PSIRA Training Requirements for Security Personnel on Government Contracts

When bidding for government security contracts (schools, hospitals, municipal buildings), the specifications for personnel training are often higher and more specific than private sector jobs.

The Standard Grading Matrix

Government tenders typically ask for a specific mix of grades:

• Site Manager: Grade A or B (Must be competent in management).
• Shift Supervisors: Grade B or C.
• Armed Response: Grade C + Firearm Competency (Regulation 21).
• General Guarding: Grade C or D (Grade E is rarely accepted for state key points).

Specific Training Modules

Beyond the standard grades, government contracts often require specialized skills:

1. NKP (National Key Point) Training

If you are guarding critical infrastructure (parliament, courts, power stations), your officers must undergo National Key Point training. A standard Grade C is not enough.

2. Firearm Competency

For armed contracts, officers must have:

• Valid Sasseta / PFTC firearm training.
• Valid SAPS competency certificate.
• Business purpose firearm license.

3. First Aid & Fire Fighting

Tenders often require at least one person per shift to be certified in Level 1 First Aid and Basic Fire Fighting.

Assessing Your Workforce

Before bidding, audit your staff file:

1. Do you have enough Grade C officers?
2. Are their certificates valid?
3. Do you have the NKP certified staff if required?

Conclusion

Do not assume you can "hire them later." Tenders often require you to submit the CVs and PSIRA numbers of the specific staff you intend to use. Build a database of qualified, higher-grade staff so you are ready to bid.