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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Security Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124934  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Security Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Intermediate Occupational Cert  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  131  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0435/25  2025-10-02  2030-10-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2031-10-02   2034-10-02  

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
110866  Occupational Certificate: Security Officer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  86  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Security Officer.

A Security Officer patrols, guards, monitors and responds to safety and security issues within industrial, commercial, state, and private property, as well as railway and port facilities to provide safety and security services within the ambit of the law.

This qualification will equip learners with the competencies necessary to operate professionally in all aspects of legal, regulatory, and procedural security operations.

The qualification providers offer career opportunities within the security environment. Qualifying learners will be employed by public or private security agencies, including residential complexes, homes, educational, cultural, financial, health institutions, businesses, retail establishments, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and organisations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Use, inspect, maintain and report faulty security equipment.
  • Patrol premises to prevent and detect signs of unauthorised entry or infractions of rules.
  • Respond to emergency alarms, react to complaints received and investigate incidents.
  • Control and monitor access and egress to allow authorised entry and prevent unauthorised entry.
  • Write security reports and complete registers.

    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following attributes: Honesty, Trustworthiness, Punctuality, Critical Thinking, and Reliability.

    Rationale:
    The security industry is globally recognised as one of the largest and fastest growing industries, spurred on by the perception of increasing crime affecting individuals, businesses, and government. The security officer is a highly regulated occupation both nationally and internationally, and individuals wishing to practice as the regulatory body must license security officers. The demand for goods and services surges with the advancement of technology. This requires qualified and competent security officers to deter, detect, and investigate criminal and illegal activities, while maintaining secure environments.

    Currently, there are no other similar occupational qualifications for this specific specialisation area registered on the NQF.
    The qualification will benefit societies by ensuring improved security services for members of the community as well as protecting goods and property. The economy will benefit from increased optimisation of the security service to the community it serves by more efficient and adequate protection and guarding services. This would encourage more businesses to invest and expand, thereby increasing employment opportunities.

    The qualification contributes to the development of qualified security officers in the country. The qualification provides progression possibilities in related occupations to security-related qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Professional registration is needed for the Security Officer with the relevant regulatory body.

    This qualification is an entry-level qualification, and typical learners include individuals who want to enter the security industry or those already working in the industry without a formal qualification.
    Consultation with stakeholders from the regulatory body, training providers, public and private security organisations, formed part of the development process

    Typical occupations in which the qualifying learner will operate: Security Officer, Watchman, Patrolman, Guard, Railway Patrol Officer, Mobile Patrol Officer, Beach Patrol Officer / Beach Guard, Security Guard. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access:
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider that offers the specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner can display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    RPL for Exemption:
    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for awarding credits:
    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of qualification through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.
    Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
    An NQF Level 2 qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 541401-000-01-KM-01, Professional Conduct and Ethics, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-KM-02, Introduction to the Security Industry, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-KM-03, Legislation and Regulations Influencing the Security Industry, NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-KM-04, Health and Safety, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-KM-05, Communications in the Security Environment, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-KM-06, Security Equipment, NQF Level 2,4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 42

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 541401-000-01-PM-01, Inspect, Operate and Record Security Equipment, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-02, Conduct Regular Patrols and Inspections of Buildings and/or Facilities, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-03, Perform Access and Egress Control, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-04, Evacuate Premises and Contact Appropriate Emergency Role-Players, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-05, Carry Out Emergency Responses, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-PM-06, Give Evidence in Court Proceedings, NQF Level 4, 13 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 53

