PSIRA Grading System for Security Service Providers

The private security industry uses a grading system to classify the training level and competency of security officers. These grades (E to A) determine what roles an officer can fulfill and attain higher wages.

The Grades (Lowest to Highest)

Grade E: Patrol Officer

• Role: Basic guarding duties, patrolling access control.
• Training: Basic security concepts, self-discipline, hygiene.

Grade D: Access Control

• Role: Access control at gates/entrances, basic report writing, radio communication.
• Training: Public relations, basic legal aspects, fire fighting basics.

Grade C: Senior Security Officer

• Role: Report writing, supervision of lower grades, armed response (with additional firearm training).
• Training: Legal limits of self-defense, bomb threats, emergency procedures.
• Note: Many armed response tenders require minimum Grade C.

Grade B: Supervisor / Junior Management

• Role: Site supervisor, shift commander.
• Training: Handling complaints, basic investigations, leadership, risk assessment.
• Required for: Company Directors usually need at least Grade B.

Grade A: Management

• Role: Senior management, site manager, running security operations.
• Training: HR management, advanced investigations, security risk management.

Business Grading

Security businesses are not graded E-A in the same way, but their capacity to tender is often linked to the number of officers they have and their infrastructure. However, directors must hold a personal grade (usually B) to register the business.

Why Upgrade?

• Career Growth: Higher grades = higher minimum wage.
• Marketability: Tenders often specify specific grade ratios (e.g., "5 Grade C officers and 1 Grade B supervisor").
• Compliance: Only Grade C officers and above are typically authorized to carry firearms for duty (subject to Firearm Control Act compliance).

Conclusion

Investing in training is investing in your ability to earn. Ensure your training is done at a PSIRA-accredited training centre—certificates from fly-by-night schools will be rejected.