QLD Security Licence Requirements: Training, Application and Eligibility

Starting a career in Queensland’s security industry involves more than completing a training course. Before working as an unarmed security officer or crowd controller, you must obtain the appropriate Queensland security provider licence and satisfy the current eligibility, identification and suitability requirements administered by the Office of Fair Trading.

Training and licensing are two separate steps. Completing nationally recognised security training may provide the evidence required for a licence function, but it does not automatically grant a licence or guarantee an application will be approved.

Who Regulates Security Licensing in Queensland?

Security industry licensing in Queensland is administered by the Office of Fair Trading, within the Queensland Government. Anyone performing regulated security work must hold the licence appropriate to the functions they perform — working without the required licence may result in penalties. Requirements, forms, fees and processes can change, so always check the official Queensland Government security-industry information before applying.

What Type of Security Licence Do You Need?

Queensland security licences cover different functions, and the function you apply for must match the type of work you intend to perform. Common Class 1 security functions include:

For example, a crowd controller may screen entry, monitor behaviour and remove people from premises where legally permitted — but that licence does not automatically authorise carrying firearms, batons or handcuffs. Before choosing a course, confirm which licence function matches the role you want.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Requirements vary by licence function, but applicants for a crowd controller licence must generally:

✔ Be at least 18 years old

✔ Provide proof of identity

✔ Complete the required training

✔ Have fingerprints taken where required

✔ Pass the relevant criminal-history and suitability assessment

Particular disqualifying offences or findings of guilt may prevent a licence being issued. Because individual circumstances differ, prospective students concerned about eligibility should check with the Office of Fair Trading before committing to training.

Identification, Fingerprinting and Criminal-History Checks

When lodging an application, applicants may need to provide 100 points of certified identification — commonly a passport, Australian birth certificate, driver licence, proof-of-age card, or citizenship/immigration documents. Certified copies may be required; incomplete or incorrectly certified identification can delay processing.

For a new crowd controller application, fingerprints are generally required where the applicant has not previously provided fingerprints in Queensland for security licensing purposes or has not held a security licence within the past 3 months. Fingerprints provided in another Australian state or territory may not satisfy Queensland’s requirement. An application may be withdrawn or refused to proceed if the applicant declines to provide fingerprints when required.

The Office of Fair Trading also arranges criminal-history checks as part of the assessment. Certain recorded convictions or findings of guilt may affect eligibility depending on the offence and when it occurred. A training provider cannot determine whether a licence will be approved — licensing decisions rest with the Queensland Government.

How to Apply for a QLD Security Licence

The exact application method depends on the licence function and whether you’re applying new or adding a function to an existing licence.

How Long Does the Application Take?

Queensland Government guidance states that new security licence applications commonly take approximately four to six weeks to process. Applications may take longer when information is missing, documents are incomplete, fees haven’t been paid, or further checks are required. Submit all requested documents, ensure identification is correctly certified, and avoid making employment commitments based on an assumed approval date.

Adding Another Function to an Existing Licence

A person who already holds a Queensland security licence may be able to add another function. Where the applicant hasn’t previously held that function, or hasn’t held it within the relevant period, further training evidence may be required — including repeating training if it predates the current training package. Adding a function follows a different process to an initial licence application.

What Happens After Your Licence Is Approved?

Once licensed, security providers must continue meeting legal and regulatory obligations — working only within authorised functions, keeping the licence current, completing renewal or revalidation training, displaying prescribed identification while working, updating the Office of Fair Trading when personal details change, informing the authority about relevant charges or convictions, and complying with security-industry legislation. Licensing is an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time administrative step.

Which Course Should You Start With?

Common Licensing Mistakes to Avoid

✖ Assuming training equals licensing — a Statement of Attainment is evidence of training, not the licence itself.

✖ Choosing the wrong course — not every security course supports every licence function.

✖ Submitting incomplete identification — missing or uncertified ID can delay the application.

✖ Ignoring eligibility concerns — seek guidance from the licensing authority before enrolling.

✖ Relying on outdated information — forms, fees and requirements can change.

✖ Beginning work before authorisation — don’t perform regulated work unless licensed or on a valid restricted arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions