How to check guards are PSIRA-registered and vetted

You're sitting across from a guarding company that seems professional, quotes reasonable rates, and has good references. But before you sign, one question nags: are these guards actually trained and registered, or is the company cutting corners? That's where PSIRA registration comes in — it's the proof that matters.

PSIRA (the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) is the body that sets standards for armed response and guarding in South Africa. A guard working in static guarding must hold a PSIRA licence. This isn't optional, and it's not just bureaucracy — it means the person has completed mandated training, passed competency checks, and is subject to ongoing oversight. Without it, you're hiring someone with no verified background or standard.

The good news: checking PSIRA status is straightforward if you know where to look and what to ask.

Search the public PSIRA register

Start here. PSIRA publishes a searchable register of licensed security officers and companies on their website. Before you even contact a guarding company, you can verify whether the guards they propose to deploy are individually registered. Search by the guard's name, ID number, or the company's name. If a guard's name doesn't appear, they're not licensed — and that's a red flag that should stop the conversation immediately.

When you get a quote or are introduced to a team, ask for the full names and ID numbers of the guards who will be assigned to your site. Then search them yourself. Don't rely on the company to tell you they're registered; confirm it independently. The register is public and free to use.

If the company is reluctant to give you names upfront (perhaps because shifts rotate), ask them to provide a list of all guards in their pool who could be deployed to your property. That's a fair request — you need to know who might be on your premises.

Request proof documents

Beyond the register, a professional guarding company should be ready to show you hard copies. Ask for:

• A copy of each guard's PSIRA licence (the card or certificate). This shows their registration number, issue date, and expiry date.
• The company's own PSIRA armed response or guarding licence, which authorises them to operate in the sector.
• A completed competency certificate or training record, proving they've done the foundational security officer training.

Legitigate companies keep these on file and share them without hesitation. If you get excuses — "we'll email it later" or "it's confidential" — that's a warning sign. PSIRA registration is meant to be transparent.

Check the expiry dates. A licence that expired six months ago is not valid. If the company deploys someone on an expired licence, they're breaking the law, and you're liable too.

Call their references and ask the right questions

When you get contact details from the company for previous clients, use them. But go beyond "Were you happy?" Ask specifically about vetting and professionalism.

Call and say something like: "I'm considering this company for static guarding. Can you tell me — did they provide PSIRA-registered guards? Were there any issues with training or conduct? Did they respond quickly if you needed to raise a concern?"

A satisfied client should be able to confirm that the guards were registered, that there was a clear point of contact for complaints, and that the company took incidents seriously. If a reference is vague or noncommittal about PSIRA registration, ask them directly: "Did you ever check the guards' PSIRA licences?" Their answer will tell you a lot.

Also ask whether there was a dedicated supervisor for the account or whether guards just showed up without oversight. That speaks to how seriously the company takes its duty of care.

Seal it in writing

Once you've confirmed registrations, make sure your contract explicitly states that all deployed guards must be PSIRA-registered at all times. If a guard's licence expires, the company must replace them. Put that in the agreement.

When you're ready to move forward with a guarding company you've vetted, Strove can help you find verified local providers and keep track of all the checks you've done. The goal is simple: guards on your premises should be trained professionals, not just bodies in uniform.