Guide to PSiRA
PSiRA registration, training, fees and online services
PSiRA regulates South Africa’s private security industry. Security officers, security businesses and training providers must follow the registration and compliance rules that apply to the services they provide.
PSiRA stands for the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. If you want to work as a private security service provider in South Africa, you generally need the required accredited security training and PSiRA registration before rendering security services for payment. New individual applications are handled through the e-PSiRA system. PSiRA’s current online instructions show a R310 registration fee, followed by fingerprints and submission of the required identity documents.
PSiRA was established under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001. Its role is to regulate the private security industry and exercise control over security service providers.
This includes registration, training standards, business compliance, industry inspections and enforcement of the Code of Conduct.
The PSiRA framework generally requires a person who renders a private security service for remuneration, reward, a fee or benefit to be registered as a security service provider, subject to the exceptions in the legislation.
What Does PSiRA Do?
PSiRA regulates people and businesses that provide private security services in South Africa.
Its functions include:
- Registering qualifying security service providers.
- Accrediting and monitoring security training providers.
- Setting minimum statutory security training standards.
- Monitoring compliance in the private security industry.
- Investigating improper conduct and enforcing industry rules.
- Maintaining registration records that employers and consumers can verify.
PSiRA is a regulator. It is not a security company and it does not place applicants into security jobs.
Who Needs PSiRA Registration?
People who want to provide private security services for payment must meet the training, vetting and registration requirements that apply to individuals.
A business providing security services must be registered with PSiRA and meet the business registration and compliance requirements.
A provider offering regulated security training must be registered and accredited to provide the relevant training.
Organisations that employ their own security officers can also have PSiRA obligations under the in-house security framework.
PSiRA Individual Registration Requirements
Section 23 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act sets the legal requirements used when PSiRA considers an application by an individual.
The Act refers to specified offences, relevant time periods and the fit and proper requirements. If you are unsure how a previous conviction affects your application, get an answer from PSiRA based on your actual record instead of relying on general advice online.
Complete PSiRA Training at an Accredited Provider
Training is an important part of becoming a registered security service provider.
PSiRA says security training providers must be accredited before offering regulated security training.
PSiRA currently lists a circular dated 19 January 2026 for the implementation of mandatory pre-registration for security officer training for new entrants. If you are entering the industry for the first time, check the current pre-registration process before paying a training provider.
Check the training provider before paying
Do not rely only on a poster, social media advert or certificate shown by the training centre.
Use PSiRA’s accredited training provider search to check whether the provider appears in the regulator’s records.
Training at a provider that is not properly accredited can create problems when the course record is submitted for registration. Check the training provider before paying the course fee.
Understanding PSiRA Grades E to A
PSiRA’s Training Division lists the security training grade structure under existing training regulations.
Grades E to C are listed under Board Notice 93 of 1995, while Grades B to A are listed under Board Notice 102 of 1995. PSiRA also recognises specialised security training categories.
The training required for a job should match the security service and competency required. Employers can also have additional job requirements beyond basic PSiRA registration.
Business directors and managers
For PSiRA business registration, the Authority currently requires directors, members, partners, trustees and managers to be registered as security service providers with at least Grade B.
How to Register With PSiRA Online
First-time individual applications are handled through the PSiRA Digital Services platform.
Choose the Security Officer registration option and start a new individual registration.
Use your correct names, date of birth, cellphone number, email address, ID type and identity number.
PSiRA sends login information and uses an OTP during the online registration process.
Follow the security and profile steps displayed in the portal.
PSiRA’s current FAQ shows a first-time online individual registration fee of R310.
New applicants must complete the fingerprint process required by PSiRA.
Follow the branch submission instructions for fingerprints and your certified identity document where required.
Use your PSiRA profile and verification services to follow your registration information.
PSiRA Fingerprints for New Registration
PSiRA requires fingerprints as part of the vetting process for a new security officer registration.
Its current FAQ instructs first-time applicants to complete the fingerprint process and then arrange the required branch submission with a certified copy of the identity document.
