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Mandatory training requirements for Singapore's security industry to get a boost: Tripartite recommendations accepted

Mandatory training requirements for Singapore's security industry to get a boost: Tripartite recommendations accepted

This would include a new mandatory online refresher quiz for licence renewal from 1 January 2024.

The Singapore Government has accepted the Security Tripartite Cluster (STC)’s recommendations released on 31 Jan 2023, which seek to update the mandatory training requirements under the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) Skills Ladder for the security industry.

In turn, the updated requirements will better support tripartite efforts to upskill the workforce as the industry increasingly leverages technology in its operations under the Security Industry Transformation Map (ITM).

Enhanced mandatory training requirements 

The STC recommended a stronger emphasis on two areas as part of the Security PWM Skills Ladder:

  1. technology-related competencies
  2. public engagement and conflict management skills

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, levelling up technology-related competencies in security officers is critical to help them perform their duties when integrated technology systems and digital solutions have become more pervasive.

The Government also supports the push for more public engagement and conflict management skills, which various stakeholders have proposed following the amendments to the Private Security Industry Act 2007 (PSIA) − specifically, the enhanced protections for security officers against abuse and harassment, which came into effect May 2022. These skills are considered essential in guiding security officers to better protect themselves when faced with difficult situations on the ground.

Implementation of enhanced requirements

Another accepted recommendation by the STC was to implement the enhanced mandatory training requirements in a phased approach and to minimise changes to existing training durations.

To facilitate this, the Singapore Police Force’s Centre for Protective Security (CPS) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) have worked with training providers on:

  • enhancing the mandatory Basic Licensing Units (BLUs) for officers holding the rank of Security Officer (SO); and 
  • introducing a new mandatory course for officers holding the rank of Senior Security Officer (SSO).

The enhanced BLUs for SOs and the new course for SSOs will be available to the industry from Q3 2023. Details are summarised below.

screenshot 2023 02 03 102012

The Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD) will amend the licensing conditions for security agencies and security officers to reflect the enhanced PWM Skills Ladder. All new SOs will need to complete the enhanced BLUs from 1 January 2024. Existing officers holding the ranks of SO and SSO are required to obtain the additional Statements of Attainment (SOA) by 31 December 2025 to meet the new licensing conditions.

New mandatory online refresher quiz for licence renewal

As part of continuous training, it will be mandatory for all security officers to complete an online refresher quiz to be eligible for licence renewal from 1 January 2024. The quiz aims to keep officers updated on recent industry developments, such as enhanced protections accorded to them under the PSIA, and new competencies covered within the enhanced BLUs. 

An accompanying training package will also be provided by CPS and SSG to prepare officers for the quiz. Contents of the training package and quiz will be reviewed periodically to align with industry developments. 


Lead image / Shutterstock
Screenshot/ Ministry of Home Affairs statement

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