SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Patrol Officer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110867  Occupational Certificate: Patrol Officer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-SASSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security  Safety in Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  42  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2019-10-24  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this part-qualification is to provide the learner with the required knowledge, practical skills and workplace-based learning to prepare a learner to operate as a Patrol Officer. A Patrol Officer patrols conducts various types of security patrols by observing and monitoring the physical environment or property for suspicious behaviours/activities and potential hazards and/or threats, identifies and responds to the potential and/or existing hazards/threats and complete all relevant documentation.

Rationale:
The security industry is globally recognised as the largest and fastest growing industry spurred on by the perception of increasing crime affecting individuals, business and government. The security officer occupation is a highly regulated occupation internationally and individuals wishing to practice as security officers must be licenced by the regulatory body. The demand to protect goods and services surges and given the progressing technology this require qualified and competent security officers to deter, detect, and investigate criminal and illegal activities, and to maintain secure environments.

This Occupational Certificate: Patrol Officer forms part of the Occupational Certificate: Security Officer which is an entry-level qualification and typical learners include individuals who want to enter the security industry or those already working in the industry without a formal qualification. It will provide learners with required knowledge, skills and competencies in all aspects of legal, regulatory, procedural and visible security operations to operate as a patrol officer in a professional manner.

This part-qualification contributes to the development of qualified patrol officers in the country. The part-qualification provides career opportunities within the security environment. Qualifying learners will be employed by public or private security agencies, residential complexes and homes, educational, cultural, financial and health institutions, businesses and retail establishments, investigation service companies, transportation facilities, and organisations throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed. The qualification provides progression possibilities to the Occupational Certificate: Security Officer. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 2 qualification with Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Workplace Experience Modules.

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 541401-000-00-KM-01, Introduction to the Security Industry, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 541401-000-00-KM-02, Legislation and Regulations Influencing the Security Industry, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-00-KM-05 Security Equipment, Level 2, 2 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 13.

    Practical Skills Modules:
  • 541401-000-00-PM-01, Inspect, Operate and Record Security Equipment, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 541401-000-00-PM-02, Conduct Regular Patrols and Inspections of Buildings and/or Facilities, Level 3, 5 Credits.
    Total number of credits for the Practical Skills component: 10 Credits.

    Workplace Experience Module:
  • 541401-000-00-WM-01, Security Equipment Inspection and Basic Maintenance Processes, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 541401-000-00-WM-02, Patrolling Processes, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 541401-000-00-WM-05, Security Reporting, Recording and Legal Processes, Level 4, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 19. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct patrol within a designated security environment.
    2. Complete written reports of occurrences, duties performed and comprehensive descriptions of observations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Terminologies and concepts used in a patrolling environment are defined in terms of their meaning within the context of security services.
  • The general duties, standards, practices, regulations and prohibitions are described and applied in accordance with the applicable legislation.
  • Basic elements of security are described in relation to access control, basic crowd maintenance vehicle control and shift-handover in terms of organisational standard operating procedures.
  • The primary purpose of conducting a crime prevention patrol is explained in accordance with organisational operating policies and procedures.
  • The types and reasons of patrols including "selective patrol" and "saturation patrol" used in the security environment are identified and explained within context.
  • Observation, monitoring and recording techniques are applied during patrolling.
  • The types of equipment used in patrolling are described, and appropriate equipment is selected and operated effectively in given security situations.
  • Factors that can influence an effective patrol are described.
  • Human senses are utilised to detect irregularities or unusual events, hazards to self and others including risks, and observations are noted appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Different types, purposes, structure and layout of reports and statements including an incident report that may be used in a court of law and at organisational disciplinary hearings in the security environment are described.
  • Rules of recording relevant factual data and circumstances in a pocketbook and occurrence book are explained.
  • A report is produced incorporating who, what, where, when, why and how in the report including the requirement of effective reporting.
  • An appropriate method of communication to report an issue or potential problems is explained and applied in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
  • Reports and/or statements are completed distributed in accordance with organisation policies and procedures to ensure confidentiality of information/evidence.
  • Protocols and procedures for the purpose of giving evidence in court are described.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This Formative Assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) is required to issue this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Introduction:
    International comparability was conducted to compare best practice and training offered registered in the field of security officer. The countries include Australia and United Kingdom as they regarded as leaders for best practice in the security industry, both have occupational development processes and the standard and level of competencies developed for occupation required by the security industry.

