PSIRA Grading System for Security Service Providers (Grades 1-5)
PSIRA grades determine what kind of security work you can do. Learn about grades A to E and what they mean for your career or business.
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.
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Based on this article's topics, here are some current tenders that might interest you
Bidders List - Security Guarding Services for Peaking Operating Unit; Northen Region (Drakensberg Pumped Storage Scheme (NKP); Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme (NKP), Gariep Power Station, Vanderkloof Power Station) Southern Region (Ankerlig 1, 2 and 3 (NKP), Gourikwa (NKP), Palmiet Pumped Storage Scheme, Port Rex, Sere Windfarms).
Appointment of service provider to render Physical Security Services for Department of Employment and Labour at Mpumalanga Provincial Office for a period of 36 Months
RENDERING OF SECURITY SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF 36 MONTHS AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: 1.KROONSTAD LABOUR CENTRE 2.WELKOM LABOUR CENTRE 3.SASOLBURG LABOUR CENTRE 4.PARYS SATELLITE OFFICE
RENDERING OF SECURITY SERVICE FOR A PERIOD OF 36 MONTHS AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: BETHLEHEM LABOUR CENTRE FICKSBURG LABOUR CENTRE HARRISMITH LABOUR CENTRE PHUTHADITJHABA LABOUR CENTRE
Appointment of a service provider for the provision of security services at Freedom Park for a period of three years
INVITATION FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS TO BID FOR THE PROVISION OF SECURITY SERVICES AT ZONE TWO (2) FACILITIES FOR THE NKOMAZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY SIX (36) MONTHS
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PSIRA Grading System for Security Service Providers (Grades 1-5)
PSIRA grades determine what kind of security work you can do. Learn about grades A to E and what they mean for your career or business.