A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Security Career in Queensland

Are you considering a career in security? Queensland offers excellent opportunities in this growing field, but getting started requires careful planning and understanding of the process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to succeed in your journey to becoming a qualified security professional.

Why Choose a Career in Security?

1. Steady demand:
   The security industry in Queensland has seen consistent growth, with a 5.2% annual increase in employment over the past five years. This trend is expected to continue due to increasing security concerns across various sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic also created new opportunities in health and safety compliance roles.
2. Diverse work environments:
   Class 1 licence holder Security professionals work in a wide range of settings, each offering unique experiences and challenges:
   • Retail centre and shopping malls: Dealing with shoplifting, crowd management, and customer service.
   • Corporate offices: Access control, employee safety, and protection of sensitive information.
   • Aviation Security: Ground staff in airports. Luggage checks, Metal wand operators, and security supervisors. 
   • Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Patient and staff safety, managing difficult situations with potentially unstable individuals.
   • Educational institutions: Campus security, event management, and student safety.
   • Hotels and hospitality venues: Guest safety, crowd control during events, and maintaining a secure environment.
   • Industrial sites: Asset protection, enforcing safety protocols, and managing site access.
   • Residential complexes: Patrolling, resident assistance, and maintaining a safe living environment.

It’s important to note that if you’re interested in Transport Security, particularly Aviation Security, you’ll need to complete the AVI20118 Certificate II in Transport Security Protection. This specialised qualification is required for roles such as screening officers at airports and other transport hubs.

3. Opportunity for advancement:
   With experience and additional training, you can progress to:
   • Supervisory roles: Team leader, shift supervisor, or site manager.
   • Specialised security roles: Close personal protection, cash-in-transit, or K9 handling.
   • Security consultancy: Risk assessment and security system design.
   • Training and education: Becoming an instructor for new security professionals.
   • Management positions: Operations manager or regional security director
     Each step up the career ladder typically comes with increased responsibilities and higher pay.
4. Meaningful work:
   Security professionals play a crucial role in:
   • Preventing crime and deterring potential threats.
   • Responding to emergencies and providing first aid.
   • Assisting law enforcement in investigations.
   • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
   • Providing peace of mind to clients and the public.
   • Contributing to the overall safety and wellbeing of communities.

Getting Started: CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations

The first step in your security career is completing the Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218). This course is mandatory for obtaining a security licence in Queensland.

What You’ll Learn

1. Legal and ethical frameworks in security.
2. Risk assessment and management.
3. Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
4. Crowd control and management.
5. Emergency response procedures.
6. Surveillance and monitoring techniques.
7. First aid and CPR.

Course Duration and Cost

The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations typically takes 2-3 weeks to complete in a face-to-face learning environment. This includes:

• 10-15 days of classroom or online instruction
• Practical exercises and role-playing scenarios
• Assessment periods

Costs can range from $895 to $1500, depending on:

• The training provider
• Delivery method (online, in-person, or blended)
• Inclusion of additional certifications (e.g., first aid)
• Location of training (metropolitan vs. regional areas)

Some providers offer payment plans or discounts for group bookings.

Obtaining Your Security Licence

First and foremost you have to be: 

• At least 18 years of age
• Not convicted of a disqualifying offence in the past 10 years.

Then, after completing your course, you’ll need to apply for a Security Provider Licence through the Office of Fair Trading.

Application Process

1. Fill out the Application for Security Provider Licence Class 1 form:
   • Ensure all sections are completed accurately
   • Provide truthful information about your background
2. Gather required documents:
   • Course completion certificates (original or certified copies)
   • 100 points of ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate)
   • Two recent passport-sized photos
3. Pay the application fee:
   • As of 2024 – Multiple function (unrestricted) – Class 1
   • Total fee for first year is $587.40 due to the mandatory fingerprinting and police check.
   • A mandatory criminal history check must be completed on all applications if one has not been conducted by the Office of Fair Trading within the last 6 months. Fee: $46.90 per person.
   • A mandatory fingerprinting fee is payable when submitting your original application. Fee: $106.00 per person.
   • Multiple function (unrestricted) – Class 1
     • $434.50 for 1 year
     • $875.90 for 3 years
4. Submit your application:
   • In person at a Queensland Government service centre
   • Via mail to the Office of Fair Trading
   • You can also apply online.

Processing Time

The Office of Fair Trading typically takes 4-6 weeks to process applications. Factors affecting processing time include:

• Completeness of the application
• Background check results
• Volume of applications being processed

It’s advisable to apply at least 8 weeks before you intend to start work to allow for any potential delays.

