Security (Level 3)

Online

NZ Micro-Credential22 creditsonline

Intakes: 2 June | 30 June | 28 July | 25 August | 22 September

The security training NZ employers are asking for

Ready to enter the security industry? Skills Institute's Level 3 Security Micro-Credentials give you everything you need to obtain your Certificate of Approval (COA) and step into one of New Zealand's most in-demand careers. Our programme goes well beyond minimum requirements - delivering practical, real-world training that prepares you for the job from day one.

Who can enrol?

This programme is open to anyone looking to enter the security industry. No formal academic qualifications are required and you do not require a temporary COA to be eligible. To enrol you will need to:

• Provide consent to a Ministry of Justice criminal record check*
• Attend campus for scheduled face-to-face training sessions
• Have access to a reliable internet connection and a device to complete online learning
• Be at least 17 years old (note: a COA can only be issued at 18 years or over) -

*Police vetting is required for COA eligibility

What makes this programme different?

Industry-informed, real-world training: This programme is designed to reflect the realities of the security industry, giving you practical skills and knowledge that employers value.

Flexible study that fits your life: Study your theory anytime, anywhere, with guidance from our industry trainers to help you stay on track and complete your qualification within the required timeframes.

What does this programme cover?

Micro-Credential 1 - 14 Credits
Foundational in Professional Security
• SS 40146 – Describe foundation knowledge of the security industry (4 credits)
• SS 40010 – Apply professional standards in a security context (6 credits)
• SS 40012 – Operate and maintain security equipment and technology, and conduct security surveillance (4 credits)

Delivery: Online learning + face-to-face sessions available each week, at our Wiri campus.

Micro-Credential 2 - 8 Credits
Security conflict management
• SS 40145 – Explain conflict management in a security context (4 credits)
• SS 40147 – Manage and resolve conflict situations in a security context (4 credits)

Delivery: Online learning + face-to-face sessions available each week, with a two-day practical training assessment at our Wiri campus.

Advanced security training

Available to enrolled learners, this optional, one-day, in-person training is delivered by an experienced Police officer.

Topics covered include:
• De-escalation techniques
• Control and restraint / self-defence
• Preserving a crime scene
• Reasonable force and the legal framework
• Supporting victims and witnesses
• Crowd management
• Weapon awareness

This training is not required for the COA, but provides additional practical skills that go beyond standard security training.

On completion, learners receive a Skills Institute Advanced Security Training Certificate, which can be used to strengthen job applications and demonstrate advanced capability to employers.

What qualification will you gain?

On completion of both micro-credentials, you will be eligible to apply for your Certificate of Approval (COA) – the license required to work as a security officer in New Zealand.

Learners who complete the Advanced Security Training will also receive a Skills Institute Advanced Security Training Certificate to support their employment opportunities.

Industry information

The New Zealand security industry sees approximately 3,000 individuals obtaining their COA each year. With increasing pressure on security personnel across retail and public environments - and growing reliance on security officers as first responders before police arrive - the demand for well-trained, capable security staff has never been higher.

What employers are looking for

Security employers are looking for candidates who are professional, calm under pressure, and trained to manage incidents safely and legally. Employers are increasingly seeking candidates who hold an advanced COA endorsement, recognising the higher standard of capability this represents.

What you can earn

Entry-level security roles offer competitive hourly rates, with flexible hours across shifts, weekends, and events. Candidates with endorsed COAs and practical incident management training are typically prioritised for higher-responsibility roles and progression opportunities.

Job opportunities

Holding a Certificate of Approval (COA) opens the door to a wide range of security roles across New Zealand. Graduates work in retail and loss prevention, protecting stores and deterring theft for some of NZ's biggest retailers.

Event security is another major employer, with trained security officers needed at concerts, sports events, and festivals across the country. Static guarding roles are available across commercial buildings, construction sites, and government facilities, while crowd management and patrol roles offer variety and flexibility.

For those with an advanced COA endorsement - gained through Skills Institute's NZ Police-led training - higher-responsibility roles involving control and restraint become accessible, making endorsed graduates significantly more attractive to employers. Whether you're looking for part-time flexible work or a long-term career pathway, a COA gives you the credentials to get started and the foundation to grow.

Security (Level 3) course FAQs

Common questions about our Security (Level 3) course, answered.

How many credits will I receive?

14 credits for Micro-Credential 1 and 8 credits for Micro-Credential 2. Both contribute toward the New Zealand Certificate in Security (Level 3).

Do I need any prior experience or qualifications?

No formal qualifications are required. You will however need to pass police vetting as part of the COA application process.

How often do I need to attend campus?

Micro-Credential 1 requires one face-to-face assessment session and Micro-Credential 2 requires a two-day practical training assessment. Both of these will be conducted at our Skills Institute campus in Wiri, Auckland.

The Advanced NZ Police Training is a one-day in-person workshop. Outside of these sessions, all learning is completed online.

Is the Advanced NZ Police Training compulsory?

No - it is an optional additional training component included at no extra cost to those who complete Micro-Credential 2. It is not required for the COA but enables you to apply for an advanced endorsement.

When can I start?

We have monthly intakes. Enquire now to find out the next available start date.

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