PSiRA
GRADES
TRAINING COURSES
Build the knowledge, discipline and professional skills required to pursue a career in South Africa's private security industry.
PSiRA Security Training: Grades E to A
Build your career in South Africa's private security industry through a structured training pathway, beginning with Grade E and progressing to Grade A.
View Training Grades Request InformationSecurity Training Pathway
Each grade builds on the knowledge and responsibilities developed at the previous level.
| Grade | Security role | Main training focus | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade E | Patrol Officer / Security Officer | Basic guarding, observation, communication and professional conduct | Starting level |
| Grade D | Access-Control Officer | Access control, searches, site procedures and physical security | Requires Grade E |
| Grade C | Senior Security Officer | Threat awareness, emergency response, reporting and information protection | Requires Grade D |
| Grade B | Junior Supervisor | Supervision, inspections, communication and team coordination | Requires Grade C |
| Grade A | Senior Security Officer / Manager | Investigations, evidence, court procedures and security management | Requires Grade B |
Patrol Officer and Security Officer
Grade E is the foundation level for learners entering the private security industry. It introduces basic guarding, patrolling, observation, communication, safety, legal awareness and professional conduct.
Grade E Modules
| Module | Subject | Training focus |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | Personal Hygiene and General Appearance | Professional appearance, personal cleanliness, uniform standards and workplace presentation. |
| E02 | Public Relations | Respectful communication with clients, visitors, employees and members of the public. |
| E03 | Role and Function of Security | The purpose, duties, responsibilities and limitations of a security officer. |
| E04 | Discipline | Lawful instructions, workplace rules, reporting lines and professional standards. |
| E05 | Observation | Identifying unusual behaviour, hazards, incidents, people, vehicles and relevant details. |
| E06 | Use of a Fire Extinguisher | Recognising basic fire risks and using an extinguisher safely where appropriate. |
| E07 | Occupational Safety | Identifying workplace hazards and applying safe-working procedures. |
| E08 | Legal Aspects | Basic legal principles, lawful conduct, citizens' rights and limits of security powers. |
| E09 | Industrial Relations | Workplace relationships, duties, conduct and basic employment responsibilities. |
| E10 | Guarding and Patrolling | Visible patrols, area checks, observation and reporting irregularities. |
| E11 | Radio and Telephonic Communication | Clear and accurate use of radios, telephones and communication procedures. |
| E12 | Self-Defence and Minimum Force | Personal safety, de-escalation and using no more force than necessary. |
| E13 | Bombs, Explosive Devices and Firearms | Recognising potential threats, avoiding contact, raising the alarm and following emergency procedures. |
Typical career options: Patrol officer, static security officer, gate or site assistant, retail security officer and general guarding officer.
Access-Control Officer
Grade D develops the skills required to control access to buildings, properties, facilities and designated sites.
Grade D Modules
| Module | Subject | Training focus |
|---|---|---|
| D01 | Access Control | Managing entry and exit points according to site instructions. |
| D02 | Identification and Verification | Checking identification, permits, passes and authorisations. |
| D03 | Visitor Management | Registering visitors, issuing passes and applying escort procedures. |
| D04 | Vehicle and Delivery Control | Checking vehicles, deliveries, loading areas and documentation. |
| D05 | Search Procedures and Techniques | Authorised searches, consent, dignity, safety and correct reporting. |
| D06 | Physical Security Principles | Applying the principles of deter, detect and delay. |
| D07 | Guarding and Patrolling | Combining access control with patrols, observation and site checks. |
| D08 | Fire Prevention and Protection | Recognising fire hazards and responding according to the emergency plan. |
| D09 | Emergency Procedures | Responding safely to accidents, disturbances and medical emergencies. |
| D10 | Legal Aspects | Legal limits relating to access control, searches, detention and reporting. |
| D11 | Communication and Public Relations | Giving clear instructions and dealing professionally with visitors and clients. |
| D12 | Records and Reporting | Maintaining occurrence books, access registers, patrol records and incident reports. |
Typical career options: Access-control officer, gate controller, entrance-security officer, warehouse officer and residential-property security officer.
Senior Security Officer
Grade C prepares learners for more senior operational responsibilities, including risk awareness, emergency response, written reporting, information protection and advanced personal safety.
