Security and investigation courses
Want to work in security? You can start with a certificate in security operations that takes under a year, or train for a specialist role such as corrections or investigations with a certificate III. Here's what each course leads to and who it suits.
- Quickest way to start
- 6 months
- Certificate II, typical full time length
- What the jobs pay
- $62,400 to $108,200
- median pay across 6 jobs, some estimated
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate II in Security Operations
Work as a security guard or crowd controller
Patrol premises and events, screen people and bags at entrances, control access and keep an eye on crowd behaviour.
Median pay$94,500
- How long it takes
- Typically 6 to 12 months
- What it costs
- $1,990 full fee at TAFE Queensland
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
Certificate III in Correctional Practice
Work as a corrections officer
Supervise and monitor people in custody or on community orders, keep the facility secure and record what happens.
Median pay$108,200
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
Certificate III in Investigative Services
Work as a private investigator
Gather evidence and check facts about a person's actions or work, often for matters that may end up in court.
Median pay$78,000 (estimate)
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
Certificate III in Security Operations
Take on more responsibility in security
Protect cash and valuables in transit, lead a team in the field and respond when security risks come up.
Median pay$62,400 (estimate)
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate II | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | Not listed | $1,990 |
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate II
- Not listed
- $1,990 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
Crowd ControllerWhat you needCertificate IIMedian pay$65,000 (estimate)- Security GuardWhat you needCertificate IIMedian pay$94,500
Security Monitoring OperatorWhat you needCertificate IIMedian pay$65,000 (estimate)- Corrections OfficerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$108,200
- Private InvestigatorWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$78,000 (estimate)
- Cash in Transit OfficerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$62,400 (estimate)
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.