Underpinning the Security WSQ training and certification are competency standards (or modules) - the knowledge, skills and attributes a security officer would require to perform his job effectively. Competency-based training is job related and may be conducted on or off the job. While skills can be picked up on the job, competency-based training allows a security officer to learn the specific and necessary skills and knowledge and apply them more effectively to the workplace.

A security officer may choose to undergo training in any of the competency modules leading to the Security WSQ qualification.  This is especially good for new security officers who have entered the workforce and are seeking to establish themselves in the industry and make security their career.

For the security officer who is already working in the industry for a long time and have accumulated a wealth of experience or does not want to be undergo training in Security WSQ may take the Assessment Only Pathway (AOP) to get his Statements of Attainment and qualification. 

The AOP comprises the challenge tests and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).  The challenge tests are tests that assess the security officer’s skills competency while the RPL looks at evidences submitted by the security officer which then a verification process will be carried out to assess whether the security officer has the competencies attained.  The RPL may also involve a practical competency-based assessment.  The AOP will only be available in 2008.