Security Guard

A Security Guard looks after the safety of people, property or valuable items. You might be assigned to stand guard at an area where there are security concerns or you might keep watch over a large group of people to manage crowd behaviour. Security Guards may patrol unattended areas at night to check everything is in order or you might travel with an important person or an item of high value to ensure they are safe.

A Security Guard needs to be fit and able to keep up with the physical demands of the job. You’ll need to have excellent situational awareness and be able to focus for long periods of time. Security Guards should be good communicators and able to negotiate conflict or challenging behaviours during their work.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $62,400
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a security guard?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
CPP20218

Certificate II in Security Operations
On Campus
3 weeks
$20 - $1,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
AVI20118

Certificate II in Transport Security Protection
Blended, On Campus
3 weeks
$51 - $1,750
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Customs and Border Protection Officer
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
  • Must pass a valid background check before accessing security-restricted resources for AVIG0001: Work in a transport security environment.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Customs and Border Protection Officer
CPP31418

Certificate III in Close Protection Operations
Blended, On Campus
3 weeks
$2,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard
11029NAT

Course in Firearms and Weapons Safety (Approved for Firearms Licensing in Queensland)
On Campus
4 days
$250
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Security Guard Security Officer
Bodyguard
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Police Officer Security Guard Security Officer Bodyguard + 1 more
CPP31318

Certificate III in Security Operations
On Campus
3 weeks
Unavailable
  • Must hold a current Security Officers licensing in the relevant jurisdiction.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • Must hold a current Security Officers licensing in the relevant jurisdiction.
  • Must hold a current Security Officers licensing in the relevant jurisdiction.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
CPPSS00062

Control Room Operations Skill Set
Blended
3 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer CCTV Operator
CPPSS00061

Cash-in-Transit Skill Set
Blended, On Campus
2 days
$750
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
CPPSS00063

Firearms Skill Set
On Campus
7 days
$1,350
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
CPPSS00059

Batons and Handcuffs Skill Set
On Campus
1 day
$250
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer
CPPSEC3101

Manage Conflict and Security Risks Using Negotiation
Distance, On Campus
1 day
$0 - $325
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Crowd Controller
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Security Guard Security Officer Crowd Controller
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Security Officer

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Avg yearly income $57,200
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National Security Adviser

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Security Dog Handler

A Security Dog Handler manages and trains dogs to enhance safety by patrolling, responding to alarms, and conducting searches for security threats.

Avg yearly income $58,240
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Common questions

How much does a Security Guard earn?

In Australia, a full time Security Guard generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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What are the job opportunities for a Security Guard?

The number of people working as a Security Guard has increased slightly over the last five years. There are currently 39,900 people working in this role in Australia. Security Guards may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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How do I become a Security Guard?

If you’re thinking of becoming a Security Guard, you could enrol in a Certificate II in Security Operations. This qualification will prepare you to provide security services in a range of industries and explore topics such as conducting patrols, crowd control and dealing with intoxicated people. You could also consider a Certificate III in Security Operations or a Certificate II in Transport Security Protection.

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Further reading

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