How to Become a Security Guard: Requirements, Training, and Applying for Jobs

Do you like helping people? Are you in search of a new career that is fulfilling and empowering?  Are you a quick thinker, with good people skills and a flexible schedule? 

If this hits close to home, then maybe becoming a security guard is for you! 

In this blog post, we will discuss how to become a security guard. There are many requirements and steps that are involved.  These include training, the application process, background checks, physical agility tests (in some cases), and lastly, finding the right type of security position for your personality.  

Becoming a security guard is a job that many people are interested in.  It can be a great career choice for those who are looking to make money while doing something meaningful. 

In this blog post, we'll talk about how to become a security guard and what is required of you in a job like this.

Training:

If you are interested in becoming a security officer, the first thing that you will need to do is get trained.

There are many different types of schools or providers who offer these courses and many can be taken online.  If you’re looking for efficient, high-quality training programs that you can complete online, you can find them here.

Before choosing a program, you’ll want to check your state’s requirements and complete the program that is right for you.

Some examples of typical requirements are:

- 18 years of age or older (some states may have a higher minimum)

- A high school diploma or GED certificate. Some companies will accept a military discharge paper that shows you completed boot camp, instead of this requirement.

- Have not been convicted of any felony charges in the last three years and cannot have any pending charges

- Pass a background check and physical examination.

Some companies will require you to pass an oral interview, but this is not common for all security guard jobs.

Most states also have requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to work as a security guard or officer including:

- Must complete the company’s training

- Must have a valid state driver’s license or Department of Motor Vehicle identification card.

- Pass the company's onsite physical examination and drug screening test, if required by law

This is not an extensive list; there are other requirements that may need to be fulfilled in order for you to become a security guard. In fact, it is a good idea to contact your department of labor or the company you are applying for work with.

Application Process:

Of course, in order to apply for a security guard position, you will need to find an employer that is hiring. In order to do this, there are many different places where you can post your resume for the public to see such as:

- Online job boards

- Employment agencies

- Company websites  

Once you've found a company you would like to work for, you'll need to follow the company's application process.

When applying, be sure to include basic information such as your name and contact details. You will also want to provide a resume with all of your previous jobs listed in chronological order on top of any other experience that may pertain to security work.  If you're curious about what a security guard resume should look like, check out our other blog post.

 

Is Becoming A Security Guard Right For You?

While working as a security guard can be a very rewarding job, it can also be very difficult. Security guards are sometimes required to work long hours and often deal with irate customers, not to mention the physical strain.

With that said, there certainly are benefits to working as a security guard. Aside from gaining valuable experience in customer service or law enforcement, security guards are often offered competitive hourly wages and benefits packages.

In general, it's important to think about what type of person would be successful as a security guard before pursuing this career path. If you're someone who is responsible, has good communication skills, and enjoys dealing with people - then becoming a  security guard may be a perfect fit!

On the other hand, if have a hard time dealing with tense situations - then this career might not be for you. Security guards often need to have good physical stamina and definitely need confidence in their decision-making skills.

It's helpful if you're a good problem solver with the ability to make good decisions in dangerous circumstances, as security guards need to be ready for these situations.

At the end of the day, security work can be a great job for the right person.  With competitive pay, unique hours, and intrinsic rewards included, it's easy to see why so many people go down this career path.

As with any major career choice, it's critical to weigh up all of the options and make the best choice for your unique situation.

As always, if you need any training or are seeking more information on the security industry, we're here to help!