Unisa’s published short learning programme list does not show a private investigator course, and working in private security is regulated by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), not by a university course.
What matters is PSIRA registration and training at a PSIRA-accredited training centre. Check both with PSIRA before you pay for any course, at Unisa or anywhere else.
Business Requirements at a Glance
PSIRA’s published requirements for registering as an individual are listed in its PSIRA frequently asked questions:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a permanent resident of South Africa
- Not have committed any of the scheduled offences under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act
- Have completed training at an accredited training centre
Earlier versions of this page said citizens as well as permanent residents. PSIRA’s FAQ states the residency requirement as being a permanent resident of South Africa, so confirm your own status with PSIRA before you apply.
Registration and Legal Requirements
Registration with PSIRA is separate from any course. Unisa lists a Diploma in Security Management, but a diploma is an academic qualification and is not a PSIRA registration. A university or college course does not by itself register you or show that you completed PSIRA-accredited training.
PSIRA publishes a way to check whether a training centre is accredited. Use it before you enrol, and treat any provider that promises to make you a private investigator without mentioning PSIRA registration as a warning sign.
PSIRA’s FAQ does not set out a training standard specific to private investigators. Ask PSIRA which accredited training applies to the work you want to do.
Documents and Ownership Information Required
PSIRA decides which documents it needs and may update its forms. Do not rely on a list from a training provider or a third-party website. Ask PSIRA for the current application requirements, including the identity, training and criminal-record checks it asks for, and for the current form.
If you plan to run a business rather than work for one, ask PSIRA what it requires of the business itself. Company registration is a separate step with the CIPC, covered in our guide to company registration requirements.
Tax, Licence and Compliance Requirements
PSIRA registration fees and annual fees are set by PSIRA, and we do not state an amount here. Ask PSIRA for the current fee schedule before you apply, and check any training provider’s fees separately.
Anything you do as an investigator must be lawful. Registration does not remove that duty, so take legal advice on what you may and may not do, particularly with other people’s personal information and communications. Tax registration for a business is handled with SARS, and you should confirm what applies to you with SARS.
Process, Deadlines and Ongoing Obligations
- Confirm the registration category and the accredited training you need with PSIRA
- Check that the training centre is accredited, using PSIRA’s own check
- Complete the training and keep your certificates
- Apply to PSIRA for registration and keep your registration current
PSIRA is introducing a Competency Certificate with effect from April 2026. It is proof of approved training and prescribed competencies and is separate from the registration certificate. In PSIRA’s words, registration confirms status and competency confirms skills, so expect to need both. Ask PSIRA how the Competency Certificate applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Unisa offer a private investigator course?
Unisa’s published short learning programme list does not show one. Unisa does list a Diploma in Security Management, which is an academic qualification and not a PSIRA registration.
Does a course make me a private investigator?
No. Working in the private security industry requires PSIRA registration and training at an accredited training centre. Confirm which training PSIRA accepts for the work you want to do.
What are PSIRA’s requirements for registration?
Be 18 or older, be a permanent resident of South Africa, have no scheduled offences under the PSIR Act and have completed training at an accredited training centre.
What is the PSIRA Competency Certificate?
A certificate introduced from April 2026 as proof of approved training and prescribed competencies. It is separate from the registration certificate, which confirms registration status.
How do I check if a training centre is accredited?
PSIRA publishes a way to check on its frequently asked questions page. Use it before paying.
Confirm current requirements, fees and training with PSIRA before enrolling in any course. See company registration requirements and browse all business and compliance requirements.