Becoming a licensed security guard in Melbourne is a solid career move with strong demand, flexible shifts and opportunities for growth. If you’re ready to start, this guide walks you through the exact path from meeting eligibility criteria, gaining licensed training, navigating applications, and finally applying with a professional firm like AS Security.

Why a Career as a Security Guard Makes Sense

Victoria’s private security industry is growing. Licensed security guard job adverts continue to appear across Melbourne, with strong demand for individuals who hold the correct licence. A regulated career means you’re offering a high-value service: protecting people, assets, venues and events. It offers flexibility, respect and a clear entry path.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before investing time and money into training, you must meet eligibility requirements set out by Victoria Police, via its Licensing & Regulation Division (LRD). Key criteria include:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must hold Australian work rights (if not Australian citizen, you need to verify your visa allows security work).
• Must have a clean criminal record, or not have offences that disqualify you from holding a private security licence.
• Must be of good character and fit to perform security duties.
• Must meet any other regulatory requirements (which from 19 June 2025 include new reforms under the Private Security and County Court Amendment Act 2024)

Ensuring you satisfy eligibility saves time and ensures you’re ready when you enrol in training.

Step 2: Obtain the Required Training & Qualifications

Once you meet eligibility, the next step is completing the mandatory training to hold a security guard role in Victoria.

What training is needed?

• You will need to complete a government-approved security licence course or training unit that meets the LRD requirements.
• Typical qualification: Certificate II in Security Operations (or equivalent) is often referenced as an entry pathway.
• The training covers topics such as legal powers and limitations, conflict resolution, communication, emergency procedures, first aid (in some cases), and the specifics of the Victorian security industry.

What to look for when choosing a course provider

• Make sure the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is approved and the course is recognised by Victoria Police.
• Confirm that upon completion you will receive a certificate that supports your licence application.
• Check for any additional endorsements you may need (e.g., crowd controller, event security) if you aim to work at events.

Expected Costs & Duration

• Course fees vary depending on the provider and whether you are completing online or in-person.
• Duration may range from a few days to a few weeks depending on delivery mode and your prior experience.
• Always budget additional costs: licence application fee, fingerprinting or photo requirements under LRD.

Where to Complete Your Security Guard Training in Melbourne

If you’re planning to become a licensed security guard in Victoria, you can complete your mandatory Certificate II in Security Operations at several trusted and LRD-approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across Melbourne. Below are some popular options by region:

• 🧭 North Suburbs – Simple Training Academy Located in Coburg, this college offers the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations with practical, job-ready training focused on real-world scenarios.
• 🌅 West Suburbs – NSTA Central Based in West Footscray, NSTA Central delivers comprehensive security guard and crowd control courses designed for fast certification and employment.
• 🏙 South-East Region – Melbourne Training College With campuses in Coolaroo and West Melbourne, this provider offers hands-on courses approved by Victoria Police’s Licensing & Regulation Division.
• 📍 Melbourne CBD – Knights College Conveniently located near the city centre, Knights College provides professional classroom and simulated training environments led by industry experts.
• ⭐ Melbourne Central – Imperial College of Melbourne Imperial College of Melbourne delivers the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations with modern facilities and experienced trainers. Their program covers all practical and legal aspects of becoming a professional licensed guard in Victoria.
• 🎓 Docakland – Pinnacle Institute Pinnacle Institute offers nationally recognised training in both Unarmed Guard and Crowd Controller courses. Their flexible schedules and blended delivery make them a great choice for working students or those looking for dual qualifications.

Each of these institutes is fully recognised by Victoria Police’s Licensing & Regulation Division (LRD), ensuring your qualification meets all Victorian security licensing requirements.

Step 3: Apply for Your Private Security Licence

With training completed and certificate in hand, you can apply for your licence through Victoria Police’s Licensing & Regulation Division (LRD).

Application Process

1. Visit the official Victoria Police website for “Apply for a new private security licence”.
2. Select the correct form: Individual Private Security Licence (if you want to work as a guard) or Business Licence (if you plan to run the company).
3. Complete all required application sections:
   • Proof of identity
   • Details of completed training
   • Declaration of criminal history / good character
   • Payment of the application fee
   • Provide photograph or fingerprint information if required.
4. Submit and await processing. Typical processing times are published by LRD.

Licence Types & Activities

Under Victorian law, private security licences cover many sub-activities. For example, security guard, crowd controller, bodyguard roles are all categories.
Make sure you apply for the correct “activity” that aligns with your intended job role (e.g., security guard for static guard duties).

After Approval

Once approved, you’ll receive a plastic licence. Keep it up-to-date, and be aware of renewal requirements. Failure to maintain your licence can restrict your ability to work legally.

Step 4: Secure a Job & Gain Experience

With your licence secured, you’re now ready to find employment. The Melbourne market for licensed security guards is active — you can find many listings on major job platforms.

What employers look for

• A valid Victorian private security licence.
• Good communication skills, professionalism and reliability.
• Willingness to work shifts (nights, weekends).
• Basic physical fitness and ability to respond to incidents.
• Depending on role: first aid certificate, driver’s licence, or white card may be advantageous.

Types of roles

• Static Security Guard: standing posts at offices, construction sites, retail centres.
• Event/Crowd Control Security: working festivals, concerts, public gatherings.
• Mobile Patrols/Alarm Response: driving between sites, securing multiple properties.
• Specialty roles: loss prevention, bodyguarding, control room operations.

Growth and earning potential

Job adverts for security guards in Victoria show casual rates, part-time roles and sometimes above-award pay for specialised roles.
As you build experience and take on additional endorsements (for example, crowd controller or event security), your potential for higher pay and more interesting shifts increases.

Step 5: Join AS Security and Advance Your Career

How to apply with AS Security

• Prepare a resume highlighting your licence number, any training certificates, and your experience or readiness to start.
• Attach a cover-letter that emphasises your reliability, communication skills and willingness to work flexible shifts.
• Submit via our careers page or email your details to our recruitment team at [insert contact/email].
• Attend an interview where we review your licence, confirm your eligibility, and discuss the type of sites we operate (offices, events, static posts).
• Upon offer: you’ll complete our onboarding, uniform issue and site-specific induction training.

Why choose AS Security?

• We operate across a wide range of sites in Melbourne (corporate, commercial, events) so you’ll gain diverse experience.
• We support licence renewals, offer career progression and provide training for additional endorsements.
• We value professionalism, teamwork and growth — we’re not just hiring guards; we’re building careers.

Step 6: Stay Compliant, Renew & Grow

Once you’re working, it’s vital to maintain your licence, stay up to date with industry changes and continue learning.

• Note renewal dates and keep your documentation in order.
• Stay aware of Victoria’s regulatory environment — e.g., new licensing reforms came into effect on 19 June 2025 under the Private Security and County Court Amendment Act 2024.
• Consider adding endorsements (event security, crowd control) or upgrades to your licence to expand your job opportunities.
• Build your experience, maintain excellent performance and aim for supervisory roles or specialist industries.

Next Steps to Launch Your Security Guard Career in Melbourne

Starting a career as a security guard in Melbourne is a realistic, credible path: meet the eligibility requirements, complete the approved training, apply for your licence, gain employment and then grow your skills with a reputable employer like AS Security.
With the right mindset, you can build a stable, respected career in the security industry — protecting people, assets and venues across Melbourne while enjoying flexible hours and real job satisfaction.

If you’re ready to get started, download your training enrolment form, gather your documents and take the first step today. And when you’re ready for great work with a leading company, we look forward to receiving your application at AS Security.