Start Your Security Career
Begin your career in South Africa's private security industry with PSIRA Grade E training — the entry-level qualification required before you can register as a security officer. No prior experience needed.
PSIRA Grade E is the entry-level grade in South Africa's private security training system, regulated by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001. It is the required starting point for anyone who wants to work as a security officer, guard, or watchman anywhere in the country, and no previous security experience is needed to enrol.
The course is an intensive 5-day programme combining classroom theory on the Private Security Industry Regulation Act, the security officer's Code of Conduct, and basic legal powers, with practical training in access control, patrolling, and incident reporting. You will leave equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills expected of every registered security officer in South Africa.
PSIRA grades cannot be skipped: to become a fully registered security officer, you must complete Grade E, followed by Grade D and Grade C in sequence. Grade E is therefore the first step on that path, and also the first step toward higher grades such as Grade B (supervision and control) and Grade A (management), should you wish to progress further in your career.
Grade E is one of several security training programmes offered under our Security Training field, alongside Grade D, 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.
- The Private Security Industry Regulation Act and Code of Conduct
- Basic legal powers and limitations of a security officer
- Access control procedures for pedestrians and vehicles
- Patrolling techniques and observation skills
- Incident, emergency, and occurrence book reporting
- Customer service and workplace communication
- Basic conflict de-escalation and self-protection awareness
Course Information
Introduction to the Private Security Industry
Overview of PSIRA and the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001. The security officer's Code of Conduct, professional ethics, and the role and responsibilities of a security officer in the workplace.
Basic Legal Knowledge & Access Control
Basic legal powers and limitations of a security officer, including lawful arrest and use of force. Introduction to access control procedures for pedestrians, vehicles, and deliveries at a controlled site.
Patrolling, Reporting & Communication
Patrolling techniques and observation skills, occurrence book and incident report writing, radio and verbal communication procedures, and customer service expectations in a security role.
Simulated Access Control & Patrol Exercises
Hands-on role-play covering pedestrian and vehicle access control, basic search procedures, simulated patrol routes, and practising occurrence book entries under instructor supervision.
Scenario Assessment & Final Exam
Practical scenario-based assessment covering access control and patrol duties, final written examination, and a briefing on how your course report is submitted to PSIRA for registration.
On-Site Training for Companies
Need to train or induct several new guards at once? On-site Grade E training is available on request — our instructors come to your premises to train your team, reducing downtime and travel. This option suits security companies onboarding new staff in bulk.
Request On-Site Training
Progress to Grade D & Beyond
PSIRA grades cannot be skipped — once you've passed Grade E, you can move straight into Grade D training, then Grade C, to complete the full requirement for registration as a security officer. Many students book their next grade before finishing Grade E.
View Grade D CourseWho Should Attend
- Job seekers with no prior security industry experience
- Anyone wanting to become a registered security officer or guard
- Company employees who need PSIRA Grade E as a job requirement
- School leavers exploring a career in the security industry
- Anyone planning to progress through Grades D, C, B, and A
Career Opportunities After Certification
- Security Guard
- Watchman
- Static Guard
- Entry-Level Access Controller
- Pathway into Grade D, 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 E security training?
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Ready to Start Your
Security Career?
Join graduates who have launched careers as registered security officers with DT Academy. On-site company training and grade progression to Grade D 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
