Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218) at ALIT is an 18-day blended program delivered over approximately three weeks. It combines one live online class, online self-study completed within your course schedule, and three practical classes on campus in West Melbourne, with First Aid included. You can’t complete it entirely online, because units like first aid, defensive techniques and crowd control require hands-on, in-person assessment.
So the honest answer for Victorian students is: both. Learning happens online through one scheduled live class and flexible self-study; the doing happens on campus across three practical classes, where a trainer can watch you demonstrate each skill properly.
How blended delivery works at ALIT
Blended means the 18-day schedule, delivered over approximately three weeks, combines three parts: one live online class, online self-study that you complete within your course schedule, and three on-campus practical classes at the West Melbourne campus. The full qualification — all 14 core units — is covered across those parts, with weekly intakes and an indicative course fee of $999 (confirm current pricing on the course page).
What you do online
Online learning has two parts. The live online class is a single scheduled session with a trainer. Online self-study is the flexible part: the theory behind each unit — security legislation and procedures, terminology, risk assessment principles, WHS and emergency response knowledge — which you work through in your own time but must complete within your course schedule. Your application’s short language, literacy and numeracy check also runs online, and enrolment itself can be completed through ALIT’s self-checkout in minutes.
What you must do in person
The practical units are assessed face to face across the three on-campus practical classes, because they can’t be demonstrated any other way. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is included within those three classes:
- First aid (HLTAID011) — CPR on manikins at the required rate and depth, casualty assessment, bleeding control and recovery positions
- Defensive techniques (CPPSEC2106) — physical, practical self-protection skills
- Screening and access control (CPPSEC2108, CPPSEC2109) — bag checks, item screening and entry and exit procedures
- Crowd and behaviour management (CPPSEC2110–2112) — scenario-based crowd control, managing intoxicated persons and lawful removals
- Patrols and escorts (CPPSEC2107, CPPSEC2113) — patrol drills and escorting valuables
A trainer has to observe you performing these skills to sign off the unit — that’s what competency-based, nationally recognised training means. For a full picture of the unit set, see our guide to the CPP20218 course structure.
Why ‘fully online’ security courses deserve scrutiny
Every so often an ad promises a security qualification completed entirely from your lounge room. Treat that claim carefully. The national qualification includes units that require practical demonstration — first aid above all — so a provider advertising “100% online CPP20218” is usually describing only the pre-course theory, or something short of the full qualification. Victoria Police also only accepts training from an approved Registered Training Organisation for licensing purposes, so a cut-down course can leave you unlicensed and out of pocket. Before paying anyone, confirm the training is the full CPP20218 qualification from an approved RTO — our guide to getting a security licence in Victoria explains what training licensing actually requires.
What this means for international students
ALIT’s CPP20218 Certificate II course carries CRICOS course code 114252K, which means it’s approved for eligible international students studying in Australia. Study is campus-based at West Melbourne — expect face-to-face delivery as a core part of the experience, consistent with student visa study requirements. Our guide to CRICOS-approved courses at ALIT covers what international students need to know before enrolling.
Enrolling online, studying blended
Even though the course itself isn’t fully online, getting into it is. You can check your intake and enrol in minutes through ALIT’s self-checkout enrolment, or apply and speak with an enrolment advisor first if you have questions about eligibility, fees or instalments. Either path leads to the same next step: your LLN check, then your start date.
Is blended delivery right for you?
If you can reach Melbourne’s west for the three practical classes, blended is the most workable way to qualify: online learning from home, skills on campus with a trainer. If you live regionally or interstate, plan your travel around the practical schedule before you enrol — there is no distance-only version of this qualification. And if you’re weighing the commitment, start with the CPP20218 course page for duration, fees and intake dates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the theory from home?
Yes — the live online class and the self-study are completed online, with self-study finished within your course schedule. The three practical classes are on campus.
Do I need to be in Melbourne for the whole course?
You need to attend the West Melbourne campus for all three practical classes, including First Aid. The live online class and self-study can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.
Is the online part self-paced?
Partly. Self-study is flexible, but it must be completed within your course schedule, and the live online class runs at a scheduled time. You progress with your cohort toward the three on-campus practical classes.
Are there evening or weekend practical sessions?
Schedules vary by intake. Ask an enrolment advisor about the timetable for your start date before you enrol.
Does blended delivery cost less than classroom-only?
The indicative fee is $999 for the course as delivered. Current pricing, instalment options and any promotions are listed on the course page — confirm them before enrolling.
Reviewed by the ALIT Compliance & Training Team. Sources: training.gov.au — CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations; Victoria Police — Private security eligibility requirements and training. Delivery mode, duration and fees are correct at the time of publishing and may change — always confirm current details on the ALIT course page or with an enrolment advisor.
Related ALIT guide: what to check before enrolling in Cert II Security.
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