Blended
Intakes: 4 May | 8 June | 13 July | 17 August | 21 September | 26 October 2026
The security training NZ employers are asking for
Ready to enter the security industry? Skills Institute's Level 3 Security Micro-Credentials give you everything you need to obtain your Certificate of Approval (COA) and step into a career that's in demand across New Zealand.
This isn't your standard COA course. Developed in collaboration with the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA) and supported by NZ Police, this programme gives you practical, real-world training that goes well beyond the minimum requirements.
Who can enrol?
This programme is open to anyone looking to enter the security industry. No formal academic qualifications are required. To enrol you will need to:
• Consent to a Ministry of Justice criminal record check (police vetting is required for COA eligibility)
• Be able to attend campus for scheduled face-to-face training sessions
• Have access to a reliable internet connection and a device to complete online learning
• Be at least 17 years old (note: a COA can only be issued at 18 years or over)
What makes this programme different?
Developed with industry, delivered by Police: This programme has been built in collaboration with the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA) and is supported by NZ Police - providing you with training that's recognised and respected by employers across the sector.
Advanced endorsement: Unlike other providers, we include a two-day NZ Police-led advanced training workshop as part of the programme. Complete it and you can apply for an advanced endorsement on your COA, unlocking greater powers and making you a more attractive candidate to employers.
Flexible study that fits your life: Study online at your own pace and attend campus only when it counts. With monthly intakes and cohort-based learning, you'll always have a trainer and a peer group behind you.
What does this programme cover?
The programme is made up of two micro-credentials, completed sequentially.
Micro-Credential 1 - 20 Credits
Foundational security knowledge, professional standards and NZ legislation.
• US 40146 – Foundational knowledge of the security industry (4 credits)
• US 40010 – Professional standards in a security context (6 credits)
• US 40011 – NZ legislation relevant to the security industry (6 credits)
Delivery: Online learning + one mandatory face-to-face assessment session (Tuesday evenings, 5:00pm – 8:00pm at our Wiri campus)
Micro-Credential 2 - 12 Credits (COA)
Conflict management, pre-employment knowledge, and practical scenario-based training.
• US 27360 – Conflict management in a security context (4 credits)
• US 27364 – Security industry knowledge in a pre-employment context (4 credits)
• US 27361 – Managing conflict situations - assessed via one-day practical session (4 credits)
Delivery: Online learning + one mandatory practical face-to-face session (fortnightly at our Wiri campus)
Advance NZ Police training
Available to those who have completed micro-credential 1, this two-day, in-person training is delivered by NZ Police and enables you to apply for an advanced security endorsement on your COA.
Topics covered include:
• De-escalation techniques
• Control and restraint / self-defense
• Preserving a crime scene
• Reasonable force and the legal framework
• Supporting victims and witnesses
• Crowd management
• Weapon awareness
This training is not required for the COA, but gives you skills and recognition that go well beyond what most security officers hold. Learners can attend up to three months after completing Micro-Credential 2.
What qualification will you gain?
On completion of both micro-credentials you will be eligible to apply for your Certificate of Approval (COA) - the license required to work as a security officer in New Zealand. Those who completed the Advanced NZ Police Training can also apply for an advanced COA endorsement, recognising their training in control, restraint, and scene management.
