Master Safety & Access Control
Build on your Grade E foundation with PSIRA Grade D training — the second step toward full registration as a security officer, focused on access control, search procedures, and site safety.
PSIRA Grade D is the second grade in South Africa's private security training sequence, regulated by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority under Board Notice 93 of 1995. Where Grade E introduces the basics of security work, Grade D focuses specifically on safety and access control — the skills needed to manage entry points, gatehouses, and reception areas at businesses, estates, and industrial sites.
The course is an intensive 5-day programme combining classroom theory on access control systems, search procedures, and site safety with practical exercises in controlling pedestrian and vehicle access, searching bags and vehicles, and responding to safety incidents. You must have already completed Grade E before enrolling, as PSIRA grades are completed in strict sequence and cannot be skipped.
Grade D is a required step for anyone working toward full registration as a security officer with PSIRA: Grades E, D, and C must all be completed before registration is granted. Grade D also lays the groundwork for higher grades such as Grade B (supervision and control) and Grade A (management), for those planning a longer-term career in the industry.
Grade D is one of several security training programmes offered under our Security Training field, alongside Grade E, Grade C, Grade B, Grade A, and Firearm Training. DT Academy also offers training in three other fields — Mining & Machinery, Lifting Machinery, and Health & Safety — from the same Pretoria Central campus.
- Access control systems for pedestrians, vehicles, and deliveries
- Search procedures for people, bags, and vehicles
- Gatehouse, reception, and control room duties
- Safety procedures and basic fire prevention
- Identifying prohibited or suspicious items
- Incident and emergency response reporting
- Legal powers and limitations relevant to access control
Course Information
Grade D Regulatory Framework & Legal Powers
Recap of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act and Code of Conduct at Grade D level. Legal powers and limitations relevant to access control, including reasonable grounds for search and detention.
Access Control Systems & Procedures
Pedestrian and vehicle access control procedures, visitor management, and use of access control registers and systems. Identifying and handling prohibited or suspicious items at entry points.
Site Safety, Fire Prevention & Reporting
Site safety procedures, basic fire prevention and evacuation protocols, and correctly documenting incidents, emergencies, and access control breaches in occurrence books and reports.
Practical Access Control & Search Exercises
Hands-on role-play covering gatehouse and reception duties, search procedures for people, bags, and vehicles, and managing visitor and delivery access under instructor supervision.
Scenario Assessment & Final Exam
Practical scenario-based assessment covering access control and site safety duties, final written examination, and a briefing on progressing to Grade C toward full PSIRA registration.
On-Site Training for Companies
Need to upskill several guards in access control at once? On-site Grade D training is available on request — our instructors come to your premises to train your team, reducing downtime and travel. This option suits companies managing gatehouses, reception areas, or estate access points.
Request On-Site Training
Progress to Grade C & Beyond
PSIRA grades cannot be skipped — once you've passed Grade D, you can move straight into Grade C training to complete the full requirement for registration as a security officer, then continue toward Grade B and Grade A if you're building a longer-term career.
View Grade C CourseWho Should Attend
- Security officers who have completed PSIRA Grade E
- Guards moving into gatehouse, reception, or access control roles
- Company employees who need PSIRA Grade D as a job requirement
- Officers working toward full registration as a security officer
- Anyone continuing on to Grade C, B, and A
Career Opportunities After Certification
- Access Controller
- Gatehouse Security Officer
- Reception Security Officer
- Site Security Officer
- Pathway into Grade C, B and A roles
Enrol Now
Fill in the form below and one of our consultants will contact you within 48 hours to confirm your course and start date.
What is PSIRA Grade D security training?
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Ready to Progress
Your Security Career?
Join graduates who have advanced toward full PSIRA registration with DT Academy. On-site company training and progression to Grade C and beyond are also available — visit us at 0107 Rentbel Towers, 14 Bureau Lane, Pretoria Central 0002.
Or call 082 264 9605 / WhatsApp 071 524 4658
