What are the main types of security licence in Ireland?
Generally speaking, for people starting in the security sector, there are two types of licence:
- Security guard (static) licence, which covers static (uniform) and retail (Shop security)
- Door supervisor (licensed premises), which covers door work at nightclubs, bars and also entertainment and sporting events.
How do I get a security licence in Ireland?
To get a licence, please visit the PSA website at the following address;
https://www.psaonlineapplication.com/Forms/PSA_Application
Start your application process, then choose one of our courses in static or door security. Complete your course and you receive a letter of training completion from us. You attach this letter to your PSA application and you are ready to be licensed.
See my how to video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPr1GAAGtEE&t=18s
How do our courses work?
- Your company organise a date and location for the class delivery
- The participants attend our first class, where you will complete your paperwork, an English test and start your course.
- We register you with the Security Institute of Ireland and on the teachable website, you study when it suits you
- You attend zoom and in-class days, as required (see each courses timetable)
- On the final in-class day you complete your exam and skills demonstration
- Once all is completed, we issue a TRF or proof of training form to you for the PSA.
- We send you your certificates in due course
Please explain the new Static guarding skills QQI Level 4 award?
Benefits
Successful completion of this Static and Retail Security Programme can lead directly to employment within the security industry. The award satisfies the training requirements for licensing in the Security Guard (Static) sector as prescribed by the industry regulatory body, the Private Security Authority. This programme includes a comprehensive section on Retail Security.
Those wishing to work within the Door Security (Licensed Premises) or Event Security sectors require a different award and a separate license. The Door Security award is also available through the Security Institute Network of Trainers.
Purpose
This is a single module programme. Therefore, the programme purpose, general aims and outcomes are also the module purpose, general aims and outcomes.
The purpose of this programme is to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations safely and legally in a variety of settings within the static and retail security environments.
Content
The Private Security Industry
Customer Care
Quality Service
Industry Legislation and Regulation
The Private Security Officer
Teamwork Principles
Loss Prevention and Crime Prevention
Security Technology
Security Hardware
Civil Law and Security
Criminal Law and Security
Courts and the Courts System
Safety, Health and Welfare Legislation
Equality and Discrimination
Data Protection
Environmental Protection
General Duties and Procedures
Controlling and Monitoring Access
Searching
Patrolling
Retail Security Procedures
Emergencies and Emergency Procedures
Fire and Fire Procedures
Terrorist and Extremist Threats
Documentation
Recording and Reporting
Communications
Conflict Management
Entry Criteria
To access programmes leading to this award, candidates should have reached the standards of knowledge, skill and competence at Level 3 or Junior Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications. Achievement of this may be through a formal qualification or relevant life and work experience. This means that entry is largely open to all adult candidates and there are no formal qualifications required to participate.
PSA Requirements
Candidates are advised that to work within the sector requires a license issued by the Private Security Authority. Licensing conditions prescribed by the Authority include applicants be of good character and are subject to a criminality check.
The Private Security Authority is the regulatory authority for the industry. They have also set criteria for entry onto a programme for the purpose of applying for a licence. These criteria include:
You are asked to produce a passport or other evidence of identity
You are asked to provide a utilities bill as evidence of address
You must be over eighteen years of age
You must be competent in the English language
There are requirements within the programme and ultimately within employment in the industry to have a working knowledge of the written and spoken English language. English need not be your first language. All prospective candidates will be facilitated to demonstrate their English language competence before the programme commences. The level of English demonstrated must be satisfactory to gain entry onto the course.
Self-Directed Study
Self-directed study is a very important feature of programme success. This is a 100-hour programme of which 30 hours are spent in a classroom environment. The entirety of the programme content will not be covered in this classroom setting. Study must take place away from that environment to achieve success.
