Certificate Security Officer

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.

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.

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.

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