Private security licence holders in Victoria should be aware of new training requirements that apply to Individual Operator licence renewals from 5 October 2026.
The changes form part of the broader reforms to Victoria’s private security licensing system introduced under amendments to the Private Security Act 2004.
Under the new requirements, an approved first-aid course must be completed before renewal by all Individual Operator private security licence holders, regardless of the type of security activity they perform.
Additional refresher training requirements apply to some licence holders.
Who needs refresher training?
Victoria Police advises that Individual Operator licence holders whose licensed activities include any of the following must complete both approved first-aid training and approved refresher training before lodging their renewal application:
- security guard
- crowd controller
- bodyguard.
Licence holders undertaking other private security activities are generally required to complete the approved first-aid training but not the refresher course, unless their licence also includes one of the activities listed above.
One specific exception identified by Victoria Police is a person licensed only for the activity security guard – monitoring centre operator. These licence holders require first-aid training but do not require the refresher training.
Planning ahead for renewal
The changes make preparation for licence renewal particularly important.
Victoria Police advises that renewal documentation is sent approximately 10 weeks before a licence expires. Licence holders approaching renewal should therefore check their training requirements early enough to complete the necessary courses before submitting their application.
For security providers, the change also provides a reason to review the renewal dates of relevant employees and ensure personnel understand the training requirements applying to them.
The requirements relate specifically to Victorian private security licences.
SPAAL encourages Victorian providers and licence holders to consult the current Victoria Police guidance when preparing for renewal.