PSBD Security, PSCOD, ASSD or PSFRD security guard process

Posted By CloseCareer Editorial
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Last Updated on December 5, 2024

The Private Security Business Department (PSBD) established itself as the first authority to regulate the private security sector in the United Arab Emirates. Security professionals operating under PSBD’s supervision are commonly called PSBD security personnel.

The United Arab Emirates is one of the countries in the Middle East where we find professional security guards in residential, commercial, and public properties. This is made possible through regulating the private security industry by specialized authorities.

Over the years, regulations have grown to shape the private security industry into what it is today. The PSBD security (Private Security Business Department) has undergone several name changes and is now known as the PSFRD (Private Security Firms Regulatory Department).

In the past, the private security sector in the UAE operated without structure. Companies hired watchmen and paid them whatever they deemed fair. Most security guards were untrained and underpaid.

However, everything changed with the introduction of PSBD security regulations in 2001. This marked a significant turning point, setting regulations and standards that transformed the private security industry in the UAE.

Although I refer to PSBD in this post, it’s important to understand that the current name is PSFRD. The department was known through different names, such as PSCOD before becoming PSFRD.

Why Did the UAE Implement Private Security Legislation?

When the UAE started diversifying its economy from fossil fuels to service and industry sectors, the demand for private security personnel surged.

This surge led to the rapid growth of private security companies, particularly in Dubai. Tourism became a focal point of Dubai’s economic strategy. Government investment in constructing iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Miracle Garden boosts tourism.

With millions of visitors pouring into the country annually, luxury hotels and other high-end establishments were established, further driving the need for a professional security industry.

Before 2001, it was common for cleaning companies to supply security guards, with workers serving dual roles depending on the company’s needs. However, with the new security regulations, all security companies were brought under federal regulation.

Security regulatory body in UAE

  1. PSBD/ FSRD in the Northern Emirates
  2. PSRFD  in Abu Dhabi
  3. ASSD (Axillery Security Service Department) Abu Dhabi police
  4. SIRA in Dubai

Why Should You Work as a PSFRD Security Guard in the UAE?

If you’re considering a career as a security guard in the UAE, you’re in the right place. I can guide you step by step through the process of becoming a certified guard.

People from developing countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Philippines, and various African nations actively seek security jobs in the UAE.

Although working as a security guard may not be considered prestigious in their home countries, the story is quite different in the UAE. Here’s why many people choose security guard jobs in the UAE:

  • Good salary package
  • Respectable job
  • Professional training
  • Strict enforcement of employment contracts by authorities
  • Recognition as part of the National Defense Force
  • Fair and regulated salary payments
  • Understanding the Security Systems in the UAE

The UAE has two main security systems: “SIRA,” and “PSFRD” (Private Security Firms Regulatory Department), previously known as PSBD.

What is PSBD Security?

PSFRD, formerly known as PSBD in Abu Dhabi, continues to be widely recognized as PSBD in the Northern Emirates. It regulates private security companies across the UAE. PSBD/PSFRD enforces regulations for security firms operating in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain.

Formation of PSBD/PSFRD

Initially formed in 2002 as a unit of Abu Dhabi Police and part of the Ministry of Interior, PSBD has since developed into a federal department. Staffed by both police officers and civilian personnel, it operates offices across several emirates.

Responsibilities of PSFRD

  • Stabilizing security regulatory standards
  • Approving security companies and security guards
  • Ensuring quality training and maintaining high standards
  • Examining and licensing security companies and guards
  • Inspecting companies and guards for compliance with federal law
  • Enforcing private security laws through fines and prosecutions, with daily monitoring and review

The Process to Become a PSBD (Now PSFRD) Security Guard

1. Get Hired as Security:

Before obtaining a PSBD license, you must secure a job with a security company in the UAE. The company might hire you from your home country or from within the UAE. If hired from abroad, the company will handle your visa and labor contract documentation.

2. Undergo Training:

After arriving in the UAE, the company will apply for training at the National Security Institute (NSI) or you can do it with Tadweer. This training lasts for 6 days and covers topics like legal rights, safety, and security measures.

