How To Get A PLRD Security Licence in 3 Simple Steps

18 April 2021
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Follow in the footsteps of over 4,000 KnowledgeTree learners. Become a security officer and play a part in making Singapore one of the safest cities in the world by following just three simple steps!


Step 1 – Apply For A Security Licence


To become a licensed security officer, you will need a Security Officer licence from the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) if you are to be employed to perform any of the following functions and duties (Singapore Police Force, 2020):

a. 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;

b. Keeping the property (including cash in transit) of another person under surveillance, including for the purpose of preventing theft thereof;

c. Acting as a bodyguard or bouncer;

d. Performing any function of screening individuals, as part of your regular duties, seeking entry into any public place or other premises; and

e. Regulating traffic under the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276).

Click here for a step-by-step guide to applying for a security licence.

Apply for a security officer licence at the GoBusiness Licensing website.

This process will take approximately 14 working days. You will receive a formal notice of the result via SMS, email or letter.

If you are an Ex-Regular or NSF, be sure to check with the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) to see if you are exempt from the Basic Licensing Units (BLUs).

Malaysians who are interested in becoming security officers will need to have a valid Singapore work permit and relevant documents, namely a Certificate of Non-Criminal Conviction (CNCC) or Certificate of Good Conduct, to qualify for licence application.

* A processing fee of $16 will apply for this application (payable by debit/credit card).


Step 2 – Complete 3 Basic Security Courses with KnowledgeTree


If you don’t have prior experience or training exemption from PLRD, you will need to complete the following three compulsory security courses under the Basic Licensing Units (BLUs) to be eligible for a security licence and become a licensed security officer in Singapore. Please check with PLRD before applying for these courses.

  1. Incident Response (Handle Security Incidents and Services)
  2. Threat Observation (Recognise Terrorist Threats)
  3. Guard and Patrol, Access Control Management (Provide Guard and Patrol Services and Operate Basic Security Equipment)


Only upon the successful completion of these courses will you be able to successfully pass the training requirements and obtain a security officer’s licence (next step).

* SkillsFuture credits can be used, in addition to existing government course subsidies, to pay for a wide range of KnowledgeTree’s approved skills-related courses.


Step 3 – Make Your Security Pass


Every citizen has their IC to identify themselves, and security officers also need a security pass, or security ID card, for the same purpose. The final step to becoming a licensed security officer is to obtain your Security Officer Pass!

14 days after your final assessment date, you may proceed to make your Security Officer Pass on USE ID Card Web Portal (https://www.iduse.org.sg/qrcode) and make an online payment of $22.50 via PayNow, Credit Card or Debit Card (VISA/Mastercard).

SMS will be sent to your registered mobile number 3 days before the selected date and time of appointment for collection at USE Customer Service Centre.

Documents required for security pass collection:

  1. The existing PLRD Security IF card (if you have one)
  2. Singaporean NRIC or Work Permit
  3. The screenshot of the receipt of the transaction or SMS notification

Directions to USE


USE Customer Service Centre

Textile Centre
200 Jalan Sultan #03-24
Singapore 199018
Contact number: 63346393

Click here for directions to USE.



Congratulations! As a licensed security officer, you now have the opportunity to play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ensuring public safety, making a significant impact in the security industry. Your dedication contributes to creating safer environments for everyone, especially those living in Singapore. 

Be sure to further your professional development by enrolling in our security courses at KnowledgeTree, ensuring you remain at the cutting edge of the industry and continue to refine your expertise. For more information, contact our team at KnowledgeTree directly.