Security licences

Introduction

Security providers in the Northern Territory (NT) must be licensed. This includes security officers, crowd controllers and security firms.

Who needs a security licence

You need a licence to patrol or guard another person's property.

You also need a licence to control or monitor behaviour, screen people at entry or remove people at any of the following venues:

  • licensed liquor venue
  • entertainment venue
  • public place
  • public function
  • private function.

If you have a liquor licence, you don't need a security licence to remove disorderly people from your premises. This applies to you and your employees.

Read more in the Liquor Act 2019.

Licence types

Read below to find out more about the types of security licence.

Security officer licence

A security officer is someone who patrols or guards another person's property.

Crowd controller licence

A crowd controller is a person who works at a licensed premise, entertainment venues or at functions and:

  • controls or monitors behaviour
  • screens persons seeking entry
  • removes persons from the venue.

Crowd controller and security officer licence

This licence type allows you to work both as a crowd controller and security officer.

Provisional licence

This licence type allows you to perform the functions of a security provider while you are completing your training.

Security firm licence

This licence type allows individuals, partnerships or companies to supply crowd controller and security officer services.


Apply for a security licence

You must apply for a security licence in the Northern Territory (NT) to:

  • work as a security officer or crowd controller
  • run a security firm
  • provide crowd control or private security services as a corporation or partnership.

If you have an existing licence from interstate, you may be eligible for mutual recognition or automatic mutual recognition.

Before you apply

Before you apply, you must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • complete training for security officers and crowd controllers and first aid course HLTAID011 or HLTAID003 (unless you’re a corporation and partnerships) - attach proof
  • get a criminal history check for yourself or anyone associated with the corporation or partnership:
    • If you're filling in the SAFE NT form online, you must select 'security licence' as your occupation type under the employer details tab. If you're using the paper form, specify this under section C - purpose of check.
    • You must send the original results to the Territory Business Centre.
    • If you applied for a criminal history check for a different purpose, it won't be accepted and you may have to pay more and wait longer for your application to be processed.
  • identify all officers if you’re a corporation or partnership, like:
    • director, secretary, partners and executive officer
    • management or person who has control or influence over affairs.

While you undertake your training and first aid course, you can apply for a provisional licence.

You may not be granted a licence if you have been charged with disqualifying offence(s). Read more about disqualifying offences PDF (197.8 KB).

How to apply

To apply, go to Licensing NT Online or follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the application for a private security licence.

Application for a private security individual licence  DOCX (67.7 KB)
Application for a private security individual licence  PDF (181.9 KB)

Application for a private security firm licence DOCX (66.4 KB)
Application for a private security firm licence PDF (191.4 KB)

Step 2. Get a police fingerprint check.

Step 3. Check the fee.

Step 4. Submit your application and pay the fee at your nearest Territory Business Centre.

If you have an existing licence from interstate

If you have an interstate security licence, you may be eligible for:

  • mutual recognition
  • automatic mutual recognition.

Companies or partnerships are not eligible.

Mutual recognition

If you live in the NT and have an interstate security licence, you can apply for mutual recognition.

To apply, go to Licensing NT Online or follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the application for security officer or crowd controller licence under mutual recognition.

Application for security officer or crowd controller licence under mutual recognition DOCX (68.8 KB)
Application for security officer or crowd controller licence under mutual recognition PDF (160.2 KB)

Step 2. Check the fee.

Step 3. Submit your application and pay the fee at your nearest Territory Business Centre.

Automatic mutual recognition

You may be eligible for the automatic mutual recognition scheme if you:

  • live in another state or territory and have an interstate security licence
  • are required to work in the NT for a period of time.

This scheme allows you to use your interstate licence across Australia.

Read more about automatic mutual recognition for eligibility and how to apply.


Renew security licence

Licences are valid for 1, 2 or 3 years. When you renew your licence, you can choose the licence period.

Before you renew, you must ensure your:

How to renew

To renew your licence, go to Licensing NT Online or follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in an application to renew a private security licence.

Application for renewal of an individual private security licence PDF (591.2 KB)
Application for renewal of an individual private security licence DOCX (70.6 KB)

Application for renewal of a private security firm licence PDF (193.4 KB)
Application for renewal of a private security firm licence DOCX (71.0 KB).

Step 2. Get a police history check.

Step 3. Check the fee.

Step 4. Submit your application and fee at your nearest Territory Business Centre.


Change your security licence details

If you have a current security officer or crowd controller licence, you must let Occupational Licensing know if your details change.

You must do so within 30 days. This may include your:

  • address
  • officers
  • contact information.

