Firearms Skill Set

The QLD Firearms and Defensive Tactics course provides comprehensive training for security personnel intending to undertake armed duties, including armed guarding and cash-in-transit operations. Students learn to safely carry, operate and maintain multiple firearms types, apply risk-aware decision-making, manage conflict through negotiation and implement appropriate tactical responses.

Training covers:

- Category H (Revolver)

- Category H (Semi-Automatic Pistol)

- Category C (Pump-Action Shotgun)

- Category E (Ballistic Body Armour)

- Batons and handcuffs

The program builds capability in safe weapons operation, threat recognition, legal and procedural compliance, tactical positioning, incident response and protective strategies. Students undertake structured drills, simulation exercises and live-fire practices, ensuring readiness for regulated armed duties within Queensland's security industry.

Upon successful completion, students receive a Statement of Attainment including:

- CPPSEC3115 Carry, operate and maintain revolvers for security purposes

- CPPSEC3116 Carry, operate and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes

- CPPSEC3117 Carry, operate and maintain shotguns for security purposes

- CPPSEC3114 Control security risk situations using firearms

- CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation

- CPPSEC3103 Determine and implement response to security risk situation

- CPPSEC3102 Maintain operational safety and security of the work environment

- CPPSEC3110 Control persons using baton

- CPPSEC3111 Restrain persons using handcuffs

- CPPSEC3131 Select, use and maintain body armour for security purposes

For the combined CIT & Armed Guard course, an additional Statement of Attainment is issued for the CPPSS00061 Cash-in-Transit Skill Set (CPPSEC3118, 3119, 3120).

Job opportunities: Armed Guard, Cash-in-Transit Officer, Armoured Vehicle Crew Member, Valuables Escort, Protective Services Officer.

Prior Qualification — Mandatory: Students must hold the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations before enrolling. The Firearms and Defensive Tactics course alone does not meet full licensing requirements.

LLND Review: All students must complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND) review prior to enrolment.

Age & Licensing: Typical expectations include:

- Being at least 18 years old

- Providing valid photo identification

- Meeting OFT and QLD Police probity and eligibility requirements for armed security roles

- Being eligible to hold a QLD Security Providers Licence and QLD Weapons Licence

International Students: Not available to international students on a subclass 500 visa.

RPL: Due to the high-risk nature of firearms and armed guarding activities, RPL is not available for this course.

This course includes all nationally recognised units required for firearms proficiency, defensive tactics, operational readiness and cash-in-transit procedures.

Armed Guard Units (all students):

- CPPSEC3115 Carry, operate and maintain revolvers for security purposes

- CPPSEC3116 Carry, operate and maintain semi-automatic pistols for security purposes

- CPPSEC3117 Carry, operate and maintain shotguns for security purposes

- CPPSEC3114 Control security risk situations using firearms

- CPPSEC3101 Manage conflict and security risks using negotiation

- CPPSEC3103 Determine and implement response to security risk situation

- CPPSEC3102 Maintain operational safety and security of the work environment

- CPPSEC3110 Control persons using baton

- CPPSEC3111 Restrain persons using handcuffs

- CPPSEC3131 Select, use and maintain body armour for security purposes

Additional CIT Skill Set (combined course):

- CPPSEC3118 Inspect and test cash-in-transit security equipment & rectify faults

- CPPSEC3119 Implement cash-in-transit security procedures

- CPPSEC3120 Load and unload cash-in-transit in secured and unsecured environments

These units form part of the CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations.

This course supports the training requirements for:

- Security Licence (Guard) on a QLD Weapons Act Licence including Categories C, E and H

- Cash-in-Transit function on a QLD Security Providers Licence (if combined course chosen)

Licensing is determined by the Office of Fair Trading and Weapons Licensing Queensland.

Key Licensing Steps:

1. Complete CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations

2. Complete this Firearms and Defensive Tactics course

3. Apply for your QLD Security Providers Licence function (Armed Guard / CIT) through OFT

4. Apply for your QLD Security Firearms Licence through Weapons Licensing Queensland (QPS)

5. Undergo probity checks, fingerprinting and identity verification

6. Receive licensing decisions from the respective regulators

Completing the course satisfies the training component but does not guarantee a licence.

Combined CIT & Armed Guard Course: $1,500

Armed Guard Only (for students who already hold CIT): $1,350

Fees include: Online theory access, 6 days of face-to-face practical training, range fees, assessment, and student support services.

Government Funding: No government funding is available for this course.

RPL: Due to the high-risk nature of firearms and armed guarding, RPL is not available.

Delivery: Blended — online theory (self-paced) + 6 days of face-to-face practical training including: simulation-based scenario training, firearms handling and safety drills, live-fire range practices, baton and handcuff practical sessions, body armour use in operational contexts, and CIT operational drills (combined course).

Training Locations: North Lakes, Gold Coast, Logan Central, Townsville, and regional Queensland on demand.