The security business in Australia is growing faster than ever before, and by 2025, the need for trained security personnel will be at an all-time high. A Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) is your ticket to a real, well-paying job in this growing field, whether you want to start a new career or build on your current security skills.
We at Get RPL Australia recognize that a lot of experienced security professionals already have the skills and knowledge they need to get certified. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) helps convert your existing skills into nationally recognized certifications. This might save you months of study time.
What does it mean to have a Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218)?
Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218) is a nationally recognized Australian qualification providing foundational skills to begin a security career. This course trains Security Practitioners in risk awareness and assessment, incident response, communication, and compliance with relevant laws and responsibilities.
This qualification suits aspiring security officers (guards), crowd controllers, retail security staff, and alarm monitoring operators. It’s for those wishing to work in the security services at an operational level. The qualification supports all learners in achieving the minimum skills and knowledge requirements of the security licensing authorities in Australia.
What Core Competencies Are Covered
Some of the most important units in the Certificate 2 in Security Operations program are:
- Risk Assessment and Management: Knowing how to spot, rate, and deal with different security concerns.
- Emergency Response Procedures: The right way to deal with emergencies, evacuations, and crises.
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities: Knowing the laws that apply, privacy regulations, and the rules of professional behaviour.
- Communication Skills: Security personnel need to know how to talk and write clearly and effectively.
- Integrating technology means knowing how to use current security systems, surveillance cameras, and reporting software.
Recognition of Prior Learning Perth: Get Your Certification Faster
Get RPL Australia offers Recognition of Prior Learning Perth as a way for experienced Perth security professionals, right across Western Australia, to achieve a gainful formal qualification. The RPL process evaluates what you already understand, are capable of doing and have already performed through experience. This means you can receive a Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218), without training you are already performing in practice.
As part of assessment, the RPL process lets you demonstrate how your experience aligns with required qualification learning outcomes. Moreover, RPL assessments typically consist of providing a portfolio of evidence, skill assessments, and competencies mapped to required skills criteria.
Career Options with a Certificate 2 in Security Operations
Security Guard Jobs
With a Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218), you can work as a security guard in a number of different fields. Corporate security guards keep office buildings and business property safe, while retail security guards keep stores and shopping centres safe. Industrial security guards work at factories, warehouses, and construction sites.
Specialist in Event Security
The events business in Australia makes billions of dollars every year and needs hundreds of skilled security guards. Certificate II in Security Operations teaches crowd control, entry management, and emergency response at concerts, festivals, sports, and corporate events.
Alarm Monitoring Operator
Residential and business clients can get surveillance and response services from security monitoring centres that are open 24/7. These jobs offer steady, indoor work settings and chances to move up in your career to supervisory and managerial positions.
More Useful Courses at Get RPL Australia
Get RPL Australia offers many in-demand qualifications across various fields, alongside the Certificate II in Security Operations:
Construction and Building: Certificate III in Carpentry, Certificate IV in Building and Construction, and Diploma in Building and Construction Management are all ways for professionals to move up in Australia’s booming construction sector.
Information Technology: Our IT certificates, such as the Certificate IV in Information Technology and the Diploma in Information Technology, get students ready for high-paying tech jobs with great growth potential.
Business and Management: The Certificate IV in Leadership and Management and the Diploma of Leadership and Management provide you the basic skills you need to be a supervisor or manager in any field.
Healthcare and Community Services: The Certificate III in Individual Support and the Certificate IV in Ageing Support meet the growing need for trained healthcare workers in Australia’s aging population.
Getting Licensed: State-Specific Requirements for Certificate 2 in Security Operations?
New South Wales
NSW requires security personnel to hold a security license from the NSW Police Force. Your Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) meets the training requirement for a security license, but you must complete a criminal history check, as well as medical assessments.
Victoria
In Victoria, security workers are required to have a Private Security Business Licence/ Security Worker Registration. Furthermore, the Certificate 2 in Security Operations is a prerequisite qualification for most security licensing categories in Victoria.
Queensland and other states
Each state and territory in Australia has its own licensing requirements for security workers. Your Certificate 2 in Security Operations provides the base level of training recognized in each jurisdiction, although each state may introduce additional training modules that are state-specific.
Industry Trends Shaping Security Careers in 2025
Technology Integration
Today, security operations rely on technology solutions that include AI-enabled surveillance systems, biometric access control systems, and integrated digital security technology platforms. Your Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) exposes you to the available security technologies, preparing you for a security operations environment enhanced by technology.
Cybersecurity Awareness
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Security operations are beginning to adjust to accommodate environmental monitoring, sustainability conduct, and green building security-related initiatives. Consequently, these evolving roles create new opportunities for skilled security practitioners.
How Get RPL Australia Supports Your Success
Experienced Industry Professionals
Our trainers and assessors have extensive experience working within the security field ensuring your Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) training reflects the most current industry standards and practices.
Flexible Learning Options
We offer online learning modules, practical workshops and blended models of learning to suit individual learning styles and time constraints. Our RPL process is progressive and streamlined process for acknowledging your experience that can reduce your overall study commitment.
Ongoing Career Support
RPL Australia offers career advice, job preparedness and continuing education support to assist you in maximising your career after assuming your Certificate 2 in Security Operations.
Industry Salary Benchmarks and Career Progression
Entry-Level Positions
Recently graduated students with a Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) usually gain entry-level employment with pay levels around $45,000-$55,000 annually. Furthermore, casual or part-time jobs can be paid anywhere between $23-28/hour, depending on where you are working and what the role requires.
Mid-Career Advancement
With 2-3 years of experience under their belt, security workers are most often in a supervisory role, or another specialized job with salary levels from $60,000-$75,000. Many security professionals upskill through Certificate III in Security Operations or specialized courses in areas like crowd control and investigations.
Senior Career Opportunities
Security workers with considerable prior experience and established leadership skills can progress to security management roles, consultancy roles, or specialized security provision and other specializations. Furthermore, senior security management salaries can be in excess of $80,000-$120,000, and upward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is CPP20218 Certificate 2 in Security Operations?
The cost of CPP20218 Certificate 2 in Security Operations varies by training provider and delivery method. Traditional training programs typically range from $800-$2,500. However, Get RPL Australia’s Recognition of Prior Learning pathway cuts costs, with RPL assessments starting from just $500.
What is the difference between security level 1 and 2?
Each state is different in how they classify security levels, but in general, the classifications indicate different categories of authorized security work. Level 1 covers basic guard duties like static guarding and patrols, while Level 2 includes armed security, crowd control, and special functions. The Certificate 2 in Security Operations qualifications allow you to oversee most Level 1 categories of state levels, while it also serves as the entry-level qualification needed to engage in Level 2 categories of special functions.
What is a certificate II in Australia?
A Certificate II in Australia is a nationally recognized qualification within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It represents basic operational skills and knowledge for employment in a specific industry. Furthermore, Certificate II qualifications typically require 6-12 months of study and prepare graduates for entry-level positions.
Taking the Next Step: Start Your Security Career Today
Get RPL Australia provides advanced quality training and career placement support, so you are not just qualified on paper but confident in your ability to achieve the desired success in the security industry. Recognition of Prior Learning fast-tracks certification, validating your experience for Certificate II qualifications quickly and affordably.
Are you ready to feel empowered to start your career in the security industry? Contact Get RPL Australia today to discuss how you can quickly move to a formal certification in the security industry using our Certificate 2 in Security Operations (CPP20218) Program and Recognition of Prior Learning services, and do so at a low cost. Our experienced team will assess your prior learning history and create a pathway to receiving a security industry certification.