In an era marked by rising safety concerns, public events drawing larger crowds, and shifting community expectations, the role of the frontline security officer in Australia is more important than ever. With over 150,000 licensed security personnel supporting everything from retail to major events, the need for compliant, high-quality training has never been greater.
At the heart of this preparation is the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations — the nationally recognised security training required for individuals seeking to work as licensed security officers in Australia. But what does “quality security training” really mean in 2025? And how can Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) deliver compliant, relevant training in a rapidly evolving security environment?
We at Human Resource Training RTO 31678 spoke with industry experts, trainers, and compliance professionals to explore what it takes to elevate security operations training while remaining aligned with Australia’s rigorous national standards.
The Changing Landscape of Security in Australia
The private security industry in Australia is estimated to be worth more than $11 billion, employing a workforce larger than the combined Australian police forces. As society becomes more reliant on contract security services — from shopping centres and hospitals to public events and critical infrastructure — security officers are now expected to be more than just a presence. They are first responders, conflict managers, and often the public face of safety.
According to industry feedback, there’s been a noticeable increase in incidents involving aggressive behaviour and edged weapons, particularly in crowded public settings. This shift places an even greater responsibility on RTOs to deliver training that not only meets competency requirements but prepares officers for the complexities of modern frontline security work.
The Role of CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations 
The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations is the foundational qualification required to apply for a security officer licence in most Australian states and territories. The course includes 14 core units focused on real-world capabilities such as:
- Monitoring and controlling access
- Patrolling premises
- Applying effective communication strategies
- Responding to risk situations
Importantly, RTOs must also incorporate HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (updated from the now-superseded HLTAID003) as a core unit, which is mandatory for your licence.
From a compliance perspective, RTOs must ensure their course delivery aligns precisely with the requirements of the CPP Training Package, especially in assessment conditions and simulation accuracy. Under the Standards for RTOs 2015, Clause 1.1 requires training to reflect current industry practice and outcomes. That means no cutting corners.
What Industry Experts Are Saying About Security Training
Insights from Security Employers
Many employers stress the importance of communication, situational awareness, and conflict de-escalation — skills that aren’t always easy to teach but are essential on the job.
“We’re not just looking for someone who can follow a checklist. We want guards who can manage difficult people, respond appropriately to emergencies, and represent our brand professionally,” says a Brisbane-based event security director.
Employers are increasingly collaborating with RTOs to align training with these real-world expectations, calling for scenario-based training that goes beyond the bare minimum. One of the reasons that the CPP2018 Certificate II in Security Operations cannot be completed online.
Views from RTO Trainers
Experienced trainers highlight the importance of maintaining assessment integrity and respecting the volume of learning requirements set out in the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations Training Package.
“The challenge is balancing compliance with engagement,” says our veteran trainer from Human Resource Training RTO 31678. “We use real-life scenarios in our assessments because ticking boxes won’t prepare students for dealing with an aggressive patron at a packed stadium.”
Clause 1.8 of the Standards for RTOs requires assessments to be valid, reliable, and reflective of workplace outcomes — something that must be evident in every assessment tool used in this qualification.
Licensing Bodies and Compliance Specialists
A common concern raised by compliance experts is the lack of national uniformity in licensing requirements. While the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations qualification provides a consistent framework, each state has its own additional criteria. For example:
- In Queensland, applicants must submit a criminal history check and training certificate to the Office of Fair Trading.
- In Victoria, licensing is overseen by Victoria Police, which may require fingerprinting and additional verification steps.
“RTOs must ensure students understand that completing the course is a step toward licensure, not a guarantee,” says a compliance consultant familiar with ASQA audits.
Embracing Innovation While Staying Compliant 
With technology transforming many aspects of vocational training, some RTOs are experimenting with virtual reality (VR) scenarios, gamified assessment, and online theory delivery. While these tools offer engagement and scalability, they must still meet strict compliance benchmarks.
The CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations training package clearly outlines that practical tasks — such as patrolling and managing access control — must be performed under simulated or real-world conditions. Online-only delivery for these units is non-compliant.
“There’s nothing wrong with using digital tools to enhance delivery,” says a lead instructional designer. “But simulation must reflect real-world pressures — decision-making under stress, physical space navigation, and human interaction. You can’t skip that.”
Clause 1.2 of the Standards for RTOs reinforces this: assessment and training must reflect the real-world context in which the skills will be used.
The Path Forward for RTOs Delivering Security Training
To stay ahead, RTOs need to maintain industry engagement — consulting with employers, staying informed on evolving security challenges, and continuously improving their course delivery and assessment tools.
Key steps include:
- Conducting regular validation of training and assessment strategies
- Ensuring trainers maintain current industry experience and credentials
- Reviewing and updating course content as the threat environment evolves
- Avoiding misleading advertising and complying with QLD’s strict marketing guidelines
A high-quality, compliant training experience not only benefits students — it protects the integrity of the security industry and helps RTOs stand out in an increasingly competitive training landscape.
Final Thoughts: Collaboration is Key to Quality and Compliance
Security officers are the quiet professionals who keep Australia’s venues, infrastructure, and communities safe. Their preparedness begins in the classroom — and in how RTOs deliver their training.
As the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations continues to underpin licensing pathways nationwide, it’s more critical than ever that training organisations deliver outcomes that are not only compliant, but connected to current industry demands.
Through collaboration with employers, compliance specialists, licensing authorities and training designers, we can continue to elevate the standard of security operations training in Australia — ensuring every graduate is capable, confident, and compliant.
For individuals looking to start a career in the security industry, or for employers seeking a trusted RTO partner, Human Resource Training RTO Code 31678 offers nationally recognised, fully compliant training through the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. With a commitment to industry relevance, experienced trainers, and training aligned with licensing outcomes, we help students build real-world skills that serve them long after graduation. Whether you’re entering the field or strengthening your workforce, Human Resource Training is here to support your journey — every step of the way.
For more information and to stay updated on the above discussed topics please visit:
- CPP20218 Training Package – training.gov.au
- Queensland Office of Fair Trading