Guide to PSiRA Grade Levels
PSiRA Grades E, D, C, B and A are part of the statutory security training framework used in South Africa’s private security industry. Grade E is the minimum grade referred to by PSiRA for a new security officer registration, while the higher grades show additional grade competencies recorded through approved security training.
PSiRA uses five main lettered security training grades: E, D, C, B and A. Grade E is the minimum grade PSiRA refers to when processing a new security officer registration. Grades D, C, B and A represent further grade competencies. Grade A is the highest of the five lettered levels. The grade on your PSiRA record confirms approved training, but it does not by itself guarantee a particular job title, salary or position.
The grade system is easy to misunderstand because many training advertisements attach job titles such as guard, supervisor or manager to individual grades.
Those descriptions can be useful when explaining a course, but they should not be treated as a universal legal job classification. What a security officer may be hired to do can depend on the service being provided, the employer’s requirements, specialised training, workplace rules and other applicable requirements.
How PSiRA Grade Levels Work
PSiRA’s Training Division lists the main grade courses under two longstanding training notices:
- Board Notice 93 of 1995: Grades E, D and C.
- Board Notice 102 of 1995: Grades B and A.
PSiRA states that these training regulations remain valid under section 44 of the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001.
In this grade system, moving toward Grade A means moving higher through the lettered grade structure. Grade A is not the starting level.
PSiRA Grade E
Grade E is the minimum grade referenced for registration
PSiRA’s current registration FAQ states that when an application shows Training Pending, it can mean that the minimum Grade E training or recognised prior learning has not yet been submitted.
This makes Grade E the important starting point for a person entering the ordinary grade training framework.
Completing Grade E training alone does not complete the entire PSiRA registration process.
A new applicant must still meet PSiRA’s registration requirements, including the age, identity or residence, training, fingerprint, vetting and other statutory requirements.
For the full registration process, see our Guide to PSiRA .
Training confirms a competency. Registration confirms that PSiRA has approved the person as a registered security service provider after the required application and vetting process.
PSiRA Grade D
Grade D is the next lettered grade after Grade E
Grade D forms part of the Grades E to C training framework listed by PSiRA under Board Notice 93 of 1995.
When the approved Grade D competency is completed and properly reported, it can appear as part of the security officer’s training record.
A security officer should check that the training provider has properly submitted the course record instead of relying only on a paper certificate from the training centre.
PSiRA Grade C
Grade C completes the E to C group
Grade C is the highest of the three grades governed by Board Notice 93 of 1995.
It remains part of the recognised PSiRA training framework and can be recorded as a Grade competency on the security officer’s PSiRA training record.
A Grade C record does not automatically mean that every employer must appoint the officer to a particular title or position. Employers can specify the grade and any other competencies needed for the security service being advertised.
PSiRA Grade B
Grade B is one of the two higher lettered grades
PSiRA lists Grade B together with Grade A under Board Notice 102 of 1995.
Grade B also has an important role in the current security business registration process.
PSiRA’s current business registration requirements say that all directors, members, partners, trustees and managers involved in the security business application must be registered as security service providers with at least Grade B.
This does not mean that completing Grade B automatically registers a security company. The company must separately meet the full PSiRA business registration requirements.
PSiRA Grade A
Grade A is the highest of the five main lettered grades
Grade A forms part of Board Notice 102 of 1995 together with Grade B. It is the top lettered level in the E, D, C, B and A grade sequence.
The Grade A competency should appear on the security officer’s PSiRA training records once the approved training has been completed and properly processed.
Grade A can also matter to a training provider. PSiRA’s training FAQ states that a training provider seeking accreditation up to Grade A cannot use an instructor who is accredited only up to Grade C. The instructor must have the appropriate accreditation up to the level being offered.
PSiRA Grade E to A Comparison
| Grade | Framework | Position in grade structure | Important point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade E | Board Notice 93 of 1995 | Minimum grade referenced for new registration | PSiRA’s registration FAQ refers to Grade E as the minimum grade when checking a Training Pending application. |
| Grade D | Board Notice 93 of 1995 | Next level after Grade E | Recorded as an additional training competency when completed and processed. |
| Grade C | Board Notice 93 of 1995 | Highest grade in the E to C group | Still part of the recognised PSiRA legacy grade framework. |
| Grade B | Board Notice 102 of 1995 | Higher lettered grade | Currently the minimum PSiRA grade required for directors, members, partners, trustees and managers involved in a security business application. |
| Grade A | Board Notice 102 of 1995 | Highest lettered grade | Top level in the five-grade E to A framework. |
How to Move to a Higher PSiRA Grade
Your training history should be built through an accredited PSiRA training provider and correctly reported to the Authority.
