Getting a Security Officer (SO) Licence in Singapore

Your Pathway to Becoming a Security Officer in Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering a career as a security officer in Singapore? Whether you’re looking to embark on a new journey or enhance your existing skills, navigating the process of becoming a licensed security officer can seem daunting. But fear not! Our comprehensive guide is here to simplify the steps and provide you with everything you need to know to kickstart your career in the security industry.

Step 1: Apply for Security Officer (SO) licence from PLRD

Log in with your Singpass to apply for "Security Officer's Licence (SO)" Licence.
Application Fee: $16

Step 2: Attend and Pass 3 Basic Licencing Modules

Guard & Patrol
(Provide Guard & Patrol Services) + Access Control Management
(Operate Basic Security Equipment)

Incident Response
(Handle Security Incidents & Services)

Threat Observation
(Recognise Terrorist Threats)

(Exemption apply, visit police.go.sg for more information)

Step 3: Apply for Security Officer (SO) ID Card

To apply for the card, visit the Union of Security Employees (USE) Customer Service Centre at:
200 Jalan Sultan, #03-24
Textile Centre
Singapore 199018

Who does it cover? The PWM applies to both full-time and part-time Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) employed in the security sector. Even employers relying on Work Permits, S Passes, or Employment Passes must comply with PWM requirements for their local employees to ensure fair wages and a level playing field.

The Security PWM’s Roadmap to Success. The security industry in Singapore boasts a structured career path powered by the Progressive Wage Model (PWM). This model equips security officers with a clear five-level roadmap, starting as a Security Officer (SO) and ascending to the helm as a Chief Security Officer (CSO). What defines each level? A combination of specialized training, accumulated experience, distinct job duties, and, most importantly, progressive raises in minimum basic salary.

Wage Requirements. Dive deeper into these exciting year-on-year increases with the detailed information extracted from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, provided below.

Security Progressive Wage Model (PWM) Training Requirements.

RANKS

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

SECURITY OFFICER (SO)
Duties of Security Officer (SO)

Screening, Patrolling and guarding, Access and egress control, Incident response, Acting as a bodyguard or bouncer

*With effect from 1 January 2024, all security officers must complete RTT training before they can be deployed at ANY site.

SENIOR SECURITY OFFICER (SSO)
Duties of Senior Security Officer (SSO)

Operate security and safety systems, Regulate traffic (Road Traffic Act), Monitor security or fire command centre, Assist ministries, statutory boards or government departments in law enforcement duties, Key press management

Experience required as Security Officer (SO) to progress to Senior Security Officer (SSO): + 6 months experience

SECURITY SUPERVISOR (SS) Duties of Security Supervisor (SS)

In charge of security or fire command centre with 3 or fewer personnel, Incident management and reporting, Direct supervision, Execute evacuation plans and exercises

Experience required as Senior Security Officer (SSO) to progress to Security Supervisor (SS): + 1 year experience