Security guard qualifications standards prescribed by the South African Qualifications Authority.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) prescribes the security guard qualifications standards.
In addition to these standards, security guards in South Africa must also meet the following requirements:
- They must be at least 18 years old.
- They must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- They must have no criminal record.
- They must be able to speak and write English.
Security guards who meet the requirements can register with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) to be able to work in the security industry.
For more information, please visit the SAQA website.
Source: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
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The tables and content below are AI generated based on SAQA documents. Download the form as a pdf for the official information.
South African Qualifications Authority
Registered Qualification: National Certificate: General Security Practices
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE |
|---|---|
| 58577 | National Certificate: General Security Practices |
Originator: SGB Security
| Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary | NQF Sub-Framework |
|---|---|
| SAS SETA – Safety and Security SETA | OQSF – Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework |
| Qualification Type | Field | Subfield |
|---|---|---|
| National Certificate | Field 08 – Law, Military Science and Security | Safety in Society |
| ABET Band | Minimum Credits | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Qual Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undefined | 124 | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
| Registration Status | SAQA Decision Number | Registration Start Date | Registration End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reregistered | SAQA 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 |
| Last Date for Enrolment | Last Date for Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
Note: In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.
This qualification replaces:
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22490 | National Certificate: General Security Practices | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 124 | Complete |
Entry-Level Security Qualification
Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification
This qualification is designed for individuals interested in entering the security industry and provides the key competencies required of security personnel operating in a variety of contexts. The qualification ensures that security professionals can practice with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to operate in a professional manner, enhancing their career opportunities within the security environment.
The key competencies recognized by this qualification include:
- Safeguarding premises, assets, information, and personnel
- Interacting with customers and people
- Operating security equipment
- Conducting security duties within the ambit of the law
This qualification contributes to a safer environment, supporting government initiatives to deter and detect criminal activities. It equips learners with elementary competencies needed in the security sector and is the first step in a learning pathway for the security sector. After completing this qualification, learners can specialize in various security disciplines such as electronic security or close protection security.
Learning Assumed to Be in Place and Recognition of Prior Learning
For this qualification, learners should already have the following skills:
- Communication, NQF Level 2
- Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 2
The structure of this qualification allows for the recognition of prior learning through the assessment of individual unit standards. This means learners may achieve this qualification in part or completely through recognition of formal, informal, non-formal learning, and work experience.
Access to the Qualification
Access to this qualification is open to all learners, considering the learning assumed to be in place.
Qualification Rules
The qualification is comprised of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core, and Elective components, totalling a minimum of 124 credits. The breakdown is as follows:
- Fundamental: 36 Credits
- Core: 63 Credits
- Elective: 25 Credits
Fundamental Component
All unit standards to the value of 36 credits are compulsory.
Core Component
All unit standards to the value of 63 credits are compulsory.
Elective Component
Learners must achieve a minimum of 25 credits of their choice from any of the available elective unit standards. Learners choosing an area of specialisation must complete all unit standards listed within that area of specialisation.
Specialisations
The elective unit standards category is open-ended to allow the learner to choose the 25 credits associated with the elective unit standards from any discipline that would add value to the qualification’s purpose or the learner’s development on a learning pathway.
Exit Level Outcomes
On achieving this qualification, the learner will be able to:
- Safeguard premises, assets, information, and personnel
- Interact with customers and people
- Operate security equipment
- Conduct security applications within the ambit of the law
Associated Assessment Criteria
Each exit level outcome has an associated set of assessment criteria, described below:
Exit Level Outcome 1
- Demonstrate types of patrols to ensure asset protection
- Perform escorting duties to safeguard assets, people, and property
- Apply observing and monitoring techniques within own area of responsibility
Exit Level Outcome 2
- Apply customer service principles to build relationships
- Perform security duties in line with customer requirements
- Apply conflict handling skills to maintain positive customer relations
Exit Level Outcome 3
- Select and match security equipment with operational requirements
- Use security equipment according to their operating principles
- Inspect the working condition of security equipment for use
Exit Level Outcome 4
- Apply principles of giving evidence in a court of law according to current legal prescripts
- Outline the current legal framework pertaining to the security industry
- Adhere to legal prescripts when dealing with security matters
Integrated assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study, and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work on more than one unit standard at a time.
Entry-Level Security Qualification
Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification
This qualification is designed for individuals interested in entering the security industry and provides the key competencies required of security personnel operating in a variety of contexts. The qualification ensures that security professionals can practice with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to operate in a professional manner, enhancing their career opportunities within the security environment.
The key competencies recognized by this qualification include:
- Safeguarding premises, assets, information, and personnel
- Interacting with customers and people
- Operating security equipment
- Conducting security duties within the ambit of the law
This qualification contributes to a safer environment, supporting government initiatives to deter and detect criminal activities. It equips learners with elementary competencies needed in the security sector and is the first step in a learning pathway for the security sector. After completing this qualification, learners can specialize in various security disciplines such as electronic security or close protection security.
Learning Assumed to Be in Place and Recognition of Prior Learning
For this qualification, learners should already have the following skills:
- Communication, NQF Level 2
- Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 2
The structure of this qualification allows for the recognition of prior learning through the assessment of individual unit standards. This means learners may achieve this qualification in part or completely through recognition of formal, informal, non-formal learning, and work experience.
Access to the Qualification
Access to this qualification is open to all learners, considering the learning assumed to be in place.
Qualification Rules
The qualification is comprised of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core, and Elective components, totalling a minimum of 124 credits. The breakdown is as follows:
- Fundamental: 36 Credits
- Core: 63 Credits
- Elective: 25 Credits
Fundamental Component
All unit standards to the value of 36 credits are compulsory.
