Yes. Previous experience in policing, the military, corrections or emergency services can be extremely valuable when moving into the security industry. These backgrounds often provide highly transferable skills in communication, situational awareness, risk assessment, conflict management, teamwork, reporting and dealing with challenging or unpredictable situations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available where an applicant can provide sufficient evidence of current competency against the 14 units required for the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations. However, RPL is a comprehensive evidence and assessment process and can sometimes be more time-consuming than applicants expect. Previous employment or service alone does not automatically establish competency against each unit. BARS also recognises that valuable previous experience does not have to result in RPL to be relevant.

Transferable skills and existing knowledge can be identified through the pre-enrolment and volume of learning assessment and respected throughout your training. Once licensed, these backgrounds can also be highly sought after by security employers. Previous experience combined with the required contemporary security training can provide an excellent foundation for someone commencing a second career in the Queensland security industry.