Becoming a security officer or getting a security officer job in Singapore comes with a couple of requirements and qualifications – one of them being a security officer license. This license doesn’t just ensure that you’re a trained security personnel, but one that is trained to the latest standards and specifications required by the industry.

Responsiveness, knowledge, fitness, and a proper license are all required to be an excellent security officer in the field. But while that may sound a little overwhelming to achieve, we’re here to assure you that getting a strong foundation as a security officer can be built over time. While you can see the top reasons to join the security industry here, below is a step-by-step guide on how you can obtain a security license in Singapore.

Step 1: Get a security clearance from the PLRD

The first step in applying for a security officer license in Singapore is to obtain a security clearance from the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department (PLRD) of the Singapore Police Force. This is a specific requirement before you can apply for a job as a security guard. The eligibility details in order to get approved for a security clearance in Singapore can usually be found on the website of PLRD.

The approval for a security clearance is done by the PLRD itself, and the entire process typically takes around two weeks. There is also an application fee of $16. You may seek exemptions by approaching the PLRD if you are a Singaporean with previous experience or qualifications in the security industry. On the other hand, you can apply for the Letter of Good Conduct from the High Commission of Malaysia in Singapore if you are a Malaysian working in Singapore.

Step 2: Complete 3 compulsory courses under the BLUs

Knowledge and training are essential requirements before you can start a career in the security industry. In particular, you are first required to complete the three compulsory modules under the Basic Licensing Units (BLUs) before you can have a security license.

These modules are the Guard and Patrol (Provide Guard and Patrol Services), Incident Response (Handles Security and Incident Services), and Threat Observation (Recognise Terrorist Threats) courses. Unless you are exempted by the PLRD, you will have to successfully pass the three aforementioned courses before obtaining the necessary security license.

Step 3: Send your application for the security ID card

After your security officer application has been approved and you have already completed the three compulsory courses under the BLUs, the next thing for you to do is to head over to the USE Customer Service Centre in order to make your security ID card.

Obtaining the security ID card comes with a processing fee of $22.50, and the security license has a validity of 5 years. You are then all set to start your journey in the security industry once you have secured your security ID card.

Conclusion

Although becoming a security officer in Singapore requires a couple of qualifications and eligibility, complying with these requirements is not as taxing as it seems. In as few as three steps, you can acquire a security license that will provide you with the opportunities to start a career and succeed in the security industry.

To ensure your success in such a career, you are recommended to take a few relevant courses, such as a patrol officer basic course or an incident handling course in Singapore. These courses will surely equip you with the knowledge and skills that you need to become an effective security officer. The security license is especially necessary if you are employed to patrol or guard another person’s property, keep the property of another person under surveillance, regulate traffic, act as a bouncer or bodyguard, and perform the function of screening persons who are seeking entry into an establishment or other premises.