3. Apply for PSFRD Test:

After completing the NSI training, you can apply for the PSFRD test. If the training was done on your own, you can apply for the PSFRD exam appointment yourself.

4. Exam Preparation:

PSBD does not provide training but administers the licensing exam. The test is based on NSI training material, so a solid understanding of the security knowledge gained during NSI training will help you succeed in the exam.

5.  Pass the Exam:

The test is computerized, with multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 38 out of 60 questions correctly (75%) to pass.

6. Results and Licensing:

Once you submit your test, the results are immediate. The license is usually issued within three days.

Note: You can only start working after obtaining your PSFRD/PSBD license. Always carry your license while on duty to avoid fines during inspections.

Conclusion

The PSBD security course has developed significantly over the years, becoming more rigorous and comprehensive. The PSFRD security guard training at NSI is now at level 3, covering a wide range of skills. Trainees will also learn about smart security systems during this training.

  1. Pretest Questions
  2. Model question set 1
  3. Model question set 2
  4. Test question set 3
  5. Test question set 4
  6. Exam question set 5
  7. Exam question set 6
  8. Model question set 7
  9. Model question set 8
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94 COMMENTS

  1. Good day, can someone partake in the PSBD course on a tourist visa. If yes can the person holding the certificate work in Dubai. Finally, how much is course .
    Regards.

    • No, you should have on working visa for PSBD license, even further, you are required to hire by a security company in the UAE first, then, only the company can apply for NSI training and PSBD test.

  2. Good day Mr range thanks for your Information. I am from Nigeria and I have already been in Dubai UAE before I went back to my Country. I went to Dubai Police Academy to undergoing professional Security training and i have been awarded International award for Security Personnel issue by City and Guilds London UK. I work with Secure Gulf Services for three months before Dubai Government revolked the Company Licence. How can I get a Licence security company in Abu Dhabi UAE that can assure me two years working visa and how can I apply for Security Officer job with a Security company in Abu Dhabi. I need your assistance on how to get Licence Security Company that is ready to employ people outside UAE. I looked forward to hearing from you thanks yours faithfully Sir.

  3. please i want to know if there is any hiring new security guides for training? if no, can you link to any company that can help me secure PSBD? thanks

  4. Now october psnd questions is very top we have no notes… All questions is came from hospital bank and airport… Plz kindly provide note us

  5. Sir, I worked previous one of security company 6years, and i resign to the company. After 3years i back to uae again in another company. My Nsi finish, when company applying for Psbd exam rejected and it’s showing previous licence not cancell. It’s already expire 2years back. Please let me know how to cancell my previous psbd licence.

  7. Hi am niaz ahmed from Pakistan i have experience 10years international security services in Bahrain am aspeking English and Arabic very good now i living in Pakistan now I looking for job how can I apply for psbd security

  9. I have tattoo on my left hand below the elbow And yesterday i gave interview on my home country nepal and i was selected now i am quite worry about my tattoo please provide me some suggestion

    • The tattoo below the elbow does not problem for being security guard in Dubai because you can hide it. Security guard in UAE always use long sleeves shirt your tattoo will not show to the public right?
      However, the tattoo in the in the neck or cheek which can not cover through you dress is not allowed.

      • Hello sir.I hope u r fine.I want some information.I have no experience about security but know I am in uae working in resturant.how I can get a PSBD security certificate.thanku

  10. Thank you for the good work done.
    I would like to apply and train as a security guard in UAE but I don’t know where to apply to.
    I have a military background and am apparently a taxi driver in Abu Dhabi

  11. hi in PSBD we only have to give knowledge test or is there any physical
    test also like Dubai sira Physical test..? if yes then please explain thnkx

    • The PSBD candidates also require to pass the physical test in Abu Dhabi but in Ajman, there are no training facilities so you will give an only written test.

  12. Hi Mrs Ranga i am Abdul Qayyum from Pakistan o come to visa 3 months so if told me how can apply sira because im already visit visa come there Abu Dhabi

  14. I am a baba graduate wanna join as a security guard through psbd. Please tell me about the questions level psbd written test .

