Published: 5th January 2022.
Written by Jodie Magrath

If you’re hoping to start a career in the security industry, a Certificate II in Security Operations could be the qualification you need. Whether you want to work in crowd control, provide protection to VIPS or guard valuable property, this course will give you the skills you need to provide safe and effective security services. If you’re physically fit, have strong situational awareness and excellent conflict negotiation skills, a career in security could be a great choice for you. From addressing security concerns to conducting regular patrols, working in security offers numerous career opportunities.

The Certificate II in Security Operations covers a range of subjects to prepare you for work in the security industry. You’ll develop the skills to provide security for a range of clients while keeping yourself, patrons and general public safe. You’ll learn to screen people and personal effects, conduct security patrols and control large crowds of people. This course also looks at techniques for managing intoxicated people and removing people from a premises. It also covers first aid and basic self defence skills.

A Certificate II in Security Operations is an ideal course of study for the following careers:

Security Guard

A Security Guard conducts security operations to ensure the safety of clients, premises or items. You might also manage the behaviour of large groups of people at public events. Security Guards may conduct patrols, check on security issues or screen people as they enter a security area. You may sometimes be tasked with ensuring the safety of an important person or high-risk security item.

Security Officer

A Security Officer looks after the safety of a particular person, area or valuable item. You might stand guard at a high risk area and monitor crowds for suspicious activity. Security Officers ensure crowd behaviour is safe at large events and may screen patrons as they enter a premises. You might also conduct security patrols or respond to security threats.

CCTV Operator

A CCTV Operator monitors security footage to check for security or safety issues. You might look out for suspicious activity or keep an eye on security concerns. CCTV Operators may watch footage live and respond to security concerns or you might check recorded footage to gather information or evidence on an incident.

Higher education pathways

A Certificate II in Security Operations is an ideal qualification if you’re starting a career in the security industry. You could also specialise your skills with a Certificate III in Close Protection Operations or a Certificate IV in Security Risk Analysis. You could also further your studies with a Certificate IV in Government Security (Personnel Vetting) or a Diploma of Security Risk Management.

If you want to take your studies further, you could enrol in a university degree such as a Bachelor of Security Studies or a Bachelor of Social Science (Security and Counter Terrorism). This will expand your career opportunities and improve your knowledge of security issues. You may be able to use a Certificate II in Security Operations as a pathway to these courses.

Getting started

If you’re planning to enrol in a Certificate II in Security Operations, make sure you collect information from a range of course providers. There are usually some variations in the way providers deliver their courses, so you’ll need to find the one that best meets your needs. It’s important to find out about the duration of the course, costs, any prerequisites and the content the course will cover. Once you have all the information you can compare details and find the course that is best for you.