Security Licensing – What Are Class and Conditions

Since 2010 under The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, licensed Security providers and Security guards have operated under 8 different Classes and Conditions in relation to the types of services a Security provider can offer and the work Security guards can undertake as per The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.

The 8 types of classes and conditions are:

  1. PRG – Property Guard
  2. PSG – Personal Security Guard
  3. CC – Crowd Controller
  4. SC – Security Consultant
  5. PI – Private Investigator
  6. ST – Security Technician
  7. RPA – Repossession Agent
  8. DDA – Document Destruction Agent

Security companies


Security providers can only supply a specific service if they hold certain classes and conditions as per The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.  Security providers cannot offer a service e.g.  Security Consultant (SC) or Security Technician (ST) to prospective or current clients if the company itself does not hold the class and conditions of Security Consultant (SC) or Security Technician (ST).

The granting of these classes and conditions to a Security provider is based on standards and criteria outlined by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) and is based on personal experience or evidence of any other relevant qualifications of a Company officer (Often a director of the company).

Security guards


Security guards can only undertake specific security work based on classes and conditions applied for and granted on their Certificate of Approval (COA).

This means that a Security guard who only holds the class and conditions of a Crowd Controller (CC) on their Certificate of Approval (COA) cannot undertake the duties of a Personal Security Guard (PSG) or Security Consultant (SC) as they are not licensed to carry out this work as per The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.

The granting of the classes and conditions of Crowd Controller (CC), Property Guard (PRG) and Personal Security Guard (PSG) require training in conjunction with NZQA unit standards being met and achieved.

Security guards wishing to apply for the class and conditions of Private Investigator (PI), Security Consultant (SC), Document Destruction Agent (DDA), Security Technician (ST) or Repossession Agent (RPA) must provide evidence of being:

  • Trained
  • Receiving training
  • Competent (have the skills you need)
  • Evidence of any other relevant qualifications or certification

The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA):

  • Issues licences and certificates of approval (COA) to people working in the security industry, and private investigators
  • Disciplines licence and certificate holders
  • Keeps the register of licence and certificate holders.

The Authority was established under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. The Authority replaced the Private Investigators and Security Guards Registrar.