Follow the fingerprint and vetting process requested by PSiRA. A general SAPS Police Clearance Certificate is a separate service and should not be assumed to replace PSiRA’s registration process.
If you separately need a police clearance certificate for another purpose, see our Police Clearance Certificate guide .
You should also make sure your identity details are correct before registering. If you need a South African ID, see Apply for an Identity Document .
Current PSiRA Fees to Know
Current amount shown in the PSiRA online registration FAQ.
Current online renewal fee shown by PSiRA.
Current additional charge for a printed certificate.
Current amount referred to in the PSiRA annual fee FAQ.
Check the amount shown in your PSiRA profile before making payment. Do not transfer money to a person who claims they can register you outside the official process.
How to Check PSiRA Registration Status
PSiRA provides a public verification service for individuals, businesses and accredited training providers.
Verify before accepting a certificate
Employers and consumers can check PSiRA records directly instead of relying only on a photocopy or printed certificate.
PSiRA says the proof of registration available through its online services can be used to verify that a security officer has been properly vetted.
PSiRA Certificate, ID Card and Competency Certificate
These documents are not all the same.
Is a printed PSiRA certificate mandatory?
No. PSiRA’s current FAQ says the printed ink certificate is not mandatory.
The regulator encourages employers to verify registration using its online proof of registration instead of depending only on an old printed certificate.
Can you print the digital certificate?
PSiRA says the digital certificate can be viewed from the profile but is not downloaded and printed in the same way as the optional ink certificate.
Registration can still be checked through the online verification system and QR verification.
How to Renew a PSiRA Certificate
Certificate renewal is handled through the PSiRA online profile.
Use your existing digital services login.
Choose the certificate request or certificate renewal option shown in your account.
The current renewal fee shown by PSiRA is R75.
An optional ink certificate currently costs an additional R75.
PSiRA’s current FAQ says certificate renewal is allowed within 90 days before the expiry date. The original expiry date remains the basis for the renewed certificate.
How long is the printed certificate valid?
PSiRA states that an ink certificate is valid for 24 months.
This should not be confused with the underlying registration status. Employers should verify the person’s current PSiRA registration through the regulator’s database.
PSiRA Annual Fees
Registered security officers have an annual fee obligation under the PSiRA framework.
PSiRA’s current FAQ refers to an annual security officer fee of R110.
Payment can be made through the individual’s PSiRA online profile. If an employer deducts and pays the annual fee for an employee, the employee should make sure the employer has correctly linked the security officer to the business so that the payment appears on the PSiRA record.
PSiRA says non-compliance can affect certificate renewal, letters of good standing, printed documents and other services. Continued non-compliance can also lead to enforcement action under the applicable legislation.
How to Register a Security Business With PSiRA
A security company needs its own PSiRA business registration. Registering an individual director as a security officer does not by itself register the company.
Business applications can be submitted through the e-PSiRA business registration platform.
PSiRA’s FAQ says a sketch, design or photograph from a uniform catalogue can be accepted for this part of the application.
How to Check a Security Company Before Hiring It
PSiRA advises consumers to use registered security service providers and to check the registration of the officers who will provide the service.
Before signing a security contract, check:
- Whether the security business is registered with PSiRA.
- Whether the security officers being deployed are individually registered.
- Whether the officers have the training relevant to the security service being provided.
- Whether the business can provide its current PSiRA compliance information where required.
- Whether the business details match the company you are actually contracting.
Use the public business verification service to check the provider’s registration record.
Does PSiRA Set Security Guard Salaries?
PSiRA regulates the private security industry and provides wage simulation tools, but employment pay should not be reduced to one general PSiRA registration grade figure.
Private security employment can be affected by sector bargaining arrangements, employment contracts, working hours and South Africa’s general employment legislation.
A private security employee can be covered by sector-specific collective bargaining arrangements in addition to general employment law.
For the general statutory wage floor, see our National Minimum Wage in South Africa guide.