Log in to your PSiRA profile and confirm the highest grade already recorded.
Check the provider through PSiRA before paying for another grade.
Make sure the enrolment clearly states the grade or specialised course you intend to complete.
Meet the requirements of the relevant training programme.
The training provider is responsible for the relevant course reporting process.
Confirm that the new Grade competency appears in your training record.
Can You Skip PSiRA Grades?
Do not assume that you can simply choose Grade A as your first course because it is the highest grade.
Training providers must follow PSiRA’s approved training framework, course prerequisites and reporting requirements. The correct route can also depend on prior recognised training or Recognition of Prior Learning.
If someone advertises an instant Grade A package without checking your existing training record or the applicable training requirements, verify the provider and course before paying.
Always Check the PSiRA Training Provider
A course certificate is only useful if the training was provided and reported through the proper accredited process.
Before paying:
- Check the training provider in PSiRA’s accredited provider database.
- Confirm the grade or specialised course the centre is accredited to offer.
- Ask how the course record will be submitted to PSiRA.
- Keep payment receipts and course records.
- Check your PSiRA profile after the course has been processed.
2026 Pre-Registration Requirement for New Entrants
PSiRA published a current circular on mandatory pre-registration for security officer training for new entrants in January 2026.
Do not assume that the older approach of simply arriving at a training centre and registering for a grade is still the complete process. The pre-registration requirement affects people entering security officer training for the first time.
A legitimate accredited training provider should be able to explain the current PSiRA pre-registration requirements that apply before the training course begins.
PSiRA Competency Certificates and Grade Levels
PSiRA implemented its Competency Certificate system from April 2026.
The Competency Certificate is different from the normal registration certificate.
Does the Competency Certificate show the PSiRA grade?
Yes. PSiRA says the certificate confirms the Grade or special-course competency achieved. It does not display academic marks or percentages.
Does a Competency Certificate expire?
PSiRA states that the certificate confirms training completed at a particular point in time. It does not replace annual PSiRA registration obligations.
If refresher training or updated standards are introduced in future, additional competency certification may be required.
Do you have to print it?
No. PSiRA maintains the Competency Certificate digitally and says printing is not compulsory.
| Printed Competency Certificates | Current PSiRA printing fee |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 certificates | R75 per certificate |
| 6th to 10th certificate | R35 each from the 6th certificate onward |
| 11 or more certificates | R560 flat fee |
Printing a paper copy does not create or upgrade a Grade. The Grade must already exist as an approved competency in the PSiRA system.
How to Check Your PSiRA Grades Online
PSiRA provides a simple way for a registered security officer to check training records.
Use the security officer Digital Services login.
PSiRA says your highest Grade appears on the dashboard.
Use the profile section if you need more detail.
This section shows the Grades that have been submitted and recorded on your profile.
What if a grade is missing?
If you completed training but the Grade does not appear, start by contacting the accredited training provider.
PSiRA’s FAQ explains that course reports are submitted by the training provider and can be accepted or rejected during processing. An incorrect ID number, name or late course report can also create problems with the record.
A genuine Grade must come from approved training or another recognised process such as applicable Recognition of Prior Learning. Someone offering to add Grade A, B or C directly to a PSiRA profile without the required process should be treated with caution.
Why Grade B Matters for a PSiRA Security Business
Grade B has a specific importance for people planning to register a security company.
PSiRA currently states that:
- Company directors must be registered security service providers.
- Members must be registered where applicable.
- Partners must be registered where applicable.
- Trustees must be registered where applicable.
- Managers involved in the application must be registered.
- These persons must have at least Grade B.
The business still needs its own PSiRA business application and must meet requirements relating to company registration, tax records, business premises, business planning and the other documents required for the application.
See our complete Guide to PSiRA for individual and security business registration information.
PSiRA Grades Are Not the Only Security Training
The E to A grade ladder is only one part of the private security training framework.
PSiRA’s Training Division also lists specialised courses under separate training notices, including:
| Training area | PSiRA framework listed by Training Division |
|---|---|
| Assets in transit and reaction services | Board Notice 25 of 1996 |
| Special Events Security Services | Board Notice 119 of 1998 |
| Dog Handler training | Board Notice 15 of 1999, including DH1 to DH5 |
If a job involves a specialised security service, check the specific training or competency required for that service rather than assuming Grade A covers everything.
