New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation) (Level 3)

Level 3

• Professional conduct and NZ law - includes certificate of approval requirement
• Confidentiality, privacy and technology
• Personal safety, situational awareness and risk
• Incidents, events and emergency situations
  

NCEA Level 1

Or

Equivalent academic achievement

Or

On case by case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

And

To be eligible for a Certificate of Approval, under the Private Security Personnel and
Private Investigators Act 2010 (section 33), all applicants are required to:

• Be 18 years of age by the end of the programme
• Undertake a Criminal History Check (not all offences will prohibit entry)

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international applicants:

English Proficiency Entry Requirements
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible).

In addition to this international applications under the age of 20 must have NCEA equivalency (refer to Business Development International).

UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Security (Foundation) Level 3 comprises 60 credits.

Students will learn essential skills to gain employment in the security industry, including maintaining security and safety at sites.

Students must undergo a Ministry of Justice Criminal Check to ensure suitability and compliance with the Ministry of Justice regarding security licencing. Not all convictions will prohibit entry.

Security licence 
Persons working or intending to work as a security officer or in related security employment may require a Security Guards Licence or, if an employee of a Security Guard Licence holder, a Certificate of Approval to be the Responsible Employee of a Security Guard. Both are issued by the Registrar of Private Investigators and Security Guards.

Fitness
Students need to be aware of the physical requirements  for operating in the workforce for security and protection services. As they are expected to keep a reasonable level of fitness to physically carry out the practical components of the programme, it is expected that students will actively belong to a gym to manage their personal fitness. It is also noted that students may spend long periods on their feet while completing their work experience requirements.

Special needs
Students will be advised to put any special needs or requirements in writing and advise the programme leader before the programme begins.

Work experience
Students are required to undertake a minimum of 196 hours work experience. Every reasonable step is taken to ensure student safety while they are in the workplace. 

A Work Experience Agreement that details expectations is signed by UCOL for its delegates, the work experience employer and students. 

Work experience hours may be required to be undertaken during evenings and over weekends.

Timetable
You can expect to attend up to 30 hours per week of timetabled theory classes and practical/work experience, although, changes may be made from time to time.

Independent learning
As well as your timetabled classes, you are expected to spend up to 6 hours per week doing your own learning. This time is dedicated to self-directed research, study and completion of your assignments, plus online work (as applicable).

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Completed Criminal History Check Declaration Form
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email.