The security guard training industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry that is consistently growing every year. There is a high demand for security professionals in a variety of fields and industries including healthcare, real estate, transportation, retail business, entertainment, drinking establishments and many more. In fact, virtually every industry has a need for well-trained security professionals in one capacity or another and security guard training security guard training is just the way to meet that need.
Not only are there countless jobs and career opportunities for those willing to undergo security training for the wide range of security jobs needed to keep the world going, but there is also a huge market for security guard training services for those with a law enforcement background. For experienced former law enforcement officers, the security training industry offers a fantastic opportunity to build a business from the ground up using the experience and skills you developed in public service. Your security guard training services may be limited to consulting for other security firms or private companies, or it may extend to actually providing security guard training to the guards in your own security company.
There are a variety of areas where your skills as a former law enforcement officer can help you in providing security guard training services. Depending on the jurisdiction and the individual’s background, some ex-law enforcement officers will likely have to seek additional licenses in order to qualify to train security guards, though some ex-law enforcement officers may have existing qualifications, depending on their law enforcement background and their previous involvement in security training.
For those looking for security guard jobs, security guard training opens a door to a number of job and career opportunities in a variety of positions and industries. Private security companies offer security guard jobs ranging from entry-level, minimum wage positions guarding residential apartments, office buildings, and shopping malls, to lucrative high end bodyguard work and security consulting.
Entry level security guard jobs tend to be fairly routine, but can also involve occasional situations filled with extreme danger. While there is generally not a great deal of physical stress or rigor on the body, on occasion security guards may be forced into physical confrontations. The frequency and presence of physical confrontations at security guard jobs will depend highly on the nature of the security work. A security guard at a club for example (also known as bouncers), may be called upon regularly to physically escort drunks and criminals off of the owner’s premises. On the other hand, a security guard at an upscale condominium will likely be instructed to call the police on the rare chance that a situation escalates to the point of physical confrontation.
Unlike police officers, security guards are never made to take vows to dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the public. The specific duties of a security guard will vary depending on their position and the type of security work they’re performing, but it will generally consist of enforcing company rules, protecting company lives and property, as well as prevention and deterrence of crime on company property. Duties may also include contacting police if situations escalate beyond a security guard’s scope of duties, or even handcuffing and restraining suspects, depending on the security guard’s scope of power. Security guards may also be expected to take accurate notes as evidence for criminal prosecution or police investigations, as well as file reports according to company policy.
Additionally, security guards may be expected to perform emergency first aid services in the scope of their duties should the situation arise. Security guards may also be called upon to offer assistance to customers and personnel on the companies’ premises.
In order to become a security guard, bodyguard, bouncer, security officer, or other form of security professional, you will need to seek certified security training in most states and jurisdictions. These services can be obtained from private security companies that offer training courses to aspiring security professionals looking to work for their company, and they can also be obtained by enrolling in private classes that offer security guard training. The benefit to choosing the former route is that the company will often pay for your training. However, private security companies may require that you meet certain job requirements before offering you free security guard training.
While the requirements will vary from state to state and country to country, in general those looking to obtain security guard licensing will need to be at least 18 years of age, pass a criminal record check, and be otherwise eligible for employment in the jurisdiction.
This may require security guard training in the form of live classroom training or online security guard training. While there are a few states that do not require licensing to do basic, entry level security guard work, most states and countries do require a license. You can contact your local job service center or contact a private security training company in your area. Depending on the jurisdiction, security guard licensing courses may include coverage of the following skills and knowledge:
You can apply for security guard jobs at a variety of private security companies as well as private businesses looking for independent security guards. While most businesses will contract out their security work to private security guard firms, some companies will have their own security department.
For those seeking a long term career in the security industry, applying for jobs in a private security firm offers the greatest potential for career advancement. You will have the potential to move up to management positions, while entry level security guards hired independently for private businesses usually do not have much opportunity for significant advancement.
In many jurisdictions, particularly jurisdictions where the carrying of firearms is extremely regulated, additional licensing may be required in order to become an armed security guard. Courses centering on weapons handling, weapons safety and use of force training will generally be required before one can apply to security guard positions that require the potential use of a firearm. Many security guard positions don’t require firearms, but for some, such as security guards protecting armored trucks or banks, it is a necessity.
Armed security jobs that require firearms often pay more, but the pay difference may not always be significant. Be sure to do your research and ask yourself whether the additional responsibility and potential danger of armed security work is worth the extra pay. In some cases, armed security guard training will be worth it, in other cases, it may not be. However, if you plan to pursue a long term career as a security professional, you will definitely need to seek armed security guard training at some point in order to advance your career.
So what can your security guard training earn you in terms of salary? Salaries in the security industry vary greatly and will depend significantly on your jurisdiction as well as the presence or lack thereof of a union. Entry level security guards at malls, apartment buildings, or other private businesses will likely earn close to minimum wage. Bouncers, low level body guards, and armed truck drivers may earn anywhere from $15-25 an hour.
The higher salaries in the security guard industry are for those providing high-end consultancy services. Generally, these also require a higher level of skill, and may also require an ex-military or ex-law enforcement officer background. Whether it involves putting highly specialized ex-military bodyguards to protect personnel in war zones or gaining high-volume security training contracts for governments and large corporations, those with experience and an entrepreneurial mindset can make a very good career or business in the security or security training industries.
Security guard training courses and curriculums will differ from state to state, but NYC is a good illustration of the type of training and study that goes into becoming a licensed security guard. The requirements to be an entry-level unarmed security guