Apply for a bodyguard licence
A bodyguard’s job is to protect the personal safety of a specific individual.
You need to hold a current licence to do this job. To become licensed, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria
- complete your training and attach proof of qualifications
- fill out and lodge the application for a security provider licence: Individual—Class 1; you can also apply online
- pay the required fee.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a licence, you must:
- be 18 or older
- not pose a risk to public safety
- pass the required training course.
You are not eligible for a licence if you have been convicted of a disqualifying offence in the past 10 years, where a conviction was recorded.
You must also tell us if you have been found guilty of a disqualifying offence in the past 5 years, where a conviction was not recorded (this is known as an ‘unrecorded finding of guilt’). We may ask you for further information so we can assess if you are a suitable person to hold a licence.
Lodgement
Identification
When you lodge the form, you will need to attach 100 points of formal identification. These documents must be either original (if lodged at the counter) or certified copies.
Your identification must include at least 1 of the following 5 documents:
- birth certificate or extract
- passport
- ImmiCard
- driver licence
- photo identification card.
You may also need to include some of the following documents to make up your 100 points:
- citizen certificate
- ID card
- social security card
- letter from your employer
- any other official letter, card or statement listed on the application form.
Fingerprinting
By law, the police need to fingerprint all security providers. We will contact you after you lodge your application form to explain what you need to do.
Learn more about providing fingerprints for security licences.
Criminal history check
To confirm your suitability, we will submit your application for a criminal history check. This will be thorough and may be time consuming.
If you were born in New Zealand or have a New Zealand passport, you need to get a copy of your criminal history or a letter indicating you have no criminal history from New Zealand. For more information, visit the New Zealand Ministry of Justice website.
You don’t have to pay any fees to get a New Zealand criminal history check. We can only accept original documents dated within 1 month of the date you send them to us. Please note it takes 20 working days to process a request for a New Zealand criminal history check.
Processing time
The processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. This can take longer if you have not supplied us with the all the information we need or you have not paid the correct fees.
Refunds
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if:
- you withdraw your application
- we refuse your application.
You may also get a refund on the fees for:
- fingerprinting
- your criminal history check.
Training
You need to do your training through a registered training organisation. Use the My Skills website to find a training provider.
Full course list
The training package for bodyguards under the Security Providers Act 1993, has been updated and replaces the CPP07 training package, which will no longer be accepted.
Your training must include all 8 core modules and 6 elective modules (listed in bold) from the CPP31418 Certificate III in Close Protection Operations listed below.
This training must also be completed if you are applying to add the bodyguard function to an existing security provider licence.
| Name of course module | Module code |
|---|---|
Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation (TR) | CPPSEC3101 |
| Determine and implement response to security risk situation | CPPSEC3103 |
| Coordinate provision of quality security services to clients | CPPSEC3105 |
| Control persons using empty hand techniques (TR) | CPPSEC3121 |
| Plan provision of close protection services | CPPSEC3122 |
| Implement close protection services | CPPSEC3123 |
| Provide advanced first aid (TR) | HLTAID014 |
Maintain work health and safety | HLTWHS003 |
Contribute to team effectiveness | BSBFLM312 |
Respond effectively to behaviours of concern | CHCCCS020 |
Maintain operational safety and security of work environment | CPPSEC3102 |
Coordinate monitoring and control of individual and crowd behaviour | CPPSEC3104 |
Gather, organise and present security information and documentation | CPPSEC3106 |
| Store, protect and dispose of security information | CPPSEC3108 |
Student visa holders
It is an offence under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 for a registered training organisation to provide training to an international student on a student visa, unless the training organisation holds registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Therefore, if you are in Australia on a student visa you must make sure the training organisation where you complete your training holds CRICOS registration.
Please note that training for each specified unit of competency must be completed through the CRICOS registered training provider. We will not accept a training certificate issued by a CRICOS registered training provider as a result of a credit transfer.
Ongoing training
Some course modules include the code 'TR' in their names. This stands for 'triennial revalidation', which means you will need to update them every 3 years. We will not recognise any prior learning for these modules.
These modules will be:
- very important for your work
- constantly updated so you remain current with the latest industry standards and techniques.
When we send you your licence, we will give you the expiry dates for each training unit on the licence notice. You must complete these training units again before the expiry dates.
The modules for ongoing training for bodyguards are:
- CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks through negotiation
- CPPSEC3121 Control persons using empty hand techniques
- either
- Provide first aid (HLTAID011)
- Provide advanced first aid (HLTAID014).
Find out more about ongoing training for bodyguards.
CPR training
It’s also a requirement that as part of the first aid certificate you have completed a CPR module that is refreshed every 12 months.
The CPR module is: Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation—HLTAID009.
Restricted licences
You can apply for a restricted licence. This will let you finish your training as you work, as long as you’re supervised by a fully licensed provider of the same licence class.
A restricted licence only lasts for a term of 6 months. Before this term expires, you must:
- complete the training requirements
- apply for an unrestricted licence.
You cannot apply for an extension of a restricted licence.
Supervision
A supervising bodyguard must:
- give the restricted licensee detailed written instructions about the work they need to do
- write down the tasks that the licensee performs
- regularly check their progress (include written notes).