What is a Victoria Police Security License and How Do I Get One?

A Victoria Police security licence (officially a Private Security Individual Operator Licence) is issued by Victoria Police Licensing & Regulation Division under the Private Security Act 2004. To get one, you must complete an approved training course — such as the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations — have your fingerprints taken, and apply through the Victoria Police Licensing and Regulation Division.

The licence is mandatory for anyone working as a security guard, crowd controller, or bodyguard in Victoria. Without it, you cannot legally carry out security work in the state.

Types of Security Licences in Victoria

Victoria Police issues several categories of security licence. The most common are:

• Unarmed Guard: Covers general security guarding duties — patrols, access control, monitoring, and incident reporting.
• Crowd Controller: Authorises work at licensed premises, events, and entertainment venues.
• Bodyguard: For personal protection work — requires additional training beyond the basic certificate.
• Security Consultant: For advising on security systems and risk assessments.

The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations at ALIT covers the training requirements for the Unarmed Guard and Crowd Controller categories, which are the most in-demand roles in Victoria’s security industry.

How to Get a Victoria Police Security Licence

Step 1: Complete Approved Training

You must hold a current Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218) from a registered training organisation. At ALIT, this qualification takes 18 days to complete and is delivered in a blended format at our West Melbourne campus. The course covers:

• Security screening and access control
• Patrol and surveillance techniques
• Incident and emergency response
• Legal obligations and ethical conduct
• Communication and report writing
• Crowd control techniques (for crowd controller endorsement)

View the CPP20218 course at ALIT — next intake is weekly.

Step 2: Have Your Fingerprints Taken

Victoria Police conducts its own criminal history check as part of assessing your licence application — you do not need to separately obtain a National Police Check certificate from the Australian Federal Police or an accredited provider for this purpose. Instead, you need to book a Livescan fingerprinting appointment with Victoria Police and bring a completed VP616 form (Fingerprints for Victorian Private Security, Firearms and Armed Guard Licences) and identity documents. Book your appointment before submitting your application, as wait times for fingerprinting appointments vary.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Apply online through the Victoria Police Licensing & Regulation Division portal. You will need:

• Proof of identity (100 points of ID)
• Completed Livescan fingerprinting (VP616 form)
• CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations (or equivalent)
• Passport-sized photograph (not required if you already have a current Victoria Police licence photo less than 10 years old)
• Application and maintenance fee — for a Private Security Individual Licence covering one activity this is currently $498.80 total for the 3-year licence (higher for multiple licensed activities); always confirm the current fee on Victoria Police’s service fees and penalties page

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary and can be significantly longer than a few weeks during periods of high demand. Victoria Police publishes indicative current processing timeframes on its private security page — always check this page for the current status rather than assuming a fixed timeframe. Victoria Police will conduct additional background checks and may contact your references.

Security Licence Renewal

A Victoria Police security licence must be renewed every 3 years. From 5 October 2026, renewal also requires:

• Continuing to meet the character requirements
• Completing an approved first aid course — required for everyone who holds an individual operator private security licence, regardless of activity
• Completing the Victoria Police approved refresher training — required if your licensed activities include bodyguard, crowd controller, or security guard (a separate exception applies to monitoring centre operators; confirm your specific requirement with Victoria Police Licensing)
• Paying the renewal fee

Your employer may require additional training or certifications depending on your specific role — confirm current requirements with your employer and Victoria Police Licensing.

What Can You Do With a Security Licence in Victoria?

With an Unarmed Guard licence, you can work as:

• Static security guard at commercial or residential sites
• Mobile patrol officer
• Shopping centre security
• Event security officer
• Loss prevention officer

Adding the Crowd Controller endorsement opens up work at licensed venues, festivals, sporting events, and concerts. The security industry in Victoria employs thousands of workers, and demand for licensed operators remains strong.

ALIT’s Security Training Advantage

ALIT’s CPP20218 program is designed for fast completion and industry readiness:

• Duration: 18 days (intensive blended delivery)
• Location: West Melbourne campus
• Price: $999
• Intake: Weekly enrolments
• Delivery: Blended (theory + practical components)

The program includes practical scenarios, industry-current equipment training, and assessment aligned with Victoria Police licensing requirements. Graduates are job-ready from day one. Explore security career opportunities.

If your plans cover NSW as well, the equivalent process is set out in What is the NSW Security Industry Registry (SIR) and How Do I Register?.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a security licence in Victoria?

After completing your training (18 days at ALIT), Victoria Police processing times vary and have at times extended well beyond a few weeks due to application volumes. Rather than relying on a fixed estimate, check Victoria Police’s current published processing status on its private security page before you apply.

Do I need a security licence to work in security in Victoria?

Yes. It is illegal to work as a security guard, crowd controller, or bodyguard in Victoria without a valid licence issued by Victoria Police.

Can I work interstate with a Victorian security licence?

No. Security licences are state-based. To work in NSW, Queensland, or other states, you need to apply for that state’s licence. Some states have mutual recognition agreements — confirm with the relevant state authority.

What is the difference between a security licence and a security certificate?

A security certificate (CPP20218) is your training qualification. A security licence is the legal authority to work, issued by Victoria Police after you meet all requirements including the certificate, police check, and application process.

How much does a security licence cost in Victoria?

For a Private Security Individual Licence covering one licensed activity, the current total cost (application fee plus maintenance fee) is $498.80 for the 3-year licence period, rising if you are licensed for multiple activities (effective 1 July 2026, per Victoria Police’s published fee schedule). This is higher than a one-off application fee alone. Training costs vary — at ALIT, the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is $999. Always confirm current fees on Victoria Police’s service fees and penalties page.

What happens if I work without a licence?

Working without a valid security licence in Victoria is a criminal offence under the Private Security Act 2004. Penalties include fines and potential criminal charges for both the worker and the employer.