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 541401-000-01-WM-01, Security Equipment Inspection and Basic Maintenance Processes, NQF Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-WM-02, Patrolling Processes, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-WM-03, Access and Egress Control Processes, NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • 541401-000-01-WM-04, Emergency Incident Management Processes, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 36 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to use, inspect, maintain, and report faulty security equipment.
    2. Conduct a patrol of premises to prevent and detect signs of unauthorised entry or infractions of rules.
    3. Respond to emergency alarms, react to complaints received, and investigate incidents.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to control access and egress to allow authorised entry and prevent unauthorised entry.
    5. Complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed, and comprehensive descriptions of observations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Demonstrate the ability to use, inspect, maintain, and report faulty security equipment.
  • Identify and describe types of security equipment employed in the context of security services.
  • Define the general uses and purposes of security equipment in accordance with the relevant manufacturer's specifications.
  • Inspect security equipment following the relevant manufacturer's specifications and organisational standard operating procedures.
  • Maintain security equipment according to the relevant manufacturer's specifications and organisational standard operating procedures.
  • Select and operate suitable security equipment effectively in given security situations according to the manufacturer's specifications and organisational standard operating procedures.
  • Report faulty security equipment following organisational standard operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Conduct patrol of premises to prevent and detect signs of unauthorised entry or infractions of rules.
  • Define terminologies and concepts used in a patrolling environment according to their meaning in security services.
  • Describe the general duties, standards, practices, regulations, and prohibitions in accordance with the applicable legislation.
  • Describe the fundamental security elements related to access control, crowd management, vehicle control and shift-handover in accordance with organisational standard operating procedures.
  • Explain the main purpose of carrying out a crime prevention patrol in accordance with organisational policies and operating procedures.
  • Identify and explain the types and reasons for patrols, including "selective patrol" and "saturation patrol" used in the security environment, within context.
  • Use observation, monitoring, and recording techniques while patrolling.
  • Identify and properly utilise patrolling equipment for different security situations, and explain key factors that impact effective patrol, with examples.
  • Use human senses to identify irregularities, unusual events, hazards to yourself and others, including risks, and make appropriate observations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Demonstrate the ability to respond to emergency alarms, react to complaints received and investigate incidents.
  • List different types of emergencies that a security officer might face in the workplace, providing examples.
  • Explain the role and duties of a security officer during an emergency, including participation in emergency action drills, within organisational incident management procedures.
  • Describe the procedures of protecting and securing a crime scene according to legal requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Demonstrate the ability to control access and egress to allow authorised entry and prevent unauthorised entry.
  • Identify and apply various types of searching techniques and procedures to be conducted on people, goods and vehicles; and breach of security is dealt with in accordance with the applicable legislative and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Conduct proper method of searching persons, vehicles or goods/cargo/commodities in accordance with the applicable legislative and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Screen relevant security documentation, such as receipts, invoices, passes, registers, and consignment notes, to ensure they are properly completed and checked for accuracy to maintain security compliance and conformity with access and egress controls.
  • Identify and describe methods of screening and searching baggage, vehicles, people and handling property irregularities using effective communication techniques in accordance with organisational standards.
  • Describe methods of escorting individuals within and between locations on the property to ensure safety, including examples that adhere to organisational standard operating procedures.
  • Perform escort duties for persons and vehicles to direct and/or accompany them within and between locations on the property, ensuring safety and adherence to organisational standard operating procedures.
  • List and describe different security equipment used in access and egress control, focusing on their features and functions.
  • Describe and identify methods for managing complex interpersonal relationships, such as de-escalation, avoiding and resolving potential conflict, and different types of communication systems in terms of their application within a security environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    ELO 5: Complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed, and comprehensive descriptions of observations.
  • Describe different types, purposes, structures, and layouts of reports and statements, including an incident report that can be used in a court of law and at an organisational disciplinary hearing in the security environment.
  • Explain the rules of recording relevant factual data and circumstances in a pocketbook and an occurrence book with examples.
  • Explain and utilise the proper method of communication to report an issue or potential problems in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Review relevant security documentation, such as receipts, invoices, passes, and consignment notes, for accuracy and compliance with access and egress controls.
  • Complete and distribute reports and/or statements according to organisation policies and procedures to ensure confidentiality of information or evidence.
  • Outline protocols and procedures for the purpose of providing evidence in court.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessments:
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the learners' training. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities is used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and workplace experience gained.
    Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Integrated Summative Assessments:
    Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

    An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification.

    Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

    The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR), a requirement for admission to EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the result and the date on which competence in each module and component was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.

    External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) - a national assessment:
    The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct, and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with the QCTO's set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

    For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating:
  • The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical, and Work Experience modules.
    Or
  • The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with similar qualifications from Australia and New Zealand:

    Australia
    Institution: Asset College
    Qualification title: The Certificate III in Security Operations
    Duration; 12 months

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to equip Security Officers who wish to deepen and broaden their skills and knowledge in security operations and lead security teams in the field. It provides a pathway to further learning and work in various security roles and settings, including security risk management.

    Entry requirements:
  • Entry requirements for this qualification require a current Security Providers License in the state or territory in which one is operating, and
  • Basic English Language, Literacy, and Numeracy skills.

    Duration: 1 unit per month for 12 months. Content/Modules covered:
    Core units
  • Contribute to team effectiveness.
  • Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation.
  • Maintain operational safety and security of the work environment.
  • Determine and implement a response to the security risk situation.
  • Coordinate the provision of quality security services to clients.
  • Gather, organise, and present security information and documentation.
  • Maintain work health and safety.
  • Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour.

