NZ Certificate in Security (Foundation) (Level 3)
Duration
18 weeks including holidays
Delivery
In class / blended
Campus
Manukau
Credits
60
Observation placement
30 hours
Fees Domestic
TBC
Fees International
This programme is not available for international students
Security officers play a crucial role in keeping people, places, and communities safe — often in fast-moving and challenging environments. The NZ Certificate in Security (Foundation) Level 3 is designed for those who want to make a real contribution to public safety. You’ll gain a strong introduction to the security industry, learning the laws, practices, and behaviours that underpin effective security work, while building the confidence and physical fitness to successfully mitigate conflicts in real-world situations. Alongside training, each learner will complete a 30-hour industry-based work placement that provides firsthand insight into the role.
This programme serves as an introduction to the security industry. You will learn about the practices, laws, and roles within the security industry including:
Security technology and equipment operations
Health and safety
Physical fitness
Conflict and stress management
Emergency incident responses
First Aid certification
You will also complete 30 hours industry placement shadow-observing in an event and/or retail security environment.
This programme can allow you to achieve a Ministry of Justice security ‘Certificate of Approval’ (COA). Applicants age 18+ with no criminal background or a ‘clean slate’ and a COA can legally work in security in New Zealand.
- Open to students who are 17 years of age or older
- Physically able to cope with a range of demands as applicable to personnel working in the security sector
- Sufficient English language skills to complete this programme which is taught and assessed in English.
- Security technology and equipment operations
- Health and safety knowledge
- Physical fitness
- Conflict and stress management
- Emergency incident responses
- First aid certification
Protect and serve your community
Graduates of the NZ Certificate in Security (Foundation) Level 3 will be equipped with the practical skills employers value across the security sector. You’ll develop capability in conflict and stress management, emergency response, security technology, health and safety, and physical fitness — all essential for operating effectively in demanding security environments. Supported by industry placement in event or retail security settings, eligible graduates may apply for a Ministry of Justice Certificate of Approval (COA), enabling you to legally work in security in New Zealand and opening pathways into further study or wider uniformed services careers.
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Schedule and fees
- 02/03/2026
- 03/07/2026
- Join our alumni network
- Create a job-ready portfolio
- Learn from industry experts
- Live classes
- NZQA Certified
- Project-based and practical
This programme is not available for international students.
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