Language Skills in Security Training: What You Need to Know
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Numeracy Skills in Security Training: What You Need and Why It Matters
Numeracy and the Security Role
Numeracy skills go far beyond classroom maths – they’re part of everyday decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. In the security industry, basic numeracy is essential for safety, reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency.
At Asset College, we work with students from all backgrounds and levels of confidence with numbers. This article will help you understand the role numeracy plays in security training and employment, what’s expected of you, and what your options are if this is an area where you need support.
At Asset College, we work with students from all backgrounds and levels of confidence with numbers. This article will help you understand the role numeracy plays in security training and employment, what’s expected of you, and what your options are if this is an area where you need support.
What Is Numeracy?
Numeracy refers to your ability to:
- Understand and work with numbers
- Use time, distance, and measurement accurately
- Apply basic maths skills to workplace tasks
- Read and interpret numerical information (e.g. rosters, signs, ratios, quantities)
It’s not about algebra or complex formulas – it’s about practical number use in real-world situations.
Where Numeracy Is Used in Security Work
Security officers rely on numeracy for tasks such as:
- Reading and following shift schedules or rosters
- Estimating crowd sizes or safe capacity limits
- Recording time, dates, and sequences accurately in reports
- Calculating durations (e.g. length of patrols or response times)
- Understanding dimensions and layouts of buildings for patrol or evacuation
- Applying basic ratios for compliance (e.g. staff-to-patron ratios)
- Handling evidence or incident details involving quantities, distances, or times
Even small errors in numbers can affect legal records, public safety, or job performance.
Numeracy in Security Training
During your course, you may be required to:
- Read times, distances or numbers in learning materials
- Calculate timelines or sequences during scenario tasks
- Interpret figures in role-play simulations
- Record accurate numeric details in incident reports or forms
- Complete short maths-based questions as part of your assessment
The numeracy required aligns with Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) levels relevant to the qualification – usually Level 2 or 3.
Numeracy Assessment at Enrolment
As part of the enrolment process, you’ll complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment.
The numeracy component may include tasks such as:
The numeracy component may include tasks such as:
- Reading timetables or rosters
- Solving simple word problems
- Performing basic addition, subtraction or time calculations
- Estimating and rounding
- Interpreting signs or symbols with numerical meaning
This isn’t about catching you out – it’s about making sure you’re prepared for training and the real-world responsibilities that follow.
What If Numeracy Isn’t My Strength?
If your numeracy skills need improvement, we’ll work with you to explore options such as:
- Referral to external program, such as:
- Foundation numeracy courses
- The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program
- Community education centres offering adult maths support
- Deferring your enrolment to complete a prep course
- Exploring training options with different numeracy demands
These steps can help you build confidence and reduce the risk of struggling once the course begins.
Reasonable Adjustments and Our Limits
We consider reasonable adjustments where possible, such as using visual aids or allowing calculator use (where appropriate). However, we will not provide adjustments that:
- Remove the need to complete numeracy-based tasks
- Compromise the integrity of the qualification
- Pose safety risks or allow misunderstandings in compliance situations
- Interfere with the participation of others in group activities
Numeracy is not optional – it’s a core requirement of both training and real-world security work.
Decision-Making Checklist: Am I Numeracy Ready?
Ask yourself:
- Can I read and understand timetables, dates, and rosters?
- Can I calculate how log something took or how long is left?
- Can I estimate distances or directions when describing an incident?
- Can I follow instructions that involve basic maths (e.g. “check every 15 minutes”)?
- Can I use simple tools (like a calculator or phone app) to check numbers when needed?
If you’re unsure or struggle with any of the above, we encourage you to speak with our team or consider a foundation skills course before enrolling.
Confidence Through Numbers
If you haven’t used maths in a while or have always felt uncomfortable with numbers, you’re not alone – and it doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your goals. What matters is your willingness to prepare, seek support, and build the confidence you need to succeed.
Asset College is here to guide you – with honesty, support, and respect for your individual journey.
Asset College is here to guide you – with honesty, support, and respect for your individual journey.
Disclaimer
Please note: While Asset College supports students with varying skill levels, training programs are aligned to industry expectations. LLN and digital skills assessments help us identify whether students are currently prepared to begin training. Completing the course does not guarantee a security licence or employment. We encourage all students to consider their readiness carefully and seek support if needed before enrolling.
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