PSIRA Grade D Security Officer Course Overview
The PSIRA Grade D Course is designed for security officers who perform access control and related security duties, particularly at gates, entrances, checkpoints and controlled areas. It builds on the foundational security knowledge obtained at Grade E level.
PSIRA continues to list Grades E–C among the recognised security training courses under its Training Division, while the Authority oversees training standards and accredited training providers.
Course Purpose
The course prepares learners to perform duties such as:
- Controlling access to premises
- Monitoring the movement of people and vehicles
- Searching persons, goods and vehicles within lawful procedures
- Maintaining security records and pocket books
- Communicating effectively with the public and colleagues
- Responding appropriately to fire and other emergencies
- Applying relevant legal principles
- Using reasonable and minimum force where legally justified
PSIRA guidance for security services at events specifically indicates that officers performing access control and searching functions may require Grade E and Grade D training, depending on the duties performed.
Typical Grade D Course Modules
A Grade D programme commonly covers the following nine subject areas:
- Public Relations
- Occupational Safety
- Basic Fire Fighting
- Access Control
- Searching Procedures and Techniques
- Pocket Book
- Legal Aspects
- Radio and Telephone Communication
- Self-Defence and Minimum Force
These modules are consistently reflected in Grade D course offerings from security training providers.
Target Learners
The course is suitable for:
- Existing Grade E security officers progressing in their careers
- Access control officers
- Gate guards
- Security officers working at entrances and checkpoints
- Officers responsible for controlling people, vehicles and goods entering or leaving premises
- Security personnel required to conduct authorised searches
Entry Requirement
Grade D is generally regarded as a progression from PSIRA Grade E training. Training and individual registration requirements should be completed through appropriately accredited channels. PSIRA states that prospective security officers must complete training at an accredited training centre as part of its individual registration requirements.
Career Opportunities
After successfully completing Grade D training and meeting applicable registration requirements, learners may pursue roles such as:
- Access Control Officer
- Gate Controller
- Security Officer
- Checkpoint Officer
- Reception Security Officer
- Site Security Officer
Course Features
- Lectures 8
- Quizzes 9
- Duration 33 hours
- Skill level Beginner
- Language English
- Students 10002
- Certificate No
- Assessments Yes
- 9 Sections
- 8 Lessons
- Lifetime
- MODULE 1 BASIC FIRE FIGHTING2 ItemsThe aim of this module is to ensure that the security officer knows how a fire starts and what extinguisher to use for a specific fire.
- MODULE 2 RADIO COMMUNICATION2 ItemsThe aim of this module is to ensure that the security officers are able to communicate by radio and that they can take and deliver a message.
- MODULE 3 BASIC OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY2 ItemsThe aim of this module is to let the student have the basic understanding of the causes of accidents and what steps to take in order to prevent them
- MODULE 4 PUBLIC RELATIONS2 ItemsThe aim of this module is to give the student a broad understanding of the meaning of the term public relations, and the need for the promotion thereof.
- MODULE 5 POCKET BOOKS2 ItemsThe aim of this module is to ensure that the security officer knows what a pocket book is and why it must be used.
- MODULE 6 ACCESS CONTROL MODULE2 ItemsThe aim of tills module is to enable the security officer to understand the reasons for, and how to apply access control effectively.
- MODULE 7 SEARCH PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES2 ItemsThe aim of this module is to ensure that the security officer will be able to search persons. Vehicles and containers thoroughly.
- MODULE 8 LEGAL ASPECTS 12 ItemsThe aim of this module is to ensure that the security officer must be able to operate within the frameworks of the law.
- MODULE 9 SELF DEFENCE AND MINIMUM FORCE1 ItemThe aim of this module is to ensue that you know the basic self-defence movements to be able to protect yourself against an attack.
