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If you want to work as a security guard, static guard, control room operator or crowd controller anywhere in Victoria, the law is clear: you must hold a valid Victorian security licence issued by Victoria Police before you can be paid to do the work. Getting there is a well-defined process, but it trips people up when they don’t know the order of steps. This guide walks through exactly how to get a security licence in Victoria, from eligibility through to your first shift.
Important: completing a security course does not automatically give you a security licence. Training is a prerequisite for your licence application — Victoria Police still assesses and issues the licence itself.
Who can apply for a security licence in Victoria?
Before you enrol in any training, check that you meet Victoria Police’s basic eligibility rules. You must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a visa with valid working rights
- Be able to pass a national police history and fingerprint check
- Not have a criminal history or outstanding matter that disqualifies you under the Private Security Act 2004 (Vic)
Only training delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is accepted by Victoria Police for licensing purposes, so it’s worth confirming a provider’s RTO status before you pay for a course.
Step 1: Complete your approved security training
The relevant qualification is CPP20218 – Certificate II in Security Operations, which currently has 14 core units and no electives. Victoria Police currently identifies CPP20218 for the crowd control, unarmed guard and control-room-operator licensing pathways, subject to the specific licence activity you intend to apply for. At ALIT this qualification is delivered in Victoria over 18 days in a blended format at our West Melbourne campus, and includes units covering:
- Security industry legislation and regulatory requirements
- Patrol procedures and access/exit control
- Screening people, personal effects and items
- Managing crowd and individual behaviour
- Conflict management and basic defensive techniques
- Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)
Training must be completed with an approved RTO and be current within 12 months of your licence application. ALIT is a Nationally Recognised RTO (RTO 45156) and CRICOS-registered training provider (CRICOS Provider Code 03981M), and this course carries CRICOS course code 114252K for eligible international students.
Step 2: Gather your identity and eligibility documents
Victoria Police will ask for proof of identity (100 points), evidence of your right to work in Australia if you’re not a citizen or permanent resident, and your Statement of Attainment or Certificate for CPP20218 once you graduate. Keep digital and physical copies of everything — missing paperwork is the most common reason licence applications are delayed.
Step 3: Submit your application and fingerprints
Once you’ve completed training, you apply directly through Victoria Police’s Licensing and Regulation Division (LRD). You’ll need to:
- Complete the relevant private security individual operator licence application form
- Attend a Victoria Police service centre to have your fingerprints taken (if required for your application type)
- Pay the licensing fee set by Victoria Police
- Wait for your national criminal history check to clear
Processing times vary, so it pays to apply as soon as your training is complete rather than waiting until you have a job lined up. For general guidance on ALIT’s own enrolment and application steps (as distinct from the Victoria Police licence application above), see our How to Apply page.
Step 4: Receive your licence and start work
Once approved, you’ll be issued a Victorian security licence in the class that matches your training and application (for example, unarmed guard or crowd controller). From there you’re eligible to work in roles such as security guard, static guard, patrol officer, loss prevention officer or crowd controller, depending on the licence class granted. Curious what these roles actually look like day to day? Read more in our related post, Boost Your Career with the Certificate II in Security Operations.
How long does the whole process take?
Training itself takes as little as 18 days with ALIT. Add licence processing time on top, and most applicants are licensed and job-ready within a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on Victoria Police’s current processing volumes at the time you apply. Starting your training as early as possible is the single biggest factor within your control.
Enrol in CPP20218 the easy way
ALIT lets you check your available intake and enrol in CPP20218 – Certificate II in Security Operations (VIC) in minutes through our online self-checkout, or you can apply now and speak with an enrolment advisor first. If you’re specifically after crowd control work, our companion guide on the crowd controller licence in Victoria breaks down the extra detail for that role.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a security licence before I start training?
No. You complete the CPP20218 training first, then use your Statement of Attainment or Certificate to apply for your licence with Victoria Police.
Can international students get a Victorian security licence?
Yes, provided you hold a visa with valid working rights and meet Victoria Police’s other eligibility criteria. ALIT’s CPP20218 course (CRICOS code 114252K) is approved for eligible international students on a student visa.
Is the training the same for a security guard and a crowd controller licence?
The core CPP20218 qualification is the same course; the licence class you apply for with Victoria Police determines which roles you’re authorised to work in.
Sources: Victoria Police – Private security eligibility requirements and training; Victoria Police – Apply for a new private security licence; training.gov.au – CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. Fees, durations and entry requirements are correct at the time of publishing and may change — always confirm current details on the course page or with an ALIT advisor before enrolling. Last reviewed against Victoria Police requirements: 3 September 2026.
Considering the industry overall? See whether a career in security holds up in 2026. Need the NSW side of the process too? The full sequence for both states is in ALIT’s guide to becoming a security guard in Victoria or NSW step by step.
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