Grade C Modules
| Module | Subject | Training focus |
|---|---|---|
| C01 | Written Reports | Recording incidents clearly, factually and chronologically. |
| C02 | The Threat | Identifying threats, vulnerabilities, warning signs and possible consequences. |
| C03 | Protection of Information | Protecting confidential and sensitive information from unauthorised access. |
| C04 | Occupational Safety | Applying workplace-safety procedures and reporting hazards. |
| C05 | Firefighting, Prevention and Protection | Preventing fires, supporting evacuation and protecting people and property. |
| C06 | Bomb Threats | Handling bomb threats, suspicious items and explosive-device concerns safely. |
| C07 | Role in an Emergency | Protecting life, contacting emergency services and preserving the scene. |
| C08 | Legal Aspects | Applying legal principles to security duties, incidents and reporting. |
| C09 | Self-Defence II | Advanced personal safety, restraint, de-escalation and minimum-force principles. |
Typical career options: Senior security officer, asset-protection officer, team leader and security officer at a higher-risk site.
Junior Supervisor
Grade B moves from individual security duties to supervision, coordination and operational control.
Grade B Modules
| Module | Subject | Training focus |
|---|---|---|
| B01 | Physical Security and Technology | Using physical-security measures and security technology to protect a site. |
| B02 | Planned Inspections | Inspecting posts, equipment, records and site conditions. |
| B03 | Role in an Emergency | Coordinating communication, evacuation and initial emergency actions. |
| B04 | Statements | Obtaining and recording factual statements from people involved in incidents. |
| B05 | Communication | Managing formal and operational communication with officers, clients and emergency services. |
| B06 | Orders and Instructions | Giving lawful, clear, practical and documented instructions. |
| B07 | On-the-Job Training | Coaching officers in site procedures, post duties and professional conduct. |
| B08 | Supervision | Allocating duties, monitoring performance and reporting operational problems. |
| B09 | Group Relations | Building cooperation, handling disagreements and supporting teamwork. |
| B10 | Handling Parades | Conducting briefings, roll calls, equipment checks and shift handovers. |
Typical career options: Junior supervisor, shift supervisor, site supervisor, control-room supervisor and security team leader.
Senior Security Officer and Management
Grade A is the highest level in the standard PSiRA Grade E-to-A pathway. It prepares experienced officers for management functions, investigation support, client interaction and operational leadership.
Grade A Modules
| Module | Subject | Training focus |
|---|---|---|
| A01 | Basic Principles of Investigations | Investigation stages, evidence, facts, observations and preservation of information. |
| A02 | Action at the Scene of an Incident | Securing the scene, protecting people, preserving evidence and notifying authorities. |
| A03 | Questioning of Witnesses | Obtaining relevant information professionally and accurately. |
| A04 | Principles of Giving Evidence | Presenting factual information clearly, accurately and honestly. |
| A05 | Courts and Court Procedures | Understanding evidence, witnesses, court conduct and basic court procedures. |
| A06 | Human Behaviour | Understanding behaviour, reactions, motivation and communication. |
| A07 | Motivation and Gaining Cooperation | Encouraging teamwork and obtaining cooperation from security personnel. |
| A08 | Report Writing | Preparing complete, accurate and professional operational reports. |
| A09 | Security Registers | Maintaining registers, logs, inspections and operational records. |
| A10 | Interaction: The Key to Success | Understanding how professional interaction supports effective security management. |
| A11 | Interaction Between Individuals | Managing one-to-one communication with officers, clients and stakeholders. |
| A12 | Interaction and Handling Conflict | Resolving disagreements through communication and de-escalation. |
| A13 | Interaction Within a Group | Managing meetings, briefings, teams and group dynamics. |
| A14 | Interaction with Your Superior | Reporting upward, accepting instructions and communicating with management. |
Typical career options: Senior security officer, site manager, security operations manager, contract-security manager and area supervisor.
Assessment and Certification
- Select a currently PSiRA-accredited training centre.
- Confirm the entry requirements for your selected grade.
- Complete the required theory and practical training.
- Complete the provider's assessments.
- Receive the relevant training documentation after meeting the requirements.
- Apply for or maintain PSiRA registration according to the current process.