Planning to become a registered Grade E security officer in South Africa? This is your beginner-level entry point into the private security industry, and understanding the training modules is essential to pass your exam and qualify with PSiRA.
What Is a Grade E Security Certificate?
The Grade E qualification is the first level in the PSiRA training ladder. It prepares security guards for basic guarding duties, such as patrolling, reporting, and general site security. You must complete all modules and pass the final exam to receive your certificate.
Complete PSiRA Grade E Training Curriculum (2025)
Below is a breakdown of the official Grade E training modules:
| Module | Description |
|---|---|
| Module 1 | Personal Hygiene & General Appearance |
| Module 2 | Basic Occupational Safety |
| Module 3 | Basic Public Relations |
| Module 4 | Roles and Functions of a Security Guard |
| Module 5 | Bombs, Explosives & Firearms Awareness |
| Module 6 | Discipline & Professional Conduct |
| Module 7 | Basic Self-Defense Techniques |
| Module 8 | Observation & Incident Reporting |
| Module 9 | Guarding & Patrolling Duties |
| Module 10 | Use of Fire Extinguishers |
| Module 11 | Basic Legal Knowledge |
| Module 12 | Introduction to Industrial Relations |
| Module 13 | Basic Radio/Telephone Communication |
| Exam Prep | Grade E Final Exam Preparation (Downloadable) |
Note: You must attend an accredited PSiRA training provider and follow all exam attendance rules and declarations before qualifying.
What Comes After Grade E?
Once you’ve completed Grade E, you can move up to:
🟡 Grade D Modules:
- Advanced public relations
- Self-defense & minimum force
- Firefighting basics
- Access control & search techniques
- Legal aspects & role in safety
🟢 Grade C Modules:
- Legal aspects of security
- Emergency response & bomb threats
- Fire prevention
- Report writing
- Protection of information
Why These Modules Matter
Each module is designed to help you:
- Understand legal boundaries
- Improve safety awareness
- Communicate clearly with the public
- Respond effectively to emergencies
- Conduct basic security tasks confidently
Final Tip
Before enrolling, make sure the training provider is PSiRA-accredited. Completing your Grade E training is compulsory before you can work legally as a guard in South Africa.