recognition or automatic mutual recognition may apply, subject to eligibility and the process set by the NSW authorities. Holding only a training qualification is different from holding a licence. Ask SLED whether either option applies to you.

What SLED requires for a Class 1 licence

According to SLED’s published training requirements, to apply for a Class 1 licence (except 1E) you must complete:

• the SLED Pre-Enrolment Assessment, which includes a language, literacy and numeracy test;
• a first aid certificate issued within the past three years by a Registered Training Organisation: HLTAID011 for Class 1A and 1C, or HLTAID014 for Class 1B, 1D and 1F;
• the current approved mandatory units of CPP20218, through a SLED Approved Organisation.

You must keep your first aid certificate current and renew it every three years while you hold a NSW security licence. Check the SLED Class 1 training requirements for the current list, because SLED updates them.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Confirm your licence class and pathway

Decide which Class 1 subclass matches the work you want to do. Then check whether you are a new applicant who needs the NSW course, or a current interstate licence holder who may be eligible for mutual recognition.

Step 2: Complete the SLED Pre-Enrolment Assessment and the NSW course

Complete the Pre-Enrolment Assessment, then enrol in the NSW Security Licence Course with a provider on SLED’s Approved Organisations list. Confirm the provider’s delivery location, timetable and fees directly with that provider.

Step 3: Complete first aid

Complete the first aid unit for your subclass through a Registered Training Organisation, within the past three years.

Step 4: Lodge your application with SLED

Apply through the channel published by the NSW Government and SLED. Check the current application form, identity requirements, fingerprinting or biometric instructions and fee on the official SLED website before you lodge.

Step 5: Wait for SLED’s assessment

SLED assesses your application, including your suitability to hold a licence. Processing times vary, so check SLED’s current guidance instead of relying on a fixed estimate, and do not begin licensed work until your licence is granted.

State-by-State Differences

Security licensing is regulated at the state and territory level in Australia, which means requirements differ between jurisdictions:

• Victoria regulates security under the Private Security Act 2004 (Vic), administered by Victoria Police.
• NSW regulates under the Security Industry Act 1997 (NSW), administered by SLED.
• The qualification code is national, but each state sets its own licence conditions and approved training arrangements.

Victorian fingerprinting and application steps do not apply in NSW. Always confirm the current requirements with the relevant state authority before enrolling or applying.

Can You Work in NSW with a Victorian Security Licence?

Australian security licences are generally state-based. If you hold a Victorian security licence and want to work in NSW, you may be eligible for mutual recognition or automatic mutual recognition, subject to conditions. Check with SLED whether either applies to your situation before you rely on it.

Costs to Expect

Budget separately for these NSW costs, and confirm each amount with the provider or SLED:

• The NSW Security Licence Course fee charged by your SLED Approved Organisation
• The first aid course fee
• The NSW licence application fee set by the NSW Government

ALIT’s CPP20218 course described on this website costs $999 and is Victorian delivery. NSW licence requirements and fees are separate.

The licensing body and its history are explained in What is the NSW Security Industry Registry (SIR) and How Do I Register?.

To qualify, you complete ALIT’s CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations at West Melbourne before applying for your licence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an Australian citizen to apply for a NSW security licence?

You do not need to be an Australian citizen, but you must have the right to work in Australia. Permanent residents, certain visa holders, and New Zealand citizens may be eligible. Confirm your eligibility with SLED before applying.

Does a Victorian CPP20218 course qualify me for a NSW licence?

Not by itself. SLED requires Class 1 applicants (except 1E) to complete the SLED Pre-Enrolment Assessment and the NSW Security Licence Course through a SLED Approved Organisation. Ask SLED how any previous training is treated before you enrol.

How long does the NSW security licence last?

The licence term and renewal requirements are set by the NSW authorities. Check the current licence details on the SLED website. Your first aid certificate must be renewed every three years while you hold a NSW security licence.

Can I work as a security guard in NSW while my licence application is being processed?

No. You must hold a valid, current security licence before performing licensed security duties in NSW. Working without a licence is an offence under the Security Industry Act 1997.

Is there an age requirement for the NSW security licence?

Yes. You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Class 1A Security Licence in NSW.

Does ALIT help with the NSW licence application?

The NSW licence application is handled directly with SLED. ALIT’s CPP20218 course on this website is Victorian delivery. For NSW training, use a provider on SLED’s Approved Organisations list.

What if I already have a Certificate II from a different provider?

Your qualification may not be enough on its own for a NSW licence. SLED requires the NSW Security Licence Course through an Approved Organisation for Class 1 applicants (except 1E). Contact SLED to confirm how your existing training is treated.

Sources: NSW Police SLED: Class 1 licence training requirements. Requirements can change, so confirm current details with SLED before enrolling or applying.