Starting a career as a licensed security guard in Sydney can open doors to steady work and a variety of job opportunities. You could be working at events, in retail stores, in corporate offices, or even in residential buildings. But before you can wear the uniform and start your first shift, you must get your security licence from the New South Wales Police Force.
Getting the licence might seem simple—do a course, fill in the application, and wait for approval. In reality, many applicants face delays, extra costs, or even rejection because of small but important mistakes.
If you’re planning to enroll in a Security Licence Course Sydney, knowing these mistakes ahead of time will help you prepare properly and avoid stress later. Let’s go through the most common errors and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Completing the Correct Security Licence Course
The very first step in your journey is doing the right training course from an approved training provider. In NSW, this is usually the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations or a similar qualification, and it must be taught by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) that is approved by the NSW Police Force.
Where people go wrong:
- Signing up for a non-accredited course.
- Choosing a provider outside NSW that doesn’t issue a certificate recognised by NSW Police.
- Missing classes or assessments and not completing the course properly.
How to get it right:
Check that your chosen Security Licence Course Sydney is from an RTO approved by the NSW Police Force. You can find a list on their website. Make sure you attend all classes, finish every assessment, and keep your training documents safe.
2. Sending Incomplete or Wrong Documents
Your application won’t go anywhere without the right paperwork. You’ll need to provide:
- Proof of identity.
- Your course completion certificate.
- A national police check.
- Passport-style photos.
- Proof you can work in Australia.
Common mistakes:
- Forgetting to get copies of documents certified.
- Using expired ID.
- Sending in blurry scans or unclear copies.
- Missing important details like your full residential history.
How to get it right:
Gather your documents before you even start the application. Use the official NSW Police checklist. Have your documents certified by an authorised person, like a Justice of the Peace, and check that your ID is up to date.
3. Skipping the Eligibility Check
Before you pay for a Security Licence Course Sydney, make sure you’re actually eligible to get the licence. NSW Police require you to:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Be a “fit and proper” person.
- Pass criminal history checks.
- Have a certain level of English.
Where people go wrong:
- Thinking that finishing the course automatically makes them eligible.
- Ignoring past offences that might cause problems.
- Not knowing what “fit and proper” means in the licensing process.
How to get it right:
Read the eligibility rules on the NSW Police Force website before you sign up for any course. If you have a criminal record, it’s worth contacting the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED) for advice before spending time and money.
4. Overlooking English Language Requirements
Security guards need strong communication skills to write reports, understand instructions, and speak clearly with the public. NSW Police require proof of your English ability.
Common mistakes:
- Not providing the right evidence for English skills.
- Struggling with the course because of language barriers.
- Thinking basic conversational English is enough without meeting the official requirement.
How to get it right:
If English isn’t your first language, take a language course before your Security Licence Course Sydney. Your RTO can tell you what type of evidence you’ll need, such as test results or school records.
5. Waiting Too Long to Apply After the Course
Your Statement of Attainment from the course won’t last forever. If you wait too long, it may expire and you’ll have to redo the training.
Common mistakes:
- Putting off the application for months.
- Losing your certificate.
- Missing the expiry date on your training documents.
How to get it right:
Apply as soon as you finish your course. Keep both paper and digital copies of your certificate so you’re ready to submit everything straight away.
6. Not Being Honest About Criminal History
Every applicant goes through a national police check. Hiding or not declaring past offences will almost always lead to rejection.
Common mistakes:
- Believing old offences won’t show up.
- Leaving out minor charges.
- Giving incomplete or misleading information.
How to get it right:
Be open and truthful about your history. NSW Police look at when and what type of offence occurred, but dishonesty is an instant deal-breaker.
7. Using the Wrong Type of Photo
Passport-style photos have strict rules, and your licence application won’t be processed without them.
Common mistakes:
- Sending in casual selfies.
- Cropping photos from group pictures.
- Not following background, size, and quality requirements.
How to get it right:
Get your photo taken at a professional service that knows NSW Police standards for licence photos. It’s a small step that can save a big delay.
8. Picking the Wrong Licence Category
There are different classes of security licences in NSW, such as:
- Class 1A – Unarmed Guard
- Class 1C – Crowd Controller
- Class 1F – Armed Guard
Common mistakes:
- Completing a course for a licence type they don’t need.
- Missing extra training needed for specialised roles.
- Applying for the wrong category entirely.
How to get it right:
Decide what type of security work you want to do before choosing your Security Licence Course Sydney. Talk to your training provider about your options.
9. Forgetting First Aid Training
Most security jobs require you to hold a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid).
Common mistakes:
- Not doing first aid before applying.
- Using an expired certificate.
- Forgetting to include proof in the application.
How to get it right:
Book your first aid training early and keep it current. Remember that while the certificate lasts three years, CPR training usually needs refreshing each year.
10. Not Planning for All Costs
Getting your licence isn’t just about paying for the course. There are other costs:
- Course fees.
- First aid course.
- NSW Police application fee.
- Passport photos.
- Police checks.
Common mistakes:
- Budgeting only for the training course.
- Forgetting about possible re-assessment fees.
- Being surprised by renewal costs later.
How to get it right:
Ask your Security Licence Course Sydney provider for a breakdown of all costs involved, including hidden or ongoing fees.
11. Using Outdated Advice
The rules for getting a security licence can change.
Common mistakes:
- Following tips from friends who applied years ago.
- Using old forms.
- Not checking for updated requirements.
How to get it right:
Always rely on the latest information from the NSW Police Force SLED website. If you’re not sure, contact them directly.
12. Not Keeping a Record of Your Application
Applications can be delayed, and sometimes documents go missing.
Common mistakes:
- Not saving copies of what you send in.
- Losing receipts or payment records.
- Forgetting your application reference number.
How to get it right:
Keep both paper and electronic copies of everything. Record your reference number so you can follow up easily.
13. Applying Without Thinking About Your Career Path
Not all security jobs are the same. Some pay more, some require special skills.
Common mistakes:
- Doing a general course without considering specialisations.
- Missing out on higher-paying jobs due to lack of extra training.
- Feeling unprepared for certain work environments.
How to get it right:
Think about whether you want to work in retail, corporate, events, or armed security. Choose your Security Licence Course Sydney and extra training with that in mind.
14. Being Unprepared for Interviews or Checks
Sometimes NSW Police may ask for an interview or extra background checks.
Common mistakes:
- Not knowing details about the role or the training they’ve done.
- Appearing unprofessional in interviews.
- Struggling to explain why they want to work in security.
How to get it right:
Be ready to talk about your training, your career goals, and your understanding of security responsibilities.
15. Not Following Up
Processing can take weeks, and you may be asked for more information.
Common mistakes:
- Assuming everything is fine if they haven’t heard back.
- Missing requests in their email spam folder.
- Letting the application expire without realising.
How to get it right:
Check your email regularly and follow up if you haven’t heard back in the expected time.
Final Thoughts
Getting your security guard licence in Sydney isn’t hard if you prepare well and avoid common mistakes. From choosing the right Security Licence Course Sydney to sending complete and correct documents, every step matters.
Plan ahead, keep organised, and always follow the latest guidelines from NSW Police. By doing things right the first time, you can save time, avoid stress, and start your new career as a licensed security professional without unnecessary delays.
