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Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Certificate II in Security Operations

CPP20218

You have spent years protecting property and ensuring public safety in demanding environments. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to provide a recognition pathway for your security expertise. Register your interest today to be notified as soon as we can guide you toward formal recognition of your skills.

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About This Qualification

This qualification reflects the role of a security officer, responsible for maintaining safety and security by patrolling, protecting or guarding property while unarmed, and screening entry, monitoring behaviour and removing persons from premises. This qualification is intended to align with the following occupational licencing outcomes: security officer – unarmed guard security officer – crowd controller. Occupational titles could include: security officerunarmed guardcrowd controller It provides a pathway to further learning and work in various security roles and settings including, but not limited to: armed guardingcash-in-transitclose protectioncontrol room operationsguard dog handling. Security officers may work alone or work in a team environment under general supervision, operating with limited autonomy and judgement to complete routine but variable tasks, with some accountability and responsibility for their own outputs, work and learning. Occupational licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply at the time of publication. Please refer to the CPP Companion Volume Implementation Guide for information.

Qualification Code

CPP20218

Training Package

CPP — Property Services Training Package

AQF Level

Certificate II

Total Units

14 (14 core + 0 elective)

Entry Requirements

No

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Security OfficerProtecting people and assets through active patrolling and monitoring of security systems.
Crowd ControllerManaging behaveour and maintaining safety at licensed venues, public events, or retail centres.
Unarmed GuardProviding static or mobile security presence to deter unauthorized access and protect property.

Licensing

STATE SPECIFIC

⚠️ Important

This qualification is a primary requirement for obtaining an unarmed security officer or crowd controller licence in most Australian jurisdictions. Please note that holding the qualification is one part of the licensing process, which also includes background checks and probity requirements managed by state authorities.

NSWSecurity Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED)
VICLicensing and Regulation Division (LRD) - Victoria Police
QLDOffice of Fair Trading
WALicensing Services - WA Police Force
SAConsumer and Business Services (CBS)
TASConsumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
ACTAccess Canberra
NTLicensing NT

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds CPP20218 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review✅
Evidence gathering guidance✅
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

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Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

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A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

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Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

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Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

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If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

🛡️

Work History & Roles

  • ✓Current resume detailing security experience
  • ✓Position descriptions from security firms
  • ✓Shift logs and daily activity reports
🔍

Access & Screening

  • ✓Records of screening people and personal effects
  • ✓Vehicle access and exit logs
  • ✓Documentation of identification check procedures
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Risk & Incident Response

  • ✓Completed risk assessments for specific sites
  • ✓Incident reports and emergency response logs
  • ✓Evacuation procedure participation records
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Behavioral Management

  • ✓Logs detailing crowd control activities
  • ✓Reports on managing intoxicated or difficult persons
  • ✓Records of removing persons from premises safely
📜

Compliance & Training

  • ✓Current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate
  • ✓Site-specific WHS induction records
  • ✓Records of previous security industry training
❓

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

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This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

Is this qualification currently available through RPL It?▾
We are currently in the process of establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for this specific qualification. While we cannot facilitate assessments today, we are actively building the framework to support security professionals through the recognition process.
Why should I register my interest?▾
By registering your interest, you will be among the first to be notified when a suitable RTO partner is secured. This allows us to understand the demand and advocate for a streamlined evidence-gathering process tailored to your specific security experience.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?▾
Yes. A qualification achieved through Recognition of Prior Learning is issued by a Registered Training Organisation and carries the same national recognition as one achieved through a traditional classroom pathway. The standard of competency remains the same; only the method of assessment differs.
Will this qualification automatically grant me a security licence?▾
The Certificate II in Security Operations is a mandatory educational requirement for licensing, but it is not the licence itself. Once you have the qualification, you must apply to your state's relevant licensing authority, which will conduct their own background and security checks.
What kind of experience is most relevant for this RPL pathway?▾
Relevant experience includes any role where you have been responsible for patrolling premises, monitoring crowd behaviour, screening individuals, or responding to security risks. Evidence of managing intoxicated persons and using communication to de-escalate conflict is particularly valuable.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?▾
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?▾
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?▾
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?▾
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?▾
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?▾
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

Related Qualifications

Other qualifications in the Property Services Training Package.

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Building Design

CPP60421

Advanced Diploma

Advanced Diploma of Surveying

CPP60121

Certificate II

Certificate II in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing

CPP20521

Certificate II

Certificate II in Surveying and Spatial Information Services

CPP20126

Certificate II

Certificate II in Technical Security

CPP20326

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