Security guard CV: How to write one (PSIRA, Grade C, shifts)
Learn exactly how to write a security guard CV in South Africa, including where to list PSIRA grade and registration number, firearm competency, and shift availability—plus a copy-and-paste example.
A security guard CV should make three things obvious within seconds: your PSIRA status (grade + registration number), your site-ready skills (access control, patrols, incident reporting), and your availability (day/night shifts, weekends, public holidays). If you also have firearm competency or relevant experience like control room/CCTV work, put it where it cannot be missed.
What to include in a security guard CV (South Africa checklist)
- Contact details (name, mobile number, email, suburb/city, province)
- Professional summary (2–4 lines tailored to security work)
- PSIRA details (grade, registration number, validity/status if applicable)
- Key skills (access control, patrols, reporting, customer service, radio comms)
- Work experience (sites, duties, shift patterns, achievements)
- Training, certificates and competencies (firearm competency if you have it, first aid, CCTV, driver’s licence, etc.)
- Education (highest completed)
- Availability (night shift, weekends, short notice, relocation)
- References (or “Available on request” if you prefer)
Where to put your PSIRA grade and registration number
Hiring managers often scan for PSIRA first. Place it in a dedicated line near the top of your CV (either under your name or in a small “Compliance” block) so it’s visible on page one.
Copy-ready PSIRA formats
- PSIRA: Grade C | Reg No: [YOUR NUMBER] | Status: [Active/Valid]
- PSIRA: Grade B | Reg No: [YOUR NUMBER] | Renewal: [MONTH YEAR] (if you want to show readiness)
- PSIRA: Grade C (in process) | Reg No: [if issued] | Available to start: [date]
Use one clear format and keep it consistent. This is especially important if your CV may be captured into a database or system later (common in guarding). If you’re still building your profile, update your CV profile first so your PSIRA details stay accurate across applications.
How to list firearm competency (without overexplaining)
If you have firearm training/competency, keep it factual and easy to verify. Put it under a “Certificates & Compliance” or “Training” section.
Copy-ready firearm competency lines
- Firearm competency: [Handgun/Shotgun/Rifle] | Issued: [year] | Valid until: [year] (if applicable)
- Firearm-related training: [Course name] | [Provider] | [Year]
If you do not have it, don’t mention it. Rather focus on the duties you can do immediately (access control, searching procedures, patrol routines, incident reports, visitor management).
How to show shift availability (day/night/weekends) clearly
Security roles are often won on availability. Put it in a short “Availability” section near the top or near the end (but not hidden inside a paragraph).
Copy-ready availability section
- Shifts: Day or night shift
- Weekends/public holidays: Available
- Start date: Immediately / 2 weeks’ notice
- Transport: [Own transport / Public transport] (only if it helps)
Skills to include for a security officer CV South Africa employers recognise
When you write your skills, aim for a mix of site duties and people skills. This is where many candidates go wrong by listing only generic traits. Below are practical skills that match common guarding posts.
Core guarding skills
- Access control (visitor logbooks, tag systems, contractor sign-in/out)
- Patrolling (foot patrols, perimeter checks, lock-up/unlock)
- Incident reporting (clear written statements, occurrence book entries)
- Search procedures (bags/vehicles, following site policy)
- Radio communication and call signs
- Observation and risk spotting (unsafe areas, suspicious behaviour)
- Customer service at reception/front gate (professional, calm)
Bonus skills (only include if true)
- CCTV monitoring / control room operations
- Basic first aid
- Conflict de-escalation
- Key control and alarm response support
- SAPS case support (statement writing, preserving evidence as per policy)
- Driver’s licence (Code B/C1) and patrol vehicle experience
If you’re unsure how to present skills cleanly, start by building a strong CV profile and then choose a layout that makes scanning easy. You can choose a CV design that suits security roles (simple headings, clear sections).
A complete security guard CV example you can copy
Edit the placeholders in brackets. Keep it to 1–2 pages (depending on your experience). This example is written for a typical Grade C security role, but you can adapt it for retail, industrial, residential estates, or events.