To update your details, go to Licensing NT Online or follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in an application to vary a private security licence.

Application to vary a private security licence PDF (175.3 KB)
Application to vary a private security licence DOCX (78.8 KB)

Step 2. Submit your application at your nearest Territory Business Centre.


Replace a lost licence

You can apply to replace your security officer and/or crowd controller licence if it is:
  • lost
  • stolen
  • destroyed.
Your replacement licence will be valid for the remainder of the period that the licence was effective. You can only apply for the same type of licence previously granted.

How to apply

To apply to replace your licence go to Licensing NT Online or follow these steps:

Step 1. Fill in the replacement of security officer and/or crowd controller form.

Step 2. Check the fee.
Step 3. Submit your form at your nearest Territory Business Centre.


Security officer and crowd controller laws

Licensed security officers and crowd controllers in the Northern Territory (NT) must follow all relevant laws. If you don't, you may:

  • be fined
  • have your licence suspended or cancelled.

How to avoid common licence breaches

  • tell the NT government within 30 days if your home address changes
  • carry your licence while on duty
  • if you are a crowd controller, display a designated number attached to your clothing that is visible to the public
  • sign the register when you start work and sign off when you have finished
  • tell the NT government immediately if you are charged and/or convicted of a disqualifying offence
  • maintain a current first aid certificate.

Codes of practice

For more information about security officer and crowd controller obligations, you can read either:

Practice directions

Practice directions issued by the Director-General of Licensing give important information about matters relevant to the security industry.

Licensees should read the practice direction about asphyxia.

Practice direction - asphyxia PDF (707.9 KB)
Practice direction - asphyxia DOCX (64.6 KB)


Training for security officers and crowd controllers

If you want to become a licensed security officer or crowd controller in the Northern Territory (NT), you need to do a training course.

Training can only be delivered by a registered training organisation.

If you are offered work before you have finished your training, you can apply for a provisional licence.

Read below to find out which units you need to have completed.

You must complete all 14 units of CPP20218 certificate II in security operations including a current provide first aid HLTAID011 or provide first aid HLTAID003.

You must complete all 14 units of CPP20218 certificate II in security operations, including a provide first aid (HLTAID011) or provide first aid (HLTAID003).

Or you must complete the following 13 units of competency from CPP20212 certificate II in security operations:

  • CPPSEC2001A - communicate effectively in the security industry
  • CPPSEC2002A - follow workplace safety procedures in the security industry
  • CPPSEC2003B - work effectively in the security industry
  • CPPSEC2004B - respond to security risk situation
  • CPPSEC2005A - work as part of a security team
  • CPPSEC2006B - provide security services to clients
  • CPPSEC2007A - screen people
  • CPPSEC2008A - screen items
  • CPPSEC2009A - give evidence in court
  • CPPSEC2013A - protect valuables in transit
  • CPPSEC2014A - operate basic security equipment
  • CPPSEC2015A - patrol premises
  • HLTAID011 or HLTAID003 - current provide first aid.

You must complete all 14 units of CPP20218 certificate II in security operations, including a provide first aid (HLTAID011) or provide first aid (HLTAID003).

Or you must complete the following 12 units of competency from CPP20212 certificate II in security operations:

  • CPPSEC2001A - communicate effectively in the security industry
  • CPPSEC2002A - follow workplace safety procedures in the security industry
  • CPPSEC2003B - work effectively in the security industry
  • CPPSEC2004B - respond to security risk situation
  • CPPSEC2005A - work as part of a security team
  • CPPSEC2006B - provide security services to clients
  • CPPSEC2009A - give evidence in court
  • CPPSEC2011B - control access to and exit from premises
  • CPPSEC2012A - monitor and control individual and crowd behaviour
  • CPPSEC2014A - operate basic security equipment
  • CPPSEC2017A - protect self and others using basic defensive tactics
  • HLTAID011 or HLTAID003 - current provide first aid.

You can re-apply for the same category of licence with no evidence of training if you have:

  • held a security officer and/or crowd controller licence in the NT in the last three years and
  • already provided evidence of training.

This does not apply to provisional licence holders.

For more information contact Licensing NT or a registered training organisation

Find a registered training organisation

To find a registered training organisation or for more information about course units, go to the Australian Government's Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

Contact

For more information contact Licensing NT by emailing ditt.occupationallicensing@nt.gov.au.


Fees

All licence fees are exempt from GST.

Security officer or crowd controller licences

The fees below also apply to licence applications under mutual recognition. Read more about mutual recognition and how to apply for a security officer or crowd controller licence.

