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How to check a security licence in the Australian Capital Territory

Security Industry Act 2003 (ACT), administered by Access Canberra

Published · Last updated

The ACT separates the licence to employ security staff (a master licence) from the licence to do the work (an employee licence). Someone with a master licence who also does the work needs both.

This guide covers what the licences are called in the Australian Capital Territory and where to check them. For what to confirm before you sign, see how to check a security provider’s licence in Australia.

Business licences

Security industry master licence

Needed to employ or contract licensed security staff. On its own, it doesn’t allow the holder to do security work personally.

Individual licences

Security industry employee licence

Needed to work in the security industry, for these activities:

  • patrolling, guarding, watching or protecting property (including cash in transit)
  • acting as a crowd controller
  • acting as a bodyguard
  • providing advice about security equipment
  • selling security equipment
  • installing, maintaining, monitoring, repairing or servicing security equipment
  • acting as a security consultant
  • carrying out surveys and inspections of security equipment

CCTV, alarm and lock work

Installing, maintaining, monitoring, repairing or servicing security equipment, and selling or advising on it, are licensed activities in the ACT. The sources we used don’t mention locksmiths specifically, so ask a locksmith which licence covers their work.

How to check a licence in the Australian Capital Territory

Use the Access Canberra security industry licences.

  • Access Canberra lists approved licence holders on a public register for each licence type.
  • Check both the master licence of the business and the employee licence of the person doing the work.

The Australian Capital Territory listings in this directory

Access Canberra’s website blocks automated access, which we don’t get around, so ACT licence numbers in this directory are as published by each business. Of the 8 providers listed for areas in the Australian Capital Territory:

  • Matched to a public register: 1
  • Published by the business, not independently verified: 4
  • No licence number published: 3

Some of these businesses are licensed in another state as well, and a register match can be for that licence. Each listing shows which state and register it was matched on.

Browse them by area: Canberra.

Sources

Checked September 2026. Licensing rules change, so confirm current requirements with Access Canberra.

Other states and territories

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