No worries! We help new recruits who’ve made the move to the NT with an interstate security licence to apply for something called mutual recognition.
Basically, you fill out an easy form online and NT Licensing approves you for work within a few days. We will be able to walk you through the process and help you with the paperwork if you like.
Sweet as! The mutual recognition scheme now applies to guard licensed in New Zealand. We will help you with the process of getting your credentials transferred to the NT, so you can continue your security career in Central Australia.
Yes you can get your application started today via our online form. We will provide local training for a Cert II in Security Operations to a select number of aspiring guards.
The course takes around 2 weeks to complete (or less if you already have a valid first aid certificate). Keen to get working even quicker? Trainees can get a provisional licence from Licensing NT, meaning you can work a shift or two over the weekends while you get your qualification.
Regulations around becoming a security guard in Australia vary slightly between different states and territories. There are some standard requirements that apply nationwide, including in the Northern Territory.
All applicants must:
Find more information on the NT Government website.
There are 2 main types of security work covered in NT legislation:
Successful applicants for our free training will study for their Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218). If successfully completed, you can apply for a dual licence as a Security Officer and Crowd Controller, giving you more options for your security career.
Good question. There are 3 main services you’ll have contact with:
CONTACT DETAILS:
CONTACT DETAILS:
If you haven’t done any training before and are just getting started in your security career, you’ll most likely start by completing a CPP20218 Certificate II in security operations. This is the current industry standard, containing 14 units of competency that enable you to apply for a dual Security Office and Crowd Controller licence.
You’ll also need to hold a current HLTAID011 or HLTAID003 first aid certificate.
If you studied in the period from 2013-2019, you likely received the CPP20212 standard (since superseded). Under current NT law, you can use these qualifications towards a Security licence. The type of licence you are eligible for depends on which competencies you completed.
Find full details here.
To get your Security licence issued in the NT you’ll need to get a Police fingerprint check. The results need to be issued within 3 months of lodging your application for a Security Licence.
Get started by downloading the SAFE NT National Police Check form and printing it out. Police fingerprint checks cannot be done online because they require your original fingerprint card (wet ink prints) to be sent to SAFE NT in Darwin for verification.
Guide to filling out the form:
If you’re mailing in your application, it’s easiest to pay the fee over the phone with a Visa/Mastercard credit or debit card. Fill in the name of the person who’ll be paying and their contact number and SAFE NT will call you to process payment when they receive your application.
SAFE NT advises it takes between 4-6 weeks to get the results of your Police fingerprint check.
The combined Fingerprint & Name Check involves a search of a person’s name and fingerprints against the criminal history and fingerprint records held by police services from all Australian states and territories.
Based on the stated purpose of the check, the certificate issued might display things like:
If the applicant has a criminal history, the disclosures made on the certificate will depend on what the law states is relevant. That’s why it’s very important to accurately fill in SECTION C – PURPOSE OF CHECK on the SAFET NT National Police Check form.
Yes, you can. Just download and fill out the form as outlined above and arrange to get your wet print fingerprints done by the police service in your state or territory.
Most police stations will offer the service for a fee. Just give them a call first to arrange a time to come in.
NOTE: You must get the original wet ink prints, not a photocopy or printout of digitally scanned prints. SAFE NT require the quality and details you only get with original wet ink prints.
Once you’ve received your wet ink print card, you can mail it along with the form and copies of your ID documents.
Sure.
If you already live in the NT or plan to relocate for this job opportunity before starting the application process, the process is as follows:
If you live outside the NT and want to get the application process started before relocating, the process is as follows:
You’ll pay a fee to:
Full fee schedule available here.
If you don’t have a current Security licence from another Australian state/territory or New Zealand and you want to work as a security guard in the NT, you’ll need to complete an application for an individual private security licence.
There are few options to choose from:
Apply online or by downloading and filling out a form (Word, PDF).
REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
FOR PROVISIONAL LICENCE:
Fees vary depending on whether you’re applying for a single (Security officer or Crowd controller) or combined type, and the licence term (1, 2, or 3 years).
Fee information available here.
If you apply for a provisional licence you must select 1 year (when you complete the training your licence will be updated for the remainder of the term).
When renewing your licence, or if you go for the full licence straight away (without getting the provisional while you’re training) we recommend applying for the 3 years combined security officer and crowd controller licence. It’s better value for money and puts off the hassle of having to renew for as long as possible.
You can lodge and pay for our application in a few ways:
As long as your application is correctly filled out and all the supporting documents are attached, you can get your licence sent to you within a few days. Actual times depend on how busy Occupational Licensing is at the time.
To renew your licence you need to do a name check for updated criminal history. This is much easier and quicker than the Police fingerprint check. As long as you don’t let your licence expire for more than 30 days, you don’t need to do addtional fingerprint checks.
You can do a name check via SAFE NT a Australian Crimimnal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) check from your local Territory Business Centre. Your results need to come within 3 months of renewal. It’s a good idea to start the process a few months before your licence expires.
You can apply online or print out a paper form (Word, PDF).
If you’re applying on paper, after you’ve filled out all the fields, make sure you attach the supporting documents, including:
Fees vary depending on whether you’re applying for a single (Security officer or Crowd controller) or combined type, and the licence term (1, 2, or 3 years).
Fee information available here.
We recommend getting the full 3 years combined security officer and crowd controller licence (if your equivalent licence allows it). It’s better value for money and puts off the hassle of having to renew for as long as possible.
You can lodge and pay for our application in a few ways:
It can take up to a week to get your physical licence, but the good news is that you can start working straight after lodging your application for Mutual Recognition. All you need to do is carry your receipt of application (printed or even on your phone) and your current equivalent licence on you while you work. Any inspectors who ask to see your licence will accept these as proof.
There’s a few reasons. First, we have heaps of work on offer because our companies have major contracts with government and businesses. Also, the issues with crime and antiscoial behaviour mean more guards are needed compared to other places. This means we can offer the sorts of big hours you will struggle to get in major Australian cities.
Plus, we always pay the correct entitlements and penalties required by law, where some companies might not always do the right thing (e.g. offer to pay a flat rate cash in hand).
Absolutely. Many of our former guards have found work as police or working as a prison guards. Security work requires a lot of similar skills and involves many of the same tasks as law enforcement. In fact, as a security guard you will often be the actual first responder on the scene, arriving even before the police or other emergency services personnel.
Also, having experience in a challenging environment like Alice Springs is extra helpful because it shows you don’t shy away from a challenge. Plus, if you go on to look for work with NT Police or Correctional Services NT, local experience and knowledge of culture is highly regarded.
Central Australia has a rich Indigenous and settler history, beautifully unique natural environment, and range of clubs and activities to keep you busy during your downtime. Here’s a few of your options:
Alice Springs
Nature & outdoors
Arts & culture
Clubs & activities
Tennant Creek
Nature & outdoors
Arts & culture
Clubs & activities
