New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation) (Level 3)

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New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation) (Level 3)

Purpose

This programme aims to prepare people to become competent, entry-level security officers who can operate safely, lawfully and professionally in a variety of frontline roles. It equips learners with the essential skills, knowledge and attributes required to contribute to safe and secure environments across workplaces and public settings. Graduates will be able to carry out security work under limited supervision while demonstrating effective communication, sound judgement and professional conduct.


The programme places emphasis on three areas of capability

  • Professional and ethical practice: Ensuring guards act with integrity, respect and cultural awareness when dealing with clients, colleagues and the public.
  • Safety and risk management: Developing the ability to maintain personal and public safety through situational awareness, conflict de-escalation and defensive techniques, along with knowledge of workplace health and safety obligations.
  • Operational competence: Providing hands-on experience with security tools and technology and training learners to apply site procedures effectively when responding to incidents and emergencies.

A further aim is to ensure that learners are prepared to meet the requirements for the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority Certificate of Approval (CoA). By embedding the competencies associated with CoA training such as conflict management and core industry knowledge the programme enables graduates to progress directly to licensing, positioning them as industryready security officers prepared for the realities of work at foundation level.

Delivery mode

Face to Face

Outcomes

Upon completing the programme, graduates will be able to:

  • Communicate clearly with security management, colleagues, clients and the public in routine security contexts using verbal, radio and written formats.
  • Apply professional and ethical conduct as a security officer, showing integrity, accountability and respect for all individuals in day-to-day workplace interactions.
  • Apply New Zealand legislation and organisational policies relevant to security work to maintain safety, manage risk and respond lawfully to breaches.
  • Operate basic security equipment and technology safely and correctly in routine duties, including radios, alarm panels, access control and CCTV.
  • Protect client confidentiality and privacy by following information-handling requirements and site protocols when recording, storing or sharing information.
  • Maintain personal safety and situational awareness by identifying hazards, assessing risks and following health and safety procedures in security operations.
  • Respond to incidents and emergencies by following site procedures, supporting evacuation or first-response actions, and liaising effectively with emergency services.
  • Use non-aggressive defensive and conflict management techniques proportionately and lawfully to reduce harm, maintain safety and support compliance.
Entry Requirements
  • Open entry. NCEA Level 1 recommended or evidence of readiness for study at Level 3.
  • Minimum age: 18 years domestic/international.
  • English (International): IELTS 5.0 overall, no band below 5.0, or NZQA-accepted equivalent.
  • Applicants without formal qualifications may be admitted if they can demonstrate the literacy, numeracy and study skills necessary to succeed, through an interview and portfolio of relevant work or life experience. Relevant experience could include customer service, community patrols, volunteer security at events, or other roles that require reliable communication and professional conduct.
  • Applicants who intend to work as security guards should note that employment normally requires holding a Certificate of Approval (CoA) under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. The CoA involves a fit-and-proper assessment; criminal convictions or other grounds listed in the Act (such as certain convictions or lack of training) may disqualify an applicant.
  • All applicants will participate in a brief security suitability conversation. The conversation will explore the applicant's motivation to work in the security sector, reliability, professionalism and communication skills. Applicants will be asked to declare any health conditions that could affect participation in safety-critical practical sessions. A short literacy and numeracy diagnostic assessment is used to confirm an applicant's readiness for Level 3 study.
  • Enrolment is subject to approval from the school principal.