To equip the candidate with the knowledge, skill and competence to work under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations in a variety of settings including static, retail, door and event industry.

Programme Objectives

  • Become familiar with the private security industry, its sectors, range of services and history.
  • Understand the regulatory framework governing the provision of private security services and the role of the Private Security Authority.
  • Define the essential characteristics of the security officer working in a variety of settings across a range of guarding services sectors.
  • Acquire knowledge in loss prevention and crime prevention and the role of the private security industry and other agencies in prevention.
  • Understand the relevant aspects of criminal law, civil law and administrative acts applying the knowledge to operational security.
  • Become familiar with relevant legislation and procedures for workplace safety applying the knowledge to operational security on assignment.
  • Develop the skills and knowledge required to carry out the general workplace loss and crime prevention tasks, identifying and using documentation and equipment.
  • Acquire skills and knowledge to perform in the role of a door security officer.
  • Acquire skills and knowledge to perform in the role of a static security officer.
  • Acquire skills and knowledge to perform in the role of a retail security officer.
  • Acquire skills and knowledge to perform in the role of an event security officer.
  • Recognise emergencies and responses to a range of fire, safety and security incidents.
  • Recognise causes of workplace violence, acquiring practical skills in de-escalation and physical response.
  • Develop a range of communication skills for effective interaction with patrons, customers, clients, management and colleagues.
  • Understand the principles of customer care and quality service, implementing client policy on assignment.

Development

Development of the programme was undertaken in consultation with the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA), Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU), Security Institute Corporate Category (SII) and other key stakeholders. The security industry certification body the Security Institute carried out national and international research including referencing the EU Komsi Project, the Private Security Authority, Security Industry Authority, British Home Office, Confederation of European Security Services and the Department of American Homeland Security.

The programme satisfies the requirements of the revised Guarding Services Standard (a Standard for PSA Licensing of Contractors) and includes comprehensive sections on Retail Security, Event Security and Responses to Third Party Threats and Violence.

Programme Profile

This part time programme necessitates day release or evening-course environment participation. Directed or classroom learning is estimated at approximately 50 hours in total. Typical day release participation will involve candidate commitment of six days, one day per week.  Home study or self-directed learning is an essential feature of this part time programme. Successful completion leads to QQI Minor Awards in Guarding Skills (4N1118) and Door Security Procedures (4N1114) at Level 4.

These awards each have a credit value of 10. The security industry certification body the Security Institute of Ireland jointly certifies the Programme.

Successful completion can lead directly to employment within the security industry as the award satisfies the training requirements for licensing in the Security Guard (Static) and Door Security (Licensed Premises) sectors as prescribed by the industry regulatory body, the Private Security Authority.

As this is a part time, short duration minor award no transfer or recognition of prior learning options are offered through the Security Institute at this point. Progression routes are in place through the Security Institute, enabling access to minor awards in Teamworking, Retail Security and Sporting Stewards at Level 5.

Both the Guarding Skills and Door Security Procedures minor awards are components of a major award at Level 4 in Private Security Services.

Entry Criteria

To access programmes leading to this award, candidates should have reached the standards of knowledge, skill and competence at Level 3 or Junior Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications. Achievement of this may be through a formal qualification or relevant life and work experience.

This means that entry is open to all candidates and there are no formal qualifications required to participate.

There are requirements within the programme and ultimately within employment in the industry to have a working knowledge of the written and spoken English language. English need not be your first language.

Aspects of the programme and employment are physical, such as use of a fire extinguisher and physical responses to a personal attack; a reasonable level of fitness and mobility will be required to participate.

This is a part time programme and candidates must be in a position to commit to self-directed learning. The level required is dependent upon the experience of each individual candidate, candidates with no experience, knowledge or background in security or any related field may have to commit to some 80 hours of study, practice and research.

Candidates are advised that to work within the sector requires a license issued by the Private Security Authority. Conditions prescribed by the Authority include applicants must be over eighteen years of age, be of good character and are subject to a criminality check.

Participation conditions include completion of a registration form, attendance sheet and declarations.

Dress and Other Requirements

Physical activity is an inherent part of the course, therefore comfortable loose clothing is essential. Do not carry loose change or wear jewellery or watches during these activities. Candidates should have a pen and notebook.

Programme Delivery

Programme delivery is broken down into twelve sections as follows:

  • The Private Security Industry
  • The Private Security Authority
  • Security Officer
  • Loss Prevention and Crime Prevention
  • Legislation and Regulations
  • Safety, Health and Welfare
  • General Security Procedures
  • Door Security
  • Static Security
  • Retail Security
  • Event Security
  • Fire and Emergencies
  • Threats and Violence
  • Communications
  • Customer Care and Quality Service

Delivery modes include forty hours of classroom based directed delivery, practical activity, group workshops and group discussions. Due to vetting and licensing requirements, there are no workplace-based elements involved in participation. Candidates will receive guidance on self-directed study, research and practice.

Support

As this is a part time programme incorporating a substantial element of self- directed learning, a comprehensive 200-page manual is available and recommended to all candidates. For more extensive research and study, access to the Security Institute library is also available. The official reference book and study guide for this course is the Security Institute of Ireland “Security Skills Manual” ISBN 0-9541180-0-06.

Trainers and assessors are experienced in dealing with candidates who may feel restricted due to physical, learning or language challenges, reasonable accommodation processes are in place. It is advisable that candidates discuss these issues with the Institute or an Institute trainer in advance of participation.

While not mandatory, access to, and competency in use of the Internet will benefit candidates. Trainers will provide additional resource references for those who do not have Internet capability.

Candidates may contact the Security Institute directly for any clarification or further information either by phone at 045 409222 or by e-mail at admin@sii.ie

Assessment

There are three techniques used to assess the programme:

  • A one-hour, 20 questions written examination. Total value is 40%, pass mark is 20%.
  • The practical demonstration of two skills. Total value is 40%, pass mark is 20%.
  • An 800 word written assignment. Total value is 20%, pass mark is 10%.

Assessment deadlines are explained at programme induction, these deadlines can only be waived in extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. It is the responsibility of the candidate to provide appropriate evidence to support any request for waivers.

A pass mark must be achieved in each technique for successful completion. Processes are in place for appeals, resits and resubmissions. In general terms the Security Institute policy is to afford candidates a second opportunity to attempt assessment. There is no capping of marks in the event of agreed alternative arrangements.

A grading system is in place as follows:

  • A Pass is awarded for candidate achievement in the range of 50% to 64%.
  • A Merit is awarded for candidate achievement in the range of 65% to 79%.
  • A Distinction is awarded for candidate achievement at 80% and above.
  • A mark under 50% in total is deemed unsuccessful at this point or referred.

Certification

Successful completion of this comprehensive programme leads to seven certificates:

  • QQI Minor Award in Guarding Skills at Level 4 (10 Credits)
  • QQI Minor Award in Door Security Procedures at Level 4 (10 Credits)
  • SII Certificate in Static Security
  • SII Certificate in Retail Security
  • SII Certificate in Door Security
  • SII Certificate in Event Security
  • SII Certificate in Responding to Threats and Violence.

Security Institute Mempership

A benefit of this course is that it can lead to membership of the Security Institute, a professional body for security professionals. Membership of the Institute is open to professional experienced persons in any country. Members of the Institute are recognised by the use of the title M.Sec.I.I after their name. On completion of the course, successful participants are entitled to apply for membership.

Registration

Please contact us here at SII to enrol for this course.