Security guard training
I want to be a security guard
The minimum requirement to enter security guard training is the basic qualification of Grade E. All other training is based on this minimum requirement:
- The entry-level security guard is a Grade E security guard.
- ABET level 3 which is equal to school Grade 9
- 18 years or older
- Able to speak, read, write and understand English.
- No criminal record – a background check will be done before you are registered.
Grade A security guard training
A grade-A security officer is a senior security officer with managerial control over a number of people.

A grade-A security guard is a security supervisor and must already have passed these skills programmes:
- Patrol officer
- Access control officer
- Asset protection officer
- Security first-line supervisor skills programme
The unit standards that have to be passed to become a grade B security officer are:
- Demonstrate understanding of crime prevention
- Describe the relationship of junior management to other roles
- Gather and present evidence in a hearing
- Conduct preliminary investigations
- Institute disciplinary action
- Interpret and manage conflicts within the workplace
- Manage time productively
Grade B security guard training
A grade B Security Guard is a junior security supervisor.
Skills programme
You can take a skills programme for a grade B security guard if you have successfully completed these skills programmes:
- Patrol officer
- Access control officer
- Asset protection officer
The unit standards that have to be passed to become a grade B security officer are:
- Supervise work unit to achieve individual and teamwork unit objectives
- Conduct a security threat assessment in a defined operational area
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the primary labour legislation that impacts on a business unit
- Interpret and use information from texts
- Perform one-on-one on-the-job training
- Induct a member into a team
- Give instructions
Grade C security guard training
A grade C Security Guard is an asset and reaction officer or senior security officer.
Entry requirements: Grade C
The unit standards that have to be passed to become a grade C security officer are:
- Coach a team member in order to enhance individual performance in the work environment
- Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance performance
- Describe how to manage reactions arising from a traumatic event
- Apply occupational health, safety and environmental principles
- Outline the legal environment of a selected industry
- Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication
- Write security reports and take statements
Grade D security guard training
A grade D Security Guard is an access or gate controller
You can take a skills programme for a grade D security guard if you have the qualifications of a grade E security officer.
The unit standards that have to be passed to become a grade D security officer are:
- Conduct access and egress control
- Conduct evacuations and emergency drills
- Identify, handle and defuse security-related conflict
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000
- Apply basic business ethics in a work environment
- Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts
- Operate a computer workstation in a business environment
Grade E security guard training
A grade E Security Guard is a patrol security officer.
You can take a skills programme for a grade E security guard if you have proven skills equal to Grade 7 or Abet level 3
The unit standards that have to be passed to become a grade E security officer are:
- Use security equipment
- Conduct a security patrol in the area of responsibility
- Perform basic fire fighting
- Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace
- Handle complaints and problems
- Perform handover and take over responsibilities
- Apply legal aspects in a security environment
- Give evidence in court
- Explain the requirements for becoming a security service provider
Firearm training
Firearm training is provided by SASSETA approved firearm training academies
Firearm training includes:
- Handling and use of a handgun
- Handling and use of self-loading rifle or carbine
- Handling and use of a manually operated rifle or carbine
- Handling and use of a shotgun
- Supervising shooting exercises