  15. Good day im suman i have security officer experience with sira i need to join abu Dhabi security companys how can i apply kindly informto me

    • just look for the job in any security company which provides pscod guard the NSI training you can take later. We also publish the requirement of security guard vacancies in our website.
      When the situation comes as normal be easy for hiring the security guard.

  17. Yes sir,
    A’m MUZAFALUH,
    A’m 48 years of age,10 years with security experience,is it possible to be given a license for security for security guard Supervisor ?
    How much is the PSBD license for Supervisor?
    I will be happy with your positive response

  18. Dears sir,
    A’m Gaitwa stephen,
    A’m 48 years of age,i wanted to know
    What is the maximum age of getting PSBD license for Security guard Supervisor?
    Can i get a license at the age of 48 years to work in Abu Dhabi or Ajman?
    What is the cost of getting PSBD license for Supervisor ?
    I will be happy with your positive response

    • Maximum age for PSBD guard is 50 , still you have not crossed the age limit. The cost for course must bear by the company not individual.

  22. Sir, we are in construction company in Abu Dhabi, we would like to give have our own security with training and to obtain certificates.
    could you please advise us the procedures and cost.

    • I am afraid that, company may not hire you as the security guard. If security company offer you job then it does not problem for PSBD.

  26. Hi sir ,
    I have Dubai experience SIRA validation still I’m working one of the company but I want joining UAE Psbd ( pscod ) how can I apply online or Any company through opportunity ? Please also Directly Requirements any company you know sir please let me the name of companies or Genuine Consultant’s HR please suggest me

  35. Hi Mr. Rangga how are you Bandhu-bhai….I would like to inform you that I have a 5.5 years of experience in G4S Qatar as a security guard,and i am very much skilled in communicate the peoples through multiple languages including arabic and English,but my hight is 5`6″ five feet and six Inc and has the 12 pass certificates and wait about 80 kg..Is i am capable to apply for a security job in UAE..If i am capable to apply for then which companies would be suggested for me by you..and how could i?

  38. Hey Ranga Sir, my height is 5.7 ( 171 cm) is it ok in psbd? Second is that which company in recent hiring for security guard plus does company pay charges for psbd / or company hire us without psbd?

  40. Sir please answer all the question because i am thinking to get training from sira from monday.
    1.What is minimum height required for psbd?
    2.Fresher can apply with 0 years experience in psbd?
    3.Without getting psbd license does company hire and then if we get selected company pays from itself for psbd ?
    4.And what is minimum weight for psbd?

    • 1. 5.6 feet
      2. at least 2 years of experienced
      3. Yes, company hire you first and send for training.
      4. there is not any weight limitation.

  42. Sir Do you know any company in Dubai is first hiring and then sending us for sira training, if yes then please tell so that i can save my 1700 aed if company do by itself. I am capable enough to crack companies interview but i have little bit money shortage.

  43. Name the companies sir who hires people and then send for sira training, so that i can save 1700aed because i have shortage of money

  47. Hello Mr. Ranga,

    I have a plan to open a security company in ajman, do you know the procedure to obtain the license? For Dubai it’s DED and Sira, for I have no idea for Ajman security company trade license and PSBD license, I would really appreciate your response

    Thanks

  49. Hello sir!
    Before I worked in Abudhabi as a psbd security for 4yrs and now again I want to do the same job, can you please assist me how can i apply for psbd security in Abudhabi.

  50. Hello sir , previously I was working at Abu Dhabi as a security guard and I resigned at 2017. Now again I came back at another security company here in UAE and finish my NSI training.But for psbd exam they are saying to cancel the previous Psbd license and I don’t have any idea how and where too do it. So could you please give me some guidelines on that , i will be very thankful and grateful to you.

  52. Hello sir,
    I am in qatar now, can i apply visa from qatar?
    I have 4 years experience of same field.

  55. Sir! I’m in Dubai And Want To Join Security Guard But How To Join Security Guard.Which One Company Have I’m not Geeting That.So Can you Suggest Me About This..

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