Ongoing Requirements

Refresher Training every 3 years

While not mandatory for all security guards in Queensland, refresher training is highly recommended:

• Keeps you updated on changes in legislation and best practices
• Enhances your skills and employability
• May be required by some employers or for specialised roles
• Typically costs $100-$200 per year/ per refresher

First Aid and CPR Certification

Your first aid and CPR certification needs to be renewed every three years:

• Costs typically range from $100-$150
• Includes CPR update and new developments in first aid practices
• Some employers may cover this cost

1. Getting caught working with an expired licence

If you are caught working with an expired security licence in Queensland, the consequences are severe:

1. Legal penalties: You face significant fines of up to $75,000 for individuals or $937,500 for businesses operating without a valid licence.
2. Potential imprisonment: Repeat offenders can face imprisonment for up to 18 months.
3. Immediate work stoppage: You must cease all security-related work immediately until you are properly licensed again.
4. Prosecution: The Department of Justice may take compliance and enforcement actions against you, including prosecution for not holding a valid licence.

2. Getting your licence back if you exceed the expiry date

If your licence has expired and you want to get it back:

1. New application required: You cannot renew an expired licence. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new licence.
2. Processing time: The application process for a new licence may take several weeks or longer, during which time you cannot work in the security industry.
3. Training requirements: You may need to complete revalidation training, including specific units like CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation and CPPSEC3121 Control persons using empty hand techniques for crowd controllers and bodyguards.
4. Costs:
   • Application fees for a new licence
   • Training course fees (e.g., $325 for some renewal courses)
   • Potential loss of income during the period you’re unlicensed
5. Additional requirements: You may need to provide fingerprints if you haven’t done so before.
6. Scrutiny: Your application may face increased scrutiny due to the lapse in licensing.

Licence Renewal

Your security licence is valid for one year or three years depending on the choice you make while applying for the licence:

• Renewal costs $451.61for 3 years (as of 2024)
• Requires submission of a renewal application
• May involve a refresher course or competency assessment – Typically a crowd controller refresher. 
• Background checks will be conducted again. This may or may not include an AFP check for criminal history. 

What Happens If You Forget to Renew Your Security Licence?

Maintaining an active security licence is crucial for your career in Queensland. But what if you forget to renew? Let’s break down the potential consequences and steps to rectify the situation.

Getting Recertified

If your licence has expired and you want to get back into the industry:

1. You’ll need to apply for a new licence, not a renewal
2. Complete the full CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations again (14 units)
3. Undergo a new background check, including possible AFP criminal history check
4. Pay the full new licence fee ($451.61 for 3 years as of 2024)

The process can take several weeks, during which you cannot work in security.

Time and Cost Considerations

• Training costs for Certificate II can range from $895 to $1500
• Processing time for a new licence application is typically 6-8 weeks

Risks and Challenges of Security Work

1. Physical confrontations:
   • Risk of injury when intervening in altercations
   • Potential for assault by aggressive individuals
2. Exposure to dangerous situations:
   • Potential encounters with criminal activity
   • Risk of being involved in or witnessing traumatic events
3. Irregular hours:
   • Night shifts and long hours can disrupt sleep patterns
   • Potential impact on personal life and relationships
4. Mental stress:
   • Constant vigilance can lead to burnout
   • Dealing with difficult people and situations regularly

To mitigate these risks:

• Ongoing training in conflict resolution and self-defence is crucial
• Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs for mental health support
• Complete your CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations from a reputed institute that is reliable and at the helm of every aspect of Security training. 

Salary Expectations

Entry-level security guards in Queensland can expect to earn between $25 to $35 per hour. With experience and specialisation, this can increase significantly. During peak periods like the holiday season, there’s potential for overtime and higher rates. During holidays the expected pay is twice your normal pay for casual workers and 1.5X your normal pay. 

Conclusion

Starting a career in security in Queensland offers a path to stable employment with opportunities for growth. While the initial process of training and licensing requires an investment of time and money, the diverse career options and steady demand make it a life defining decision for many.

Remember, success in this field relies not just on your initial training, but on your commitment to ongoing learning, professionalism, and adaptability. Whether you’re looking for a long-term career or a stepping stone to other opportunities in law enforcement or risk management, the security industry in Queensland provides a solid foundation.

Are you ready to take the first step towards your new career in security? Start by researching accredited training providers and planning your course enrolment today.

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