Common PSiRA Registration Problems
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| Training provider is not found | Use PSiRA’s accredited training provider search before relying on the training certificate. |
| Course does not appear on profile | Check whether the accredited training provider submitted and PSiRA processed the relevant course record. |
| Payment does not reflect | Keep the payment record and follow the account assistance process shown in your PSiRA profile or contact the helpdesk. |
| Cannot renew certificate | Check annual fee status and any outstanding profile or compliance issue. |
| Old mobile number or email | Update or correct the profile details through the PSiRA process so that OTP and account communication can reach you. |
| Printed certificate looks suspicious | Use PSiRA’s online individual verification or QR verification instead of relying only on the document. |
| Forgot online password | Use the login recovery or OTP options on PSiRA Digital Services. |
| Incorrect identity details | Correct the underlying identity or PSiRA record instead of creating multiple profiles with conflicting information. |
Claiming an Existing PSiRA Profile
If you were already registered before using the current digital platform, you should not create a completely separate registration without first checking whether your existing record can be claimed.
PSiRA’s profile claiming process asks an existing security officer to provide information such as:
- Identity number.
- Email address.
- PSiRA number.
- A new password.
Related Information Guides
Visit the Information section for help with documents, employment information, registrations and other South African services.
PSiRA Questions
What does PSiRA stand for?
PSiRA stands for the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority. It regulates South Africa’s private security industry.
Do I need PSiRA to work as a security officer?
A person rendering private security services for remuneration generally needs to meet the applicable PSiRA training and registration requirements before providing the service, subject to the statutory exceptions.
How old must I be to register with PSiRA?
An individual applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Do I have to be a South African citizen?
Section 23 provides for an applicant who is a South African citizen or who has permanent resident status, provided the other registration requirements are met.
How much is first-time PSiRA registration?
PSiRA’s current online registration FAQ shows R310 for a first-time individual registration. Check the amount displayed in the official portal before paying because fees can be reviewed.
Do I need fingerprints for PSiRA registration?
Yes. PSiRA requires fingerprints as part of the new individual registration and vetting process.
Do I need a police clearance certificate for normal PSiRA registration?
Do not assume an ordinary SAPS police clearance certificate replaces the PSiRA fingerprint and vetting process. Follow the documentation requested by PSiRA. Former members of certain official military, security, police or intelligence services can have an additional clearance certificate requirement.
How can I check whether a PSiRA training centre is accredited?
Use the accredited training provider search on the official PSiRA Digital Services website before paying for training.
What are the PSiRA security grades?
The longstanding PSiRA training structure includes Grades E, D, C, B and A, together with specialised security training categories.
Do security business directors need Grade B?
PSiRA currently requires directors, members, partners, trustees and managers involved in a security business application to be registered as security service providers with at least Grade B.
Is a printed PSiRA certificate compulsory?
No. PSiRA states that the printed ink certificate is optional. The PSiRA ID card is mandatory, and registration can be verified online.
How much is a PSiRA certificate renewal?
The current online certificate renewal fee is R75.
How much is a printed PSiRA certificate?
PSiRA currently lists an additional R75 charge for an optional ink certificate.
How long is a printed PSiRA certificate valid?
PSiRA states that the ink certificate is valid for 24 months.
Can I renew my certificate before it expires?
PSiRA currently allows renewal within 90 days before the expiry date.
What is the PSiRA annual fee for a security officer?
PSiRA’s current FAQ refers to an annual fee of R110 for security officers. Check your profile for the amount currently due.
How do I check if a security guard is registered with PSiRA?
Use the individual verification service on the official PSiRA Digital Services website.
How do I check if a security company is registered?
Use PSiRA’s public business verification service and compare the business details with the company offering the security service.
Can I register a security company without personal PSiRA registration?
PSiRA currently requires the business’s directors, members, partners, trustees and managers to be registered as security service providers with at least Grade B.
PSiRA Help and Contact Details
Contact PSiRA
Use PSiRA directly if your online profile has a registration, certificate, payment or verification problem that cannot be resolved through the portal.
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