Careers in Security

People entering the security industry have several broad career paths available to them. Each area requires specialist training and qualifications.

Licensing requirements are also different for each type of career and can be different in each state.

Who should hold a security licence?

Security Systems Installer

Security system installers fit and repair security systems in homes and businesses.

They must develop knowledge of a range of security equipment, including electronic and electrical surveillance systems and closed-circuit TV, as well as knowledge of simple electronic principles and terminating techniques. They must also understand the principles of operation and characteristics of controllers, detectors, relays, bells, sirens, screamers and telephone circuits. Find out more

Security Adviser

Security advisers advise clients on security requirements and recommend and design security specifications. They are often 'on call' after hours and at weekends.

Typical duties include carrying out threat assessments on properties or companies, assessing existing security systems and making recommendations to improve security. Find out more

Security Officer

Security officers protect people and property, and maintain crowd control.

They may also be called Bodyguard, Crowd Controller, Gatekeeper, Mobile Patrol Guard, Security Agent, Security Guard, Store Security Officer, Static Guard, Watchman or even Concierge.

Typical duties include patrolling areas and checking doors, gates and windows for signs of unauthorised entry; watching for irregularities (e.g. fire hazards, leaking water pipes, lights left on, malfunction of equipment or machinery, unlocked security doors) and reporting incidents or problems to the appropriate authority. Find out more

Private Investigator

Private investigators conduct investigations for clients and prepare evidence for court proceedings. They are often involved with matters of insurance, missing persons and character inquiries, and work in private agencies, commercial and industrial organisations.

They may also be called Commercial and Private Agent, Inquiry Agent, Private Detective, or Private Eye. Find out more

Monitoring Centre Operator

Monitoring centre operators (MCOs) interpret signals from alarms transmitted to their centre and carry out appropriate action within a defined range of responses determined by the client’s needs. The alarms may originate from commercial or residential buildings. MCOs may also relay and receive situation reports to and from manpower operatives.

MCOs do not perform guarding and protection functions, or supervise or coordinate manpower activities. This is the main difference between the role of a monitoring centre operator and a control centre operator.

Control Room Supervisor

Control room supervisors are responsible for supervising control room operations and operators. They also provide advice on and oversee the implementation of the control room s security and risk management systems. Supervisory skills are required as well as a sound ability to use IT equipment to assess security risks within a control room environment.

Control room supervisors may also be responsible for interpreting signals from CCTV communications and alarm activations and initiating appropriate action. They are not required to leave the control room to conduct manpower activities. However, they may be expected to supervise and/or co-ordinate the activities of manpower operatives in the field.

They are typically located on-site but may be off-site as part of a remote centre. They are usually employed by medium or large companies.

Find out more about the security industry from Case Study – ART Security (Victorian Skills Pledge Signatories).