Overview
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) regulates the private security industry in South Africa. Anyone who wants to work as a security officer or run a security business in South Africa must register with PSIRA and complete the required training grade for their role.
Who can apply
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, be legally allowed to work in South Africa, and pass a background/fitness check as part of PSIRA registration; specific training grade requirements apply depending on the security role.
Levels or stages
PSIRA training follows a grading system, commonly Grade E (lowest) through Grade A (highest), with higher grades required for more senior or specialised security roles such as supervision and management.
Exam pattern
Training is delivered by PSIRA-accredited training providers and assessed through an exam covering the knowledge and skills required for that training grade, in line with the national qualification standards for private security.
Marking and results
Candidates must pass the exam for their training grade and meet PSIRA's registration requirements (including the background check) to be issued a PSIRA registration certificate, which is required to legally work in the industry.
How to apply
Candidates apply for PSIRA registration online through PSIRA's registration system, after completing training with a PSIRA-accredited provider.
FAQs
Is PSIRA registration legally required to work in security in South Africa?
Yes, anyone working as a security officer or running a security business in South Africa must be registered with PSIRA.
What are the PSIRA training grades?
A grading system commonly running from Grade E (lowest) to Grade A (highest), with higher grades required for more senior security roles.