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South Africa

Become a security guard in South Africa

PSiRA registration is the national entry route. New entrants must complete ePSiRA pre-registration before starting training, then complete accepted training and finalise registration after the course report is approved. Pay depends on security grade and the bargaining council's geographical area.

RequirementsSecurity industry

Reviewed

AI illustration of a South African security officer using a radio at a residential-estate gatehouse.
South Africa
South Africa

South Africa

Where you could work

The examples below come from individual sources; availability varies.

Local job titles

security officer

security guard

Would this suit you?

  • You can practise clear communication and calm responses.
  • You are willing to follow site instructions and keep accurate records.

Employer separates Security Officer, Armed Officer, Reaction Officer and Control Room Officer. Security Officer listing names PSiRA and Grade C.

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Industry training body describes Security Officer training and PSiRA grades.

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Employer recruitment uses Security officer Grade C and lists PSiRA documentation.

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Control rooms

South Africa

Security industry

Check current local requirements with the linked authority or employer before paying for training.

Read the industry report

01 · South Africa

Requirements

  • Be at least 18 and meet the citizenship or permanent-residence requirement.
  • Meet PSiRA's suitability and criminal-history requirements.
  • Complete training through an accredited training centre.
  • Declare any military, police, security or intelligence service. Former members need the required clearance; current service can affect eligibility.
  1. 01

    Check eligibility and pre-register

    Create your ePSiRA profile and complete pre-registration before training. This sequence applies to new entrants from 5 January 2026.

  2. 02

    Choose an accredited centre

    Check the centre and its training accreditation with PSiRA. Confirm the grades, attendance requirements and all fees before enrolling.

  3. 03

    Complete training and course reporting

    Pass the required assessments and ask the provider to submit your course report through ePSiRA.

  4. 04

    Finalise individual registration

    After course-report approval, follow ePSiRA's full registration steps, pay the applicable fee and submit fingerprints and certified identity documents as instructed.

  5. 05

    Verify registration before deployment

    Check your recorded grade and registration status, obtain the required ID card and keep up with renewal and fee requirements.

Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA)

02 · South Africa

Training

Choose accredited training for the security grade and duties required by the employer. Providers commonly offer combined Grade E, D and C courses. Complete ePSiRA pre-registration before training, then ensure the provider submits your course report for approval.

Training time

Course length depends on the grade and provider. The verified Midlands Training Centre example advertises three weeks for Grades E, D and C. PSiRA registration and verification take additional time.

Costs

PSiRA individual registrationZAR310 from 1 April 2026. Training, optional printed certificates and other applicable charges are separate.
Training example: Midlands Training CentreZAR2,300 advertised for the Grade E, D and C course. Confirm current inclusions and any registration-service charges.

Training providers

Midlands Training Centre

Grade E, D and C security training

Training time
Three weeks advertised; home-study option listed
Costs
ZAR2,300 advertised course fee

Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, at 261 Boshoff Street. The provider states it is PSiRA accredited; check its current training accreditation with PSiRA and obtain written details of attendance, assessment and registration fees.

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Training providers

03 · South Africa

Pay

ZAR 7 003,00

For 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027, NBCPSS sets the Grade C, D and E monthly minimum at ZAR7,003 in Areas 1 and 2 and ZAR6,726 in Area 3. The area is determined by the listed magisterial districts. These are contractual-sector minimum basic salary figures; overtime and allowances require separate treatment.

NBCPSS Grade C/D/E minimum basic salary, Areas 1 and 2 · 2026-03-01 to 2027-02-28

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Before you apply
  • Pre-registration before training is a 2026 requirement. Check that a provider follows the current ePSiRA sequence.
  • Grade E/D/C course packages are provider examples. Match the grade to the intended duties and employer requirements.
  • PSiRA regulates nationally; the wage agreement uses geographical Areas 1, 2 and 3 with different rates.
  • The NBCPSS hourly equivalent should be used only for its stated purpose. The circular expressly excludes using it to calculate ordinary basic salary.
  • Firearm duties require separate competencies and legal permissions.
  • Provider accreditation claims should be checked in PSiRA's live verification service before enrolment.

Local sources

Reviewed

South Africa

Before you apply

  • Who authorises this role in this location?
  • Which training does this employer or authority accept?
  • What are the duties, paid hours and pay in the written offer?
RequirementsFind security jobsFor training providers