NSW security industry licence application checklist
Security industry licences in NSW are regulated by the Security Industry Act 1997 and administered by the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED) within NSW Police. Individuals and businesses providing security services — guarding, crowd control, bodyguarding, or security consulting — must hold the appropriate class of licence. Probity requirements are strict.
This is a 12-step checklist for applying for a security industry licence in NSW under the Security Industry Act 1997. It covers licence class selection, mandatory training, probity checks, and the Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED) application process.
The checklist
Identify the required licence class
Determine the correct licence class — Class 1 (provisional), Class 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, Class 2 (master), or security consultant — based on the security activities to be performed.
Complete mandatory training
Complete the required competency-based training units through a registered training organisation (RTO) approved by SLED for the relevant licence class.
Obtain a first aid certificate
Hold a current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 or equivalent) as required for all Class 1 licence applicants.
Prepare identity documents
Assemble original identity documents meeting the 100-point check requirements specified by SLED.
Undergo a national criminal history check
Consent to a national criminal history check conducted by SLED and NSW Police. Certain offences — including violence, dishonesty, and firearms offences — may disqualify the applicant.
Complete the probity statutory declaration
Sign a statutory declaration disclosing any matters relevant to being a fit and proper person, including interstate offences and apprehended violence orders.
Submit the application to SLED
Lodge the application online through the SLED portal with the prescribed fee, training certificates, identity documents, and statutory declaration.
Address any adverse probity findings
If SLED raises concerns based on the criminal history check, prepare submissions on rehabilitation and fitness to hold a licence.
Obtain employer endorsement if required
For provisional (Class 1) licence holders, provide evidence of an offer of employment from a licensed master security firm.
Receive and activate the licence
Collect the security licence card and verify the licence details, class, and conditions are correct before commencing security work.
Understand display and carry obligations
The licence must be carried at all times when performing security activities and produced on request to police or an authorised inspector.
Diarise renewal and training dates
Record the licence expiry date (typically five years), renewal window, and any mandatory refresher training deadlines.
When this checklist applies
Use when an individual or business needs to obtain or renew a security industry licence in NSW for guarding, crowd control, bodyguarding, or security consulting.
Common pitfalls
- Completing training through an RTO not approved by SLED
- Failing to disclose prior offences in the statutory declaration
- Starting security work before the licence is issued
- Not carrying the licence card while on duty
- Missing the renewal window and operating on an expired licence
Run this checklist on a real matter
Quillio can map security activities to the correct licence class, summarise SLED fitness criteria, and draft rehabilitation submissions for adverse probity findings.
General guidance for NSW security industry licence applications under the Security Industry Act 1997. Eligibility depends on individual probity and training — obtain legal advice for contested applications.
Use this checklist on your matter.
Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.
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