To become a cash-in-transit (CIT) officer in Queensland, you need to complete the required additional CIT training and have the cash-in-transit function added to your Class 1 security provider licence through the Office of Fair Trading. BARS Training Australia regularly conducts the three-unit cash-in-transit course following our CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations courses, and we highly recommend considering it because another function on your licence can significantly broaden your employment opportunities. But remember – cash-in-transit does not mean armed guard. A CIT licence does not authorise you to carry a firearm, handcuffs or baton.

If you want to work as an armed security guard, there are more hoops to jump through. You must undertake additional approved security guard firearms training for the firearm categories you intend to use and successfully apply to Queensland Police Service Weapons Licensing for a Security Licence (Guard). QPS also requires your current OFT security provider licence to include the cash-in-transit function.

One piece of advice from BARS: never take shortcuts with firearms training. We would not recommend undertaking security firearms training partially online. Safe firearm handling requires repeated, supervised practical training so that drawing, handling, operating and securing the firearm becomes familiar and controlled under pressure.

If you ever need that firearm in a genuine security emergency, your safety and potentially somebody else's life may depend on the quality of the practical training you received.