[YOUR FULL NAME]
Mobile: [Your number] | Email: [your email] | Location: [Suburb, City, Province]
PSIRA: Grade C | Reg No: [YOUR PSIRA NUMBER] | Availability: Day/Night shifts, weekends & public holidays
Professional summary
Security officer with [X] years’ experience in access control, patrols and incident reporting at [types of sites: retail/warehouse/estate/office parks]. PSIRA Grade C registered (Reg No: [number]) with a strong record of professionalism, clear communication and reliable shift attendance. Confident working day or night shift, following site procedures, and completing accurate occurrence book and incident reports.
Key skills
- Access control (visitor management, contractor sign-in/out, deliveries)
- Foot patrols and perimeter checks
- Occurrence book entries and incident reporting
- Radio communication and escalation procedures
- Customer service and conflict de-escalation
- Searching procedures (bags/vehicles) as per site policy
- Emergency response support (alarms, evacuations, call-outs)
Work experience
Security Guard | [Company Name] | [City] | [Month Year] – Present
- Managed access control for staff, visitors and deliveries, verifying IDs and recording entries accurately.
- Conducted scheduled patrols and reported hazards (broken lights, open gates, unsafe areas) to site management.
- Monitored suspicious behaviour and followed escalation procedures, contacting supervisors and emergency services when required.
- Completed occurrence book entries and incident reports with clear times, actions taken and witness details.
- Supported shift handovers with accurate updates on incidents, visitors and outstanding issues.
Security Officer (Relief / Casual) | [Company Name] | [City] | [Month Year] – [Month Year]
- Covered day and night shift duties across multiple sites, adapting quickly to site rules and post orders.
- Performed gate duties, patrols and key control, ensuring logs were completed and signed.
- Assisted with basic crowd control and queue management during peak times.
Certificates, training & compliance
- PSIRA: Grade C | Reg No: [YOUR NUMBER]
- Firearm competency: [Handgun/Shotgun/Rifle] | Issued: [Year] | Valid until: [Year] (if applicable)
- First Aid: [Level] | [Provider] | [Year] (if applicable)
- CCTV/Control Room: [Course or in-house training] | [Year] (if applicable)
Education
Highest grade passed: Grade [9/10/11/12] | [School name if you want] | [Year]
Additional: [Short course / training] | [Year]
Availability
- Shifts: Available for day shift or night shift
- Weekends/public holidays: Available
- Notice period: [Immediate / 1 week / 2 weeks]
- Transport: [Own transport / Public transport] (optional)
References
- [Name, Title, Company] – [Phone number]
- [Name, Title, Company] – [Phone number]
Common mistakes that make a grade C security CV look weak
- Hiding PSIRA details on page 2 or not listing a registration number.
- Using a generic objective like “I am a hard worker” without security duties and site skills.
- No shift availability (many posts require nights/weekends).
- Listing duties with no proof (add site type, shift pattern, or outcomes like “reduced unauthorised entry incidents” only if you can honestly support it).
- Messy formatting that is hard to scan on a phone.
How to tailor your security guard CV for different sites
Retail (malls, stores)
- Emphasise customer service, observation, calm conflict handling, queue control, and reporting.
- Mention any experience working near cash office, receiving areas, or CCTV (if true).
Industrial / warehouses
- Highlight access control for trucks/deliveries, contractor sign-in/out, key control, and perimeter patrols.
- Include shift patterns and reliability (on-time handovers, attendance).
Residential estates
- Focus on visitor management, boom gate procedures, resident communication, and incident escalation.
- Mention professionalism and clear communication with residents.
Build and download your CV on CV Hub
If you want a clean, professional format quickly, you can create a free CV and save your PSIRA and availability details in one place. If you already started, log in to CV Hub to edit and download your latest version.
Need help with common CV questions like layout, length, or what to include? You can read the CV Hub FAQ. For emailing your CV correctly, see our guide: How to Email Your CV (Subject Line, File Name and Template).
Quick final check before you apply
- PSIRA grade and registration number are visible on page 1.
- Your availability (night shift/weekends) is clearly stated.
- Your most relevant site duties appear in the first half of the CV.
- Your contact details are correct and professional (email especially).
- Your CV is easy to read on a phone (simple headings, bullet points).
If you’d like feedback on what to improve for a specific job advert, contact CV Hub with the role you’re applying for.