Description Fee
Licence and renewal for 1 year $233
Licence and renewal for 2 years $314
Licence and renewal for 3 years $402

Combined security officer and crowd controller licences

Description Fee
Licence and renewal for 1 year $368
Licence and renewal for 2 years $503
Licence and renewal for 3 years $645

Security firm licences

If you have applied for a security firm licence as a partnership, each partner must pay the required licence and renewal fee.

Description Fee
Licence and renewal for 1 year - individual/partnership $837
Licence and renewal for 2 years - individual/partnership $1,255
Licence and renewal for 3 years - individual/partnership $1,479
Licence and renewal for 1 year - corporation $1,672
Licence and renewal for 2 years - corporation $2,421
Licence and renewal for 3 years - corporation $2,893

Other fees

Description Fee
Replacement licence $40
Police check $81
Police finger print check $226

Disqualifying offences for security licences

If you have committed an offence, you may be disqualified from holding or getting a security licence for the following categories:

  • security officer
  • crowd controller
  • security firm.

This page lists the types of disqualifying offences for these licences.

A disqualifying offence is a serious offence in any jurisdiction. For more information, read the Private Security Act 1995.

You cannot hold a licence if you have been convicted of a disqualifying offence within 10 years of applying for the licence.

If you hold a current licence and are charged with a disqualifying offence, you may have your licence suspended.

The following are disqualifying offences against part two, division one of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1990.

Subdivision 1 - supply of dangerous drug

Subdivision 2 - cultivation of prohibited plant and manufacture of dangerous drug

Subdivision 3 - possession of dangerous drug

Subdivision 4 - other possession offences

Subdivision 5 - alternative verdicts

The following are disqualifying offences against a section of the Weapons Control Act 2001.

Section 6 - prohibited weapons

Section 7 - controlled weapons – general

Section 8 - offensive weapons

Section 9 - body armour

The following are disqualifying offences against a section of the Firearms Act 1997.

Section 59 - firearms to be registered

Section 61 - manufacture of firearms

Section 63A - trafficking in firearms

Section 74 - alteration of identification marks

Section 77 - silencers and machine-guns

Section 82 - discharge of firearms on roads

Section 83 - prohibited use of firearms

Section 84 - discharge of firearm causing danger

Section 85 - breach of conditions

Section 86 - persons under influence of alcohol or drugs

The following are disqualifying offences outlined in the Criminal Code Act 1983.

Section 69 - going armed in public

Section 132 - indecent dealing with a child under 16 years

Section 156 - murder

Section 160 - manslaughter

Section 165 - attempt to murder

Section 166 - threats to kill

Section 177 - acts intended to cause serious harm or prevent apprehension

Section 181 - serious harm

Section 182 - attempting to injure by explosive substances

Section 186 - harm

Section 188 (2) - common assault with specific circumstances of aggravation

Section 188 (1) - where a circumstance of aggravation as specified in 188 (2) exist

Section 188A - assaults on workers

Section 189A - assaults on police

Section 189 - unlawful stalking

Section 192 - sexual intercourse and gross indecency without consent

Section 192B - coerced sexual self-manipulation

Section 193 - assaults with intent to commit an offence

Section 194 - kidnapping for ransom

Section 195 - kidnapping

Section 196 - deprivation of liberty

Section 210 -  stealing (where a custodial sentence is imposed that is wholly or partially served)

Section 211 - robbery

Section 212 - assault with intent to steal

Section 227 - criminal deception

Section 228 - blackmail and extortion

Section 228C - dealing in identification information

Section 228D - possessing identification information

Section 228E - possessing equipment used to deal in identification information or identification documentation

Section 229 - receiving stolen property

Section 231 - taking reward for recovery of property obtained by means of indictable offence

Section 233 - false accounting

Section 260 - uttering forged documents or writings or counterfeit tokens


Security licences complaints

You can make a complaint about a private security provider regarding their behaviour or how they operate.

Make a complaint

The complaint process is outlined under part 6 of the Private Security Act 1995.

Make a complaint in writing to securitycompliance.ditt@nt.gov.au.

The complaint must include:

  • your contact details
  • information and facts about what happened.

After you make a complaint

Your complaint will be investigated.

There are no legislated time frames for resolving a complaint but every effort will be made to investigate promptly.

A decision will be made by the Director of Private Security Regulation as soon as possible.

A decision notice will be given to the:

  • person who made the complaint
  • security provider who the complaint was made against.

Penalties

If the investigation confirms the complaint, action can be taken against the private security provider.

The penalty imposed depends on the seriousness of the incident.

Penalties can include:

  • reprimands
  • fines
  • conditions placed on the providers licence
  • suspension or cancellation of the licence.