    Australia:
    The Certificate II in Security Operations is a qualification aimed at Security Officers and aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and classified in the Australian and New Zealand Standards Classifications for Occupations (ANZCO). The qualification comprises of 12 units of competency (core units and 5 elective units) which contribute to industry-supported vocational outcomes. The duration of learning of the qualification is typically 0.5-1 year which equals to 600-1200 hours and includes time spent developing competency in the workplace. The following units of competency are studied that compares favourably with the South African qualification:
  • Communicate effectively in the security industry (CPPSEC2001A).
  • Follow workplace safety procedures in the security industry (CPPSEC2002A).
  • Work effectively in the security industry (CPPSEC2003A/B).
  • Respond to security risk situation (CPPSEC2004A/B).
  • Work as part of a team (CPPSEC2005A).
  • Provide security services to customer (CPPSEC2006A/B).
  • First aid training (HLTFA301B/C, HLTFA311A or HLTAID003 or equivalent).
  • Patrol premises (CPPSEC2015A).
  • Give evidence in court (CPPSEC2009A).
  • Operate basic security equipment (CPPSEC2014A).
  • Screen people (CPPSEC2007A).
  • Screen items (CPPSEC2008A).
  • Protect safety of persons (CPPSEC2010A).
  • Contribute to investigative activities (CPPSEC2016A).
  • Protect valuables in transit (CPPSEC2013A).
  • Control and direct traffic (CPPCMN2001B).
  • Carry out vehicle inspection (TLIB2004) Use communication systems (TLIE2007).

    The qualifications, however, differ slightly in that some of the units in the Australian qualification that have not cited here are regarded as specialisations in the South African qualification. In addition, it has been found that in all the countries searched, there is a common practice that regulatory or licensing bodies identify certain units or modules that are compulsory for learners to complete successfully for licensing purposes, similar approach applied in South Africa.

    United Kingdom:
    Level 2 Certificate in Providing Security Services is a competence-based qualification with 22 Credits comprising 28 units that could lead could lead to employment in static and patrol guarding, door supervision, Closed-circuit television (CCTV) operation, retail, reception or events security, and key holding and alarm response, areas that have been identified as specialisations in the South African level 2 qualification and compares favourably in terms of level of standards and competencies covered. However, the search focused on the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the organisation responsible for regulating the private security in the UK that offers Security Guard Training courses to enable learners to obtain licencing which compares favourably with the South African qualifications although the duration differs significantly.

    The course covers the following:
    Common Security Industry Knowledge:
  • Session 1: Awareness of the Law in the Private Security Industry.
  • Session 2: Health and Safety for the Private Security Operative.
  • Session 3: Fire Safety Awareness.
  • Session 4: Emergency Procedures.
  • Session 5: The Private Security Industry.
  • Session 6: Communication Skills and Customer Care.

    Security Guarding Specialist Module:
  • Session 1: Introduction to the Roles and Responsibilities of Security Officers.
  • Session 2: Patrolling.
  • Session 4: Searching.
  • Session 5: Technology and Systems in the Security Environment.
  • Session 6: The Security Officer and the Law.
  • Session 7: Communicating, Reporting and Record Keeping.

    Conflict Management Module:
  • Session 1: Avoiding Conflict and Reducing Personal Risk.
  • Session 2: Defusing Conflict.
  • Session 3: Resolving and Learning from Conflict.
  • Session 4: Application of Communication Skills and Conflict Management for Security Guarding and Close Protection.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with the international offerings in Australia and the United Kingdom in terms of the content covered in the qualifications for security services or operations. The qualifications benchmarked differ slightly with the South African qualification with respect to the total credits which has an impact on the duration of the course which is slightly shorter as well as the fact that their structure has an elective component catering for specialisation which compares with the Part Qualifications in the South African qualification context providing learners with employable skills and qualify them to operate and accumulate credits towards the full qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with the following qualifications.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Locksmithing, Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Further Education and Training Certificate: Dog Handler, Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and work experience including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Patrol Officer: 541401-000-00-01.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners' Records Database (NLRD):
  • Not applicable as this is not a trade.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA).

    Parent Qualification:
  • 541401-000-00-00, Occupational Certificate Security Officer, Level 4.

    Related Part-Qualifications:
  • 541401-000-00-02, Occupational Certificate: Access Control Officer, Level 3.
  • 541401-000-00-03, Occupational Certificate: Asset Protection Officer, Level 3. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.