Security training is an exciting step towards a new career or a way to expand your existing skills. For those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, it’s important to understand how different types of training may affect you.
At Asset College, safety and wellbeing are at the centre of everything we do. Entry-level security courses are carefully designed to be safe and supportive, but pregnancy does bring additional considerations. This article provides balanced guidance to help you make an informed decision about participating in security training. While some courses remain accessible with adjustments, others involve higher levels of physical activity and may be best deferred until after pregnancy. Ultimately, the choice is yours, made in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Understanding the Risks in Security Training
Security training combines classroom theory with practical skills. For students who are pregnant, the most relevant considerations relate to the physical and role play components of training.
| Risk Area | What It Involves | Why It Matters During Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Exertion | Training often requires standing for periods of time, moving around the classroom, and practising skills. | Even low to moderate exertion can feel more tiring during pregnancy. Comfort, posture, and fatigue should be managed. |
| Role Play Scenarios | Students participate in simulated situations such as managing conflict or performing CPR. These are controlled and designed for safety. | Role plays may involve sudden movement or low-level physical stress, which can be uncomfortable or tiring during pregnancy. |
| Contact Skills | Some courses (especially advanced) involve practising holds, restraints, or defensive techniques. | These activities carry higher risk of falls, bumps, or strain and are generally not recommended during pregnancy. |
| Stress and Fatigue | Training days can be long and sometimes physically or mentally demanding. | Pregnancy can increase fatigue, and extended training sessions may feel more challenging. |
Entry-Level Security Training (Certificate II in Security Operations)
The Certificate II in Security Operations is the entry point for most people beginning a career in security. This course is structured to be highly controlled, supportive, and accessible for a wide range of learners. The practical components involve basic security procedures, controlled role play scenarios, and physical activities such as performing CPR.
For students who are pregnant, participation in Certificate II training is generally safe. The key is to inform your trainer so that they can assist with managing risks and adapting activities if necessary. For example, they can modify role play scenarios, allow additional rest breaks, or adjust physical tasks to suit your comfort level.
Even though the course is controlled, we still recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before enrolling. They can provide advice specific to your stage of pregnancy and overall health, helping you make the decision that’s best for you.
Higher-Level Security Training
While entry-level training is generally safe with adjustments, many advanced security courses involve dynamic physical skills and simulation-based learning that carry higher levels of risk during pregnancy. These risks include falls, physical impact, close contact, strain, and elevated heart rate during defensive drills. For this reason, participation in these courses is not recommended while pregnant.
Examples of higher-level courses with greater physical demands include:
- Certificate III in Security Operations – involves more complex role play, restraint practice, and defensive techniques.
- Certificate III in Close Protection Operations – physically demanding, with protective movement drills and simulated high-pressure environments.
- Batons and Handcuffs course – requires practising close contact and equipment-based control techniques.
- Defensive Tactics course – dynamic drills, physical confrontation methods, and simulated combat.
- Diploma of Operational Safety (select units) – intensive physical simulation and defensive skills training.
- Security Firearms Course – adds live fire components, with specific risks related to pregnancy.
Because of the physical intensity of these programs, deferring enrolment until after pregnancy is generally the safest option.
When to Reconsider Participation
Deciding whether to undertake security training during pregnancy depends largely on the type of course.
- Certificate II in Security Operations: With trainer support and medical advice, this entry-level course is usually manageable. Informing your trainer ensures they can adjust activities, provide rest breaks, and help manage fatigue.
- Higher-Level Security Training: Courses that include physical contact, restraint practice, defensive tactics, or firearms training are not recommended while pregnant. These activities carry higher risks that outweigh the benefits of completing the course at this stage.
At all levels, consulting with your healthcare provider before enrolling is strongly advised. They can help you decide what level of training is appropriate for you.
Alternative Options
If now is not the right time to participate fully in security training, there are still pathways available.
- Defer your course: If you have already enrolled, our team can assist you in rescheduling your training until after pregnancy. This ensures you don’t miss out on your qualification but can return when it is safer and more comfortable.
- Complete theory components: Some courses include classroom-based or online learning that can be completed before returning for the practical training. Please note that practical components are mandatory for course completion and cannot be substituted.
Our trainers and student support team are available to discuss the best option for your circumstances.
Making the Best Choice for You
Security training can be a rewarding step towards new opportunities, but pregnancy requires some additional care when making decisions about participation. Entry-level training such as the Certificate II in Security Operations is generally safe with trainer support and medical clearance, while higher-level, more physical courses are best deferred until after pregnancy.
The most important step is to seek medical advice before enrolling. Your healthcare provider can help you assess whether it is the right time to participate and, if so, what level of activity is suitable for you. Informing your trainer is equally important so that they can adapt training and provide support throughout your course.
Pregnancy does not mean stepping away from your interest in security training, but it does mean approaching it with care. In summary:
- Certificate II in Security Operations is generally safe with adjustments, but medical advice is recommended.
- Higher-level courses that include dynamic simulations, defensive tactics, or firearms training are not recommended during pregnancy.
- Deferring training or completing theory components first are safe alternatives until after pregnancy.
By making informed choices and consulting your doctor, you can ensure your training goals align with your health and wellbeing.