    Elective units
  • Respond effectively to behaviours of concern.
  • Monitor electronic security equipment and respond to alarm events.
  • Monitor security and coordinate response from control rooms.
  • Store, protect, and dispose of security information.
  • Use and maintain security databases and compile reports.
  • Control people using batons.
  • Restrain people using handcuffs.
  • Control people using empty-hand techniques.
  • Prepare and present evidence in court.
  • Implement security procedures to protect critical infrastructure and public assets.
  • Defend people using spray.
  • Conduct security screening using walk-through metal detection equipment.
  • Conduct security screening using hand-held metal detectors.
  • Provide First Aid.
  • Control evacuation to muster point.
  • Carry out vehicle inspection.
  • Manage training and well-being of dogs for security functions.
  • Handle dogs for security patrols.
  • Control security risk situations using firearms.
  • Carry, operate, and maintain revolvers for security purposes.
  • Carry, operate, and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes.
  • Carry, operate, and maintain shotguns for security purposes.
  • Inspect and test cash-in-transit security equipment.
  • Implement cash-in-transit security procedures.
  • Load and unload cash-in-transit in secured and unsecured environments.
  • Plan provision of close protection services.
  • Implement close protection services.
  • Conduct security screening using X-ray equipment.
  • Conduct security screening using explosive trace detection equipment.
  • Select, use, and maintain body armour for security purposes.
  • Provide Advanced First Aid.
  • Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy.
  • Operate a commercial vehicle.

    Similarities:
  • The Australian qualification compares well with the South African qualification with regards to the similar skills sets which are comparable.
  • The Australian qualification has a common practice where regulatory or licensing bodies identify certain units or modules that are compulsory for learners to complete successfully for licensing purposes, and a similar approach is also applied in the context of the SA qualification.
  • Both qualifications allow learners to progress further to qualifications in similar or related fields.

    Differences:
  • Some of the units in the Australian qualification are regarded as specialisations in the South African context and do not form part of the South African qualification.
  • The South African qualification supports an industry-specific, fit-for-purpose approach that includes workplace experience modules. The Australian Qualification offers elective units that lead to specialisations, whereas the South African Qualification does not.

    New Zealand:
    Institution: Education College
    Qualification title: The New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation)
    Duration: 32 weeks
    60 Credits
    Level 3

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to equip security professionals with the skills, knowledge, and attributes necessary to promote a safe and secure environment. Learners will finish their certification with knowledge of NZ legislation relevant to the security industry, an understanding of confidentiality, personal safety, situational awareness, and risk assessment.

    Entry requirements:
  • Currently working in a security job (on a temporary or full CoA).
  • A citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand, or an Australian citizen or a permanent resident residing in New Zealand.
  • Able to speak and understand English.
  • Preferably a holder of NCEA Level 1 or equivalent academic achievement, but admission can be on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the institution.

    Content/Modules covered:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Communicate effectively with security management, colleagues, clients, and the public while carrying out security work, 8 credits.
  • Conduct professionally and ethically as a security guard in a workplace, demonstrating integrity and respect for all individuals, 6 credits.
  • Apply knowledge of New Zealand legislation relevant to the security industry to promote a safe and secure environment, mitigate security risks, and respond to security breaches, 8 credits.
  • Operate security equipment and technology while carrying out security work, 6 credits.
  • Apply knowledge of confidentiality, privacy, and specific client requirements to protect clients in a security context, 6 credits.
  • Apply knowledge of personal safety, situational awareness, and risk assessment as it relates to workplace health and safety in a security context, 12 credits.
  • Respond to incidents, events, and emergencies and interact with other emergency services in a security work context,14 credits.

    Similarities:
  • The New Zealand qualification has similar skillsets to the South African qualification.
  • The assessment is performed similarly to knowledge and practical application assessments.
  • Both qualifications enable learners to progress to qualifications in similar or related occupations.

    Differences:
  • The New Zealand qualification spans over 32 weeks with varying credits, whereas the South African qualification has a duration of a year.
  • The South African qualification endorses an industry-specific, fit-for-purpose approach that includes workplace experience modules. Additionally, there is a difference in that the terminology used is different from that used in South Africa.
  • Some of the skill sets in the South African qualification do not match those listed in the Australian qualification modules.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with international standards in terms of the range and complexity of the knowledge required of a Security Officer, even though the Australian and the New Zealand qualifications do not include any workplace experience. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Miner, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    Be fit and able to complete all components of the qualification.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres will be accredited, are found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below.

    The curriculum title and code are: 541401-000-01-00: Security Officer.

    Encompassed Trade:
    None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Safety and Security SETA (SASSETA)

    RELATED PART-QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Occupational Certificate: Patrol Officer, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Access Control Officer, NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Certificate: Asset Protection Officer, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.