Which PSiRA Grade Should You Study?
Start by checking PSiRA’s current new-entrant process and the minimum Grade E training requirement.
Confirm the exact grade listed in the vacancy and check whether any specialised course is required as well.
Directors, members, partners, trustees and managers currently need at least Grade B as part of the business registration requirements.
Check your current Grade, speak to an accredited provider and follow the approved route to the next competency.
Does a Higher PSiRA Grade Guarantee a Higher Salary?
No. A PSiRA grade is a training competency record, not a guaranteed salary scale.
Security pay can depend on:
- The actual job and security service being performed.
- The employer.
- Working hours.
- Applicable collective bargaining arrangements.
- Employment contract terms.
- Location or employment category where relevant.
- Additional skills or specialised security training.
A training grade alone is not enough to calculate the worker’s lawful pay.
For the general statutory wage floor, see our National Minimum Wage in South Africa guide.
Common PSiRA Grade Mistakes
Grade training and PSiRA registration are separate steps.
Specialised services can require separate approved training or competencies.
Check the provider in the PSiRA accredited training provider database before paying.
Check that the Grade has actually been processed and appears on your PSiRA training record.
PSiRA confirms the training grade framework, but a security officer’s actual role depends on the service and employment requirements.
The Grade is a competency record. Wage entitlement must be checked under the employment rules that apply.
Related Information Guides
Browse the Information section for practical guides covering documents, employment requirements and government-related services.
PSiRA Grade Level Questions
What are the five PSiRA grades?
The main lettered PSiRA security training grades are E, D, C, B and A. Grades E to C are listed under Board Notice 93 of 1995 and Grades B to A under Board Notice 102 of 1995.
What is the lowest PSiRA grade?
Grade E is the minimum Grade referred to by PSiRA for a new individual registration.
What is the highest PSiRA grade?
Grade A is the highest of the five main lettered Grades E, D, C, B and A.
Is Grade E enough to register with PSiRA?
Grade E is the minimum training grade referenced by PSiRA, but training alone does not complete registration. The applicant must also meet the identity, age, fingerprint, vetting and other registration requirements.
What comes after PSiRA Grade E?
The next lettered grade in the framework is Grade D, followed by Grade C, Grade B and Grade A.
Do I need Grade B to open a security company?
PSiRA currently requires directors, members, partners, trustees and managers involved in a security business application to be registered security service providers with at least Grade B. The company must also separately meet all other PSiRA business registration requirements.
Can I go directly from Grade E to Grade A?
Do not assume that grades can simply be skipped. The training provider must follow PSiRA’s approved course requirements and any prerequisites. Recognition of Prior Learning can also affect the route in qualifying cases.
How can I see my highest PSiRA grade?
Log in to your PSiRA profile. PSiRA says the highest grade appears on the dashboard. Open View Profile and Training Records to see the submitted grades on your record.
What should I do if my PSiRA grade is missing?
Contact the accredited training provider and check whether the course report was correctly submitted and processed. Also confirm that your ID number and personal information were recorded correctly.
Does Grade A include reaction or cash-in-transit training?
Do not assume so. PSiRA lists assets-in-transit and reaction services under a separate specialised training notice. Specialised services can require their own competencies.
What is a PSiRA Competency Certificate?
It is an official PSiRA record confirming that a registered person successfully completed approved training and achieved the prescribed competency. PSiRA says the certificate can be issued for each Grade or special course achieved.
Does a PSiRA Competency Certificate show marks?
No. PSiRA states that it confirms the competency or Grade achieved but does not display academic marks or percentages.
Do I have to print my Competency Certificate?
No. The competency record is available digitally through PSiRA and printing is optional.
Does a higher PSiRA grade guarantee a higher salary?
No. A grade confirms training competency. Salary depends on the job, applicable employment arrangements, working hours, employer and any sector rules that apply.
How can I check whether a PSiRA training centre is genuine?
Use PSiRA’s official accredited training provider search before paying for Grade E, D, C, B, A or specialised security training.
Need Help With Your PSiRA Grade Record?
PSiRA contact details
Contact PSiRA if your Grade does not appear after the training provider has submitted the course, if your record contains incorrect information, or if you need confirmation about the training requirements for a particular security service.