PSIRA grades explained: what each officer grade actually means

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) grades security officers from A (highest) to E. Most clients never see the difference — until something goes wrong. Here is what each grade means and how to specify the right one.

Grade E — Entry level

Basic training, suited to low-risk static posts under supervision. Not appropriate for armed roles, cash environments or complex sites.

Grade D — Standard officer

The most common grade for gate, patrol and static work. Adequate for many low- to medium-risk sites, but supervision quality matters.

Grade C — Senior officer

Additional training in incident handling and reporting. Suitable for shift-leader roles and higher-risk sites.

Grade B — Site supervisor

Trained to run a site or shift, manage rosters and interface with clients. Expected at multi-officer contracts.

Grade A — Manager

Managerial competency; typically operations managers, area managers and control-room leads.

How to specify grade in your contract

Do not accept "PSIRA registered" as a spec — every legal officer is registered. Specify the minimum grade per post (e.g. "Grade C shift leader, Grade D patrols") and ask for the PSIRA number of every officer deployed. Any serious provider will supply this.