Core Component
All unit standards to the value of 63 credits are compulsory.
Elective Component
Learners must achieve a minimum of 25 credits of their choice from any of the available elective unit standards. Learners choosing an area of specialisation must complete all unit standards listed within that area of specialisation.
Specialisations
The elective unit standards category is open-ended to allow the learner to choose the 25 credits associated with the elective unit standards from any discipline that would add value to the qualification’s purpose or the learner’s development on a learning pathway.
Exit Level Outcomes
On achieving this qualification, the learner will be able to:
- Safeguard premises, assets, information, and personnel
- Interact with customers and people
- Operate security equipment
- Conduct security applications within the ambit of the law
Associated Assessment Criteria
Each exit level outcome has an associated set of assessment criteria, described below:
Exit Level Outcome 1
- Demonstrate types of patrols to ensure asset protection
- Perform escorting duties to safeguard assets, people, and property
- Apply observing and monitoring techniques within own area of responsibility
Exit Level Outcome 2
- Apply customer service principles to build relationships
- Perform security duties in line with customer requirements
- Apply conflict handling skills to maintain positive customer relations
Exit Level Outcome 3
- Select and match security equipment with operational requirements
- Use security equipment according to their operating principles
- Inspect the working condition of security equipment for use
Exit Level Outcome 4
- Apply principles of giving evidence in a court of law according to current legal prescripts
- Outline the current legal framework pertaining to the security industry
- Adhere to legal prescripts when dealing with security matters
Integrated assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study, and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work on more than one unit standard at a time.
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
South African Qualifications Authority
Registered Qualification: National Certificate: General Security Practices
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE |
|---|---|
| 58577 | National Certificate: General Security Practices |
Originator: SGB Security
| Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary | NQF Sub-Framework |
|---|---|
| SAS SETA – Safety and Security SETA | OQSF – Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework |
| Qualification Type | Field | Subfield |
|---|---|---|
| National Certificate | Field 08 – Law, Military Science and Security | Safety in Society |
| ABET Band | Minimum Credits | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Qual Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undefined | 124 | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
| Registration Status | SAQA Decision Number | Registration Start Date | Registration End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reregistered | SAQA 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 |
| Last Date for Enrolment | Last Date for Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
Note: In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.
This qualification replaces:
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22490 | National Certificate: General Security Practices | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 124 | Complete |
Entry-Level Security Qualification
Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification
This qualification is designed for individuals interested in entering the security industry and provides the key competencies required of security personnel operating in a variety of contexts. The qualification ensures that security professionals can practice with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to operate in a professional manner, enhancing their career opportunities within the security environment.
The key competencies recognized by this qualification include:
- Safeguarding premises, assets, information, and personnel
- Interacting with customers and people
- Operating security equipment
- Conducting security duties within the ambit of the law
This qualification contributes to a safer environment, supporting government initiatives to deter and detect criminal activities. It equips learners with elementary competencies needed in the security sector and is the first step in a learning pathway for the security sector. After completing this qualification, learners can specialize in various security disciplines such as electronic security or close protection security.
Learning Assumed to Be in Place and Recognition of Prior Learning
For this qualification, learners should already have the following skills:
- Communication, NQF Level 2
- Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 2
The structure of this qualification allows for the recognition of prior learning through the assessment of individual unit standards. This means learners may achieve this qualification in part or completely through recognition of formal, informal, non-formal learning, and work experience.
Access to the Qualification
Access to this qualification is open to all learners, considering the learning assumed to be in place.
Qualification Rules
The qualification is comprised of a combination of learning outcomes from Fundamental, Core, and Elective components, totaling a minimum of 124 credits. The breakdown is as follows:
- Fundamental: 36 Credits
- Core: 63 Credits
- Elective: 25 Credits
Fundamental Component
All unit standards to the value of 36 credits are compulsory.
Core Component
All unit standards to the value of 63 credits are compulsory.
Elective Component
Learners must achieve a minimum of 25 credits of their choice from any of the available elective unit standards. Learners choosing an area of specialization must complete all unit standards listed within that area of specialization.
Specializations
The elective unit standards category is open-ended to allow the learner to choose the 25 credits associated with the elective unit standards from any discipline that would add value to the qualification’s purpose or the learner’s development on a learning pathway.
Exit Level Outcomes
On achieving this qualification, the learner will be able to:
- Safeguard premises, assets, information, and personnel
- Interact with customers and people
- Operate security equipment
- Conduct security applications within the ambit of the law
Associated Assessment Criteria
Each exit level outcome has an associated set of assessment criteria, described below:
Exit Level Outcome 1
- Demonstrate types of patrols to ensure asset protection
- Perform escorting duties to safeguard assets, people, and property
- Apply observing and monitoring techniques within own area of responsibility
Exit Level Outcome 2
- Apply customer service principles to build relationships
- Perform security duties in line with customer requirements
- Apply conflict handling skills to maintain positive customer relations
Exit Level Outcome 3
- Select and match security equipment with operational requirements
- Use security equipment according to their operating principles
- Inspect the working condition of security equipment for use
Exit Level Outcome 4
- Apply principles of giving evidence in a court of law according to current legal prescripts
- Outline the current legal framework pertaining to the security industry
- Adhere to legal prescripts when dealing with security matters
Integrated assessment should be carried out at regular intervals as well as at the end of the periods of study, and should be offered in an integrated way. It is envisaged that learners will work on more than one unit standard at a time.