Apply for a security adviser licence
A security adviser suggests ways to look after their clients’ safety or property. They might suggest equipment, methods or principles.
You must have a licence to do this job. To become licensed, you must:
- meet the eligibility criteria
- fill out and lodge the application for a security provider licence: Individual - Class 2 You can also apply online.
- pay the required fees
Eligibility
To be eligible for a licence, you must:
- be 18 years or older
- not pose a risk to public safety
You are not eligible for a licence if you have been convicted of a disqualifying offence in the past 10 years, where a conviction was recorded.
You must also tell us if you have been found guilty of a disqualifying offence in the past 5 years, where a conviction was not recorded (this is known as an ‘unrecorded finding of guilt’). We may ask you for further information so we can assess if you are a suitable person to hold a licence.
Lodgement
Identification
When you lodge the form, you will need to attach 100 points of formal identification. These documents must be either original (if lodged at the counter) or certified copies.
Your identification must include at least 1 of the following 5 documents:
- Birth certificate or extract
- Passport
- ImmiCard
- A driver’s licence
- An 18+ card.
You may also need to include some of the following documents to make up your 100 points:
- Citizenship certificate
- An ID card
- A social security card
- A letter from your employer
- Any other official letter, card or statement listed on the application form.
Fingerprinting
By law, the police need to fingerprint all security providers. We will contact you after you lodge your application form to explain what you need to do.
Criminal history check
To confirm your suitability, we will submit your application for a criminal history check. This will be thorough and may be time consuming.
If you were born in New Zealand or have a New Zealand passport, you need to get a copy of your criminal history or a letter indicating you have no criminal history from New Zealand. For more information, visit the New Zealand Ministry of Justice website.
You don’t have to pay any fees to get a New Zealand criminal history check. We can only accept original documents dated within one month of the date you send them to us. Please note it takes 20 working days to process a request for a New Zealand criminal history check.
Processing time
The processing time is 4–6 weeks. This can take longer if you have not supplied us with all the information we need or you have not paid the correct fees.
Refunds
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if:
- you withdraw your application
- we refuse your application.
You may also get a refund on the fees for:
- fingerprinting
- your criminal history check.
Training
You don’t need any training to hold this licence.