Changes to Class 1 security licence subclasses
New 1A (Security Officer) subclass
The 1A (Unarmed Guard) and 1C (Crowd Controller) security licence subclasses merged into the renamed 1A (Security Officer) subclass on 1 June 2023.
The 1A (Security Officer) subclass authorises you to patrol, protect or guard any property while unarmed (whether static or mobile), and to act as a crowd controller.
If you hold a current 1A (Unarmed Guard) subclass, your licence record was amended on 1 June to show you hold the 1A (Security Officer) subclass.
If you hold a current 1C (Crowd Controller) subclass, your licence record was amended on 1 June to show it has been converted to the 1A (Security Officer) subclass. The 1C subclass will be removed from your record.
These subclass changes were reflected immediately on SLED's Public Register.
New 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass
A new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) security licence subclass commence ond 1 June 2023 and authorises holders to patrol, protect or guard cash-in-transit (CIT).
If you were carrying on CIT activities under the authority of the 1A (Unarmed Guard) subclass, you may continue to carry on the activities while holding the 1A (Security Officer) subclass until 1 December 2023. To carry on CIT activities after this date, you were required to:
- complete a NSW Security Licence Course that incorporates the mandatory CIT-specific units of competency; and
- lodge an application for the new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass by 1 December 2023 and include evidence of completing the mandatory CIT-specific training.
You did not have to pay the licence application fee if you complete these steps by 1 December 2023 and will have received a new photo licence showing the 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass.
To carry on armed CIT activities from 1 June 2023 you must hold the 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) and the 1F (Armed Guard) subclasses.
If you hold a current 1F (Armed Guard) subclass, your licence record was amended on 1 June to show you have been automatically granted the 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass. This is because you have already completed CIT-specific training. You will retain the 1F subclass.
These subclass changes were reflected immediately on SLED's Public Register.
Why are the current 1A and 1C subclasses being merged?
The competency requirements for both subclasses are the same and most individuals that hold the 1A subclass also hold the 1C subclass. Merging the subclasses will simplify licensing requirements.
What is meant by cash-in-transit activities?
In consultation with the SLED Advisory Council, the following definition of cash-in-transit activities has been adopted.
"Cash-in-transit activities involve the protection or guarding of money and other valuables, including jewels, bullion, luxury goods, securities and other financial instruments, while it is being collected, transported or delivered (excludes activities occurring at a single premises)."
Activities that involve cash and valuables protection, but do not involve cash-in-transit as defined above, will continue to be authorised by the Class 1A (Security Officer) or Class 1F (Armed Guard) licences.
Why is the new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass being introduced?
A review of the national training package identified a gap with regard to competency requirements for the unarmed CIT sector. Creating a new CIT-specific subclass with mandatory training requirements will address this gap. It will also enable SLED to remove mandatory CIT-specific training for prospective armed guards who may not intend to carry on CIT work.
What training must I complete to be granted the new 1C subclass?
Applicants for the new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass must satisfactorily complete a NSW Security Licence Course that incorporates mandatory CIT-specific units of competency. SLED is working with our approved registered training organisations to introduce a new Cash-in-Transit Guard Security Licence Course by 1 June 2023.
How long do holders of the current 1A subclass have to complete the CIT training?
If you have been carrying on CIT activities under the authority of the current 1A (Unarmed Guard) subclass, you may continue to carry on the activities while holding the 1A (Security Officer) subclass until 1 December 2023. To carry on CIT activities after this date, you must:
- complete a NSW Security Licence Course that incorporates the mandatory CIT-specific units of competency; and
- apply for the new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass by 1 December 2023 and include evidence of completing the mandatory CIT-specific training.
You will not have to pay the licence application fee if you complete these steps by 1 December 2023 and will receive a new photo licence showing the 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass.
Can I complete the CIT guard training now?
Yes. You may complete the current Armed Guard Security Licence Course which includes the CIT-specific units of competency required for the new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass. However, you cannot apply for the new 1C subclass until 1 June 2023.
SLED is working with our approved registered training organisations to introduce a Cash-in-Transit Guard Security Licence Course by 1 June 2023.
I hold a 1F licence and know I will be granted the new 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass automatically on 1 June 2023. Does that mean I will get a new licence card?
No, the new 1C subclass will be added to your licence records and be visible in the public register, but you won’t be issued a new licence card immediately. You will receive the new portrait style licence card showing the 1F and 1C (Cash-in-Transit Guard) subclass when you next renew your licence.
I hold a 1A and 1C licence. Will I get a new licence card on 1 June 2023 that shows I hold the new 1A (Security Officer) subclass?
No, the new 1A subclass will be added to your licence records and the old 1C (Crowd Controller) subclass removed. These changes will be visible in the public register, but you won’t be issued a new licence card immediately. You will receive the new portrait style licence card showing the new 1A (Security Officer) subclass when you next renew your licence.
How will my employer know that I hold the new subclasses if my licence shows the old subclasses?
Your licence records will be updated and any changes to your subclasses will be visible in the public register for your employer and other members of the public.