Apply for a security equipment installer licence

A security equipment installer can work in a range of ways with any type of security device. They could install, repair or maintain:

• acoustic devices
• electronic equipment
• mechanical devices
• anything else that’s designed or adapted for security.

You must have a licence to do this job. To become licensed, you must:

• meet the eligibility criteria
• fill out and lodge the Application for a security provider licence: Individual - Class 2 You can also apply online.
• pay the required fees

Types of device

Needs a licence

You will need your licence to install, repair, service or maintain:

• alarms
• monitoring systems
• audio or visual recording systems
• electric, electro-magnetic or biometric access control devices
• motion, infra-red, microwave or contact detectors
• safes or vaults
• basic locks for a commercial environment
• basic locks for common areas in a residential complex.

Doesn’t need a licence

There are very few situations where you do not need a licence to work as a locksmith.

You do not need this licence in order to:

• install a basic security item while the property is being constructed, repaired or renovated (this exemption does not extend to repairing, servicing or maintaining basic security items)
• do retail key cutting.

Basic security items can include:

• portable safes weighing less than 50 kg
• barriers such as security mesh doors or window grilles
• electronic or mechanical locks for basic household security
• motion sensor lights that don’t set off alarms.

Tradespersons who merely remove and reinstall a basic household lock while working on the door do not need a licence.

An item is not a security device if it:

• monitors an inventory
• protects products or stock from loss
• reduces theft of motor vehicles.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a licence, you must not pose a risk to public safety.

A person under 18 years of age can apply for a security equipment installer licence if they are an apprentice/trainee security equipment installer. A letter from your employer must be included with the application stating that you are employed as an apprentice/trainee security equipment installer.

You are not eligible for a licence if you have been convicted of a disqualifying offence in the past 10 years, where a conviction was recorded.

You must also tell us if you have been found guilty of a disqualifying offence in the past 5 years, where a conviction was not recorded (this is known as an ‘unrecorded finding of guilt’). We may ask you for further information so we can assess if you are a suitable person to hold a licence.

Lodgement

Identification

When you lodge the form, you will need to attach 100 points of formal identification. These documents must be either original (if lodged at the counter) or certified copies.

Your identification must include at least 1 of the following 5 documents:

• Birth certificate or extract
• Passport
• ImmiCard
• A driver’s licence
• An 18+ card.

You may also need to include some of the following documents to make up your 100 points:

• Citizenship certificate
• An ID card
• A social security card
• A letter from your employer
• Any other official letter, card or statement listed on the application form.

Fingerprinting

By law, the police need to fingerprint all security providers. We will contact you after you lodge your application form to explain what you need to do.

Get more details

Criminal history check

To confirm your suitability, we will submit your application for a criminal history check. This will be thorough and may be time consuming.

If you were born in New Zealand or have a New Zealand passport, you need to get a copy of your criminal history or a letter indicating you have no criminal history from New Zealand. For more information, visit the New Zealand Ministry of Justice website.

You don’t have to pay any fees to get a New Zealand criminal history check. We can only accept original documents dated within one month of the date you send them to us. Please note it takes 20 working days to process a request for a New Zealand criminal history check.

Processing time

The processing time is 4–6 weeks. This can take longer if you have not supplied us with all the information we need or you have not paid the correct fees.

Refunds

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to a partial refund if:

• you withdraw your application
• we refuse your application.

You may also get a refund on the fees for:

• fingerprinting
• your criminal history check.

Training

You don’t need any training to hold this licence.