Security licence updates

As of 26 February 2024, the suitability reference form, which must be submitted in support of an application for a security industry licence, has changed.

Both the previous and new versions of the suitability reference form will be accepted until 31 March 2024.

From 1 April 2024 only the new version suitability reference form (PDF, 541KB) will be accepted.

Commencing 1 September 2023, first aid expiry dates will no longer be recorded on identification cards for Security Officer, Security Bodyguard and Crowd Controller licence holders.

The first aid expiry date will be replaced by a condition that you must hold a current First Aid Certificate.

It will no longer be necessary to provide Licensing Services with a copy of your current First Aid Certificate, instead you should provide a copy to your employer.

All new licence applications (including re-applying for expired licences) and mutual recognition based applications can only be accepted between the hours of 9am and 12pm Monday to Friday, at our Cannington Office.

Please ensure all forms have been completed in full and you have all required supporting documentation prior to attending the office.

Amendments to the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997 come into effect on 17 December 2022. These amendments change the frequency with which firearm and baton endorsed security officers must complete an approved course in firearms discharge and an approved course in baton use respectively, from at least once every 6 months to at least once every 12 months.

Firearm and baton endorsed security officers whose training falls due on or after 17 December 2022, will automatically have an additional 6 months added to their training expiry date and a new licence and identification card issued.

Mutual recognition based applications (obtaining a WA licence when you hold an equivalent interstate licence) can only be accepted between the hours of 9am and 12pm, Monday to Friday, at our Cannington Office.

Please ensure you have all required documentation prior to attending the office.

Please note: your interstate licence must be valid for at least 1 month from the date you submit your application at Licensing Services.

Click here for application for mutual recognition (PDF, 1.3MB).

Please note that once a licence has expired, it cannot be renewed.

A full new application must be submitted with supporting documentation.

Click here for application forms.

The New National Automatic Mutual Recognition of Occupations Registration (AMR) Scheme

The AMR scheme commenced in Western Australia on 1 July 2022.

All security industry licences issued under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 are excluded from automatic mutual recognition.

This scheme has been introduced to enable eligible workers who need to be licensed or registered for their profession or trade, to work temporarily in other states or territories without applying for a local licence or permit, if they are already licensed to perform the same activities in their home state.

Some occupations are currently excluded from the AMR scheme due to significant risks to the health and safety of workers and/or the public. Security industry licences have been deemed to be of significant risk and excluded from the scheme.

However, existing mutual recognition arrangements are still in place for security industry occupations. This process is quick and simple and applicants meeting the requirements are issued the equivalent Western Australian licence the same day the application is lodged at our Cannington office. Please click here for information regarding the existing mutual recognition scheme (see under 'Licence information'.

For security licensing queries please call Licensing Services on 1300 171 011.

First Ard Certifications for Security Officer, Security Bodyguard and Crowd Controller Licence holders.

A reminder that it is a legislative requirement that Security Officer, Security Bodyguard and Crowd Controller licence holders must hold a current first aid certificate in order to perform licensed work.

Renewals of these licences will not be accepted if a current first aid certificate is not held by the licence holder.

Security Agent, Crowd Control Agent and Inquiry Agent Licence holders.

You must advise Licensing Services, at the following email address, of the details of any companies engaged to perform licensed work on behalf of your business: securitylicensing@police.wa.gov.au

It is not a requirement for a person to be RSA trained to apply for or be issued a Crowd Controller's Licence with Licensing Services and this will not change after 1/7/2018. There is no requirement in the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 for a crowd controller to be RSA trained.

The requirement is due to changes to the Liquor Control Regulations 1989 which is not administered by Licensing Services. The change will make it necessary for a crowd controller working in licensed premises to be RSA trained. A crowd controller who does not work in licensed premises does not need to be RSA trained.

You should direct any further enquiries to Racing, Gaming and Liquor (08 6551 4888) within the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries as they administer the Liquor Control Regulations.

From 1 February 2017, due to amendments to the Security and Related Activities (Control) Regulations 1997, all applicants for Security Officer and/or Crowd Controller Licences, must have successfully completed a written examination based on the content of their training course before submitting their application.

This requirement does not apply to applicants whose licence/s expired within the last 12 months and provide their old training certificates plus a letter from their employer to confirm they have worked in the capacity of a security officer and/or crowd controller within the past year. It also does not apply to applicants for security officer – control room/monitoring centre only.

Metropolitan applicants:

The test will be undertaken at the office of the Security Agents Institute of Western Australia (SAIWA). For testing purposes, metropolitan extends south to Mandurah, north to Yanchep and east to Northam.

Please visit the SAIWA website to make test payment and bookings.
Students have 6 months from the date of passing the test to submit their licence application.

Country applicants:

The test can be taken at the following Regional Police Centres only: Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Exmouth, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra and South Hedland. In the first instance, payment must be made on the SAIWA website. Applicants then attend their Regional Police Centre where proof of payment and identification is checked before the test is taken. Contact your Regional Police Centre to book a time to attend to sit the test.

Please visit the SAIWA website to make test payment and bookings.
Students have 6 months from the date of passing the test to submit their licence application.

For all licensing queries call Licensing Services Security on 1300 171 011.