1What is it?
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority regulates everyone who renders a security service for reward — guarding, armed response, alarm and CCTV installation, access control and locksmithing in certain contexts. Both the business and each individual must be registered.
2Who needs it?
- Alarm, CCTV and access-control installers
- Armed response and guarding businesses and their officers
- Security consultants and locksmiths providing security services for reward
3Who doesn't need it?
- In-house security employed directly by a non-security business in some circumstances
- General electricians installing non-security cabling only
4Registration categories
Grade E / D / C
Entry to intermediate security officer grades.
Grade B / A
Supervisory and management grades.
Security business registration
The company itself must be registered separately from its officers.
5Why is it important?
Rendering a security service while unregistered is a criminal offence, and clients who use an unregistered provider risk their own insurance cover.
6Benefits
- Legal authority to provide security services for reward
- Access to estate, body corporate and commercial security contracts
- Verifiable status on the PSIRA register
- A Trade Verified badge on your FIX IT profile
7Step-by-step guide
- 1Complete accredited security training for your target grade at a PSIRA-accredited provider.
- 2Obtain a clear criminal record check with SAPS fingerprints.
- 3Complete the individual registration application with PSIRA.
- 4Pay the application and annual fees.
- 5Register the security business separately, listing directors and their individual registrations.
- 6Receive your PSIRA certificate and identification card.
- 7Upload both individual and business registrations to FIX IT.
8Supporting documents
- Accredited training certificates for the relevant grades
- SAPS fingerprint clearance and criminal record check
- Certified copy of ID
- Passport photographs
- CIPC documents for the business registration
9Costs
Government fees
Individual registration fees are typically a few hundred rand, with annual fees payable. Business registration fees are higher and scale with the number of employees.
Training costs
Grade E to A training typically R1 500 – R8 000 in total depending on grades completed.
Other costs
Fingerprint and clearance fees, plus uniform and equipment where applicable.
10Expected turnaround time
Typically 2 – 8 weeks depending on clearance turnaround.
11Renewal requirements
Annual fees must be paid to keep registration active. Lapsed registration removes your legal authority to trade.
12Official website
13Official contact details
- PSIRA Call Centre: 086 133 3850
- Email: info@psira.co.za
- Website: www.psira.co.za
14Frequently asked questions
Do alarm installers really need PSIRA?
Yes. Installing and servicing security equipment for reward falls within the regulated services.
Do I need both individual and business registration?
Yes, if you trade as a security business you must register the business as well as each individual.
Does a criminal record disqualify me?
Certain scheduled offences do. PSIRA assesses each application against the Act.
15How FIX IT verifies this
- You upload your PSIRA certificate or card and, where applicable, the business registration certificate.
- Our reviewer checks the registration number, grade, name and expiry date.
- Individual name must match your verified FIX IT identity; business name must match your verified company.
- Approval sets Trade Verified with security recorded in your verified trade categories.
- Expiry is monitored and the badge is withdrawn automatically if the registration lapses.
16Download centre
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