Security Licence | All You Need To Know

All security personnel intending to provide security services of any form is required to hold a valid security licence. With reference to the Private Security Industry Order in 2009, any person looking to provide security services needs to undergo two WSQ modules offered by Approved Training Organisations (ATO) to be qualified and certified with a security licence. The two Basic Learning Units (BLUs) are 1) Handle Security Incidents and Services, and 2) Provide Guard and Patrol Services.

However, with effect from 1 January 2020, all Security Officers will be required to pass the additional WSQ Recognise Terrorist Threats module to be able to carry out security duties except at a warehouse or condominium. This is considering the persistent threat of terrorism in Singapore which made it mandatory for Security Officers to raise their skills and competencies in this area.

According to the Singapore Police Force, a security officer licence is needed if any of the following security services are provided:

1. Patrolling or guarding another person’s property (including cash in transit) by physical means (which may involve the use of patrol dogs) or by electronic means;
2. Keeping the property (including cash in transit) of another person under surveillance, including for the purpose of preventing theft thereof;
3. Acting as a bodyguard or bouncer;
4. Performing any function of screening individuals, as part of your regular duties, seeking entry into any public place or other premises; and
5. Regulating traffic under the Road Traffic Act 1961.

How Do I Apply For A Security Licence?

If you are not an existing holder of a security licence, you may refer to our 3 step guide for more information on applying for your licence and kickstarting your career in the security industry.

Does My Security Licence Have An Expiry?

The licence has a validity period of 5 years for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents. For Malaysians, the validity of the licence is tied to the validity of the holder’s work permit or employment pass.

Security Officers are required to renew their security license before it expires to be able to continue providing security services. To renew the licence, please visit https://licence1.business.gov.sg/feportal/web/frontier/eAdvisor and an admin fee of $16 which is payable via credit card or debit card. The processing time will take about 14 working days from the receipt of the application and any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

Security Officers will receive a notification for renewal about 2-3 months before the expiry of their licence. Upon approval of the renewal application and payment of the prescribed fees, the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) will send a letter on the outcome of the application by post to the applicant’s registered mailing address.

Are There Any Conditions To Renew My Licence?

If you are above the age of 60 and work for an employer that is not a licensed security agency, you are required to be certified by a registered medical practitioner to be medically fit for work as a Security Officer. This should be done on an annual basis and be submitted to the licensing officer upon request.

You are currently not involved in any debt collection activity or employed by more than two employers at any one time.

What Are The Mandatory Documents Needed For Licence Renewal?

• Existing Licence Number
• Acknowledgement Number
• Scanned copy of Work Permit (For foreigners)
• Scanned copy of Origin Country Identification Card (For foreigners)
• Scanned copy of Passport (For foreigners)
• Scanned copy of Certificate of Good Conduct (For foreigners)
• Credit Card or Debit Card

How Do I Renew My Licence?

For existing security licence holders, you may refer to the following guide for the renewal of your security licence.