Duration
The total duration of the programme is 100 hours. This is broken down as 70 hours self-directed learning or home study and 30 hours face to face classroom-based learning. It is a part time programme; classroom aspects can be delivered on a day release basis for example one day per week for four weeks or as an evening course. Self-directed learning involves 70 hours practice, study and research outside of the classroom. Delivery of the full programme involves a candidate commitment to both classroom attendance and self-directed learning.
Assessment Summary
There are two techniques used to assess the programme:
A one-hour 50 question multi-choice written examination.
The practical demonstration of three skills.
Supports
As this is a part time programme incorporating a substantial element of self- directed learning, a comprehensive 390-page, 100,000-word manual is available to all candidates. For more extensive research and study, access to the Security Institute library is also available.
Assessment samples and guidelines are provided for the written examination and skills demonstrations. Skills demonstrations practice sessions are an inherent part of programme delivery. A study guide sheet is also available.
Trainers and assessors are experienced in dealing with candidates who may feel restricted due to physical, learning or language challenges. Reasonable accommodation processes are in place. It is advisable that candidates discuss these issues with the Institute or an Institute trainer in advance of participation.
While not mandatory, access to, and competency in use of the Internet will benefit candidates. Trainers will provide additional resource references for those who do not have Internet capability.
Candidates may contact the Security Institute directly for any clarification or further information either by phone at 045 409222 or by e-mail at admin@sii.ie
Certification
Successful completion of this programme leads to three certificates:
QQI Special Purpose Award in Security Guarding Skills at Level 4 (10 Credits)
Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Static Security
Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Retail Security
Please explain the new Door security skills QQI level 4 award?
Benefits
Successful completion of this Door and Event Security Programme can lead directly to employment within the security industry. The award satisfies the training requirements for licensing in the Door Security and Event Security sectors as prescribed by the industry regulatory body, the Private Security Authority. This programme includes a comprehensive section on Physical Intervention.
Those wishing to work within the Security Guard (Static) sector require a different award and a separate license. The Security Guard (Static) award is also available through the Security Institute Network of Trainers.
Purpose
This is a single module programme. Therefore, the programme purpose, general aims and outcomes are also the module purpose, general aims and outcomes.
The purpose of this programme is to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations safely and legally in a variety of settings within the door and event security environments.
General Aims
On completion of this programme, the candidate will be able to:
Understand what private security is, its role in society, its sectors and services, including typical company structure and management, company quality service and customer care processes, recognising mandatory regulations and standards, in particular the functions and powers of the regulator.
Understand the role and responsibilities of the security officer in a range of door and event security working environments, indicating the characteristics of a professional by maintaining company, client and personal standards, understanding teamworking and developing as an individual.
Understand the principles of prevention, identifying methods of preventing and reducing loss, including loss through crime, recognising a range of security technology and security hardware products and services which assist with loss and crime prevention.
Identify those aspects of law relevant to the role of the security officer working in the door and event security environments, explaining lawful responses to typical situations, understanding relevant criminal, civil, safety and other codes, including those which directly impact on the role, including court processes.
Apply skills and knowledge to legally, safely and effectively implement practical workplace tasks, describing how to carry out tasks as assigned, acting on initiative, identifying responses to changing and unfamiliar circumstances, including controlling and monitoring access and egress, searching, identifying and using appropriate equipment.
Understand the specific duties and procedures within the event security environment, including concerts, festivals and public gatherings, applying the additional skills and knowledge to deal effectively, legally and safely with individuals and crowds entering, remaining on and leaving premises.
Identify what are emergency situations, responding to instructions and / or reacting appropriately to a range of emergency incidents, including fire, accidents, terrorist and other threats, working safely using appropriate emergency equipment, taking responsibility in situations where required, including evacuation, responding to an injured person and scene preservation, while working within the parameters of venue policy.
Demonstrate a range of communication skills relevant to the role of the door and event security officer on duty, including interpersonal skills for effective interaction when dealing with others, and those additional skills beneficial when intervening in, or confronted with challenging situations, applying best practice reporting and recording procedures.
Demonstrate a range of skills relevant to the role of the door and event security officer on duty when confronted with uncooperative, non-compliant and / or violent situations and individuals, intervening safely and legally and in compliance with venue policy.
Content
The Private Security Industry
Customer Care
Quality Service
Industry Legislation and Regulation
The Private Security Officer
Teamwork Principles
Loss Prevention and Crime Prevention
Security Technology
Security Hardware
Civil Law and Security
Criminal Law and Security
Door and Event Specific Legislation and Regulations
Courts and the Courts System
Safety, Health and Welfare Legislation
Equality and Discrimination
Data Protection
Environmental Protection
General Duties and Procedures
Door Security Procedures
Controlling and Monitoring Access
Searching
Event Security Procedures
Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Crowd Control
Emergencies and Emergency Procedures
Fire and Fire Procedures
Terrorist and Extremist Threats
Documentation
Recording and Reporting
Communications
Conflict Management
Physical Intervention
Entry Criteria
To access programmes leading to this award, candidates should have reached the standards of knowledge, skill and competence at Level 3 or Junior Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications. Achievement of this may be through a formal qualification or relevant life and work experience. This means that entry is largely open to all adult candidates and there are no formal qualifications required to participate.
PSA Requirements
Candidates are advised that to work within the sector requires a license issued by the Private Security Authority. Licensing conditions prescribed by the Authority include applicants be of good character and are subject to a criminality check.
The Private Security Authority is the regulatory authority for the industry. They have also set criteria for entry onto a programme for the purpose of applying for a licence. These criteria include:
You are asked to produce a passport or other evidence of identity
You are asked to provide a utilities bill as evidence of address
You must be over eighteen years of age
You must be competent in the English language
There are requirements within the programme and ultimately within employment in the industry to have a working knowledge of the written and spoken English language. English need not be your first language. All prospective candidates will be facilitated to demonstrate their English language competence before the programme commences. The level of English demonstrated must be satisfactory to gain entry onto the course.
Self-Directed Study
Self-directed study is a very important feature of programme success. This is a 100-hour programme of which 40 hours are spent in a classroom environment. The entirety of the programme content will not be covered in this classroom setting. Study must take place away from that environment to achieve success.
Duration
The total duration of the programme is 100 hours. This is broken down as 60 hours self-directed learning or home study and 40 hours face to face classroom-based learning. It is a part time programme; classroom aspects can be delivered on a day release basis for example one day per week for four weeks or as an evening course. Self-directed learning involves 60 hours practice, study and research outside of the classroom. Delivery of the full programme involves a candidate commitment to both classroom attendance and self-directed learning.
Assessment Summary
There are two techniques used to assess the programme:
The practical demonstration of three skills.
A one-hour 50 question multi-choice written examination.
Supports
As this is a part time programme incorporating a substantial element of self- directed learning, a comprehensive 500-page, 150,000-word manual is available to all candidates. For more extensive research and study, access to the Security Institute library is also available.
Assessment samples and guidelines are provided for the written examination and skills demonstrations. Skills demonstrations practice sessions are an inherent part of programme delivery. A study guide sheet is also available.
Trainers and assessors are experienced in dealing with candidates who may feel restricted due to physical, learning or language challenges. Reasonable accommodation processes are in place. It is advisable that candidates discuss these issues with the Institute or an Institute trainer in advance of participation.
Access to, and competency in use of the Internet will benefit candidates. Trainers will provide additional resource references for those who do not have Internet capability.
Candidates may contact the Security Institute directly for any clarification or further information either by phone at 045 409222 or by e-mail at admin@sii.ie
Certification
Successful completion of this programme leads to three certificates:
QQI Special Purpose Award in Door Security Practice at Level 4 (10 Credits)
Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Door Security
Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Event Security
The QQI Award Specification and link to the QQI Component for this award can be accessed here:
https://qsearch.qqi.ie/WebPart/AwardDetails?awardCode=4S20612
Are you an Irish Company?
Yes, we are, based here in Naas Enterprise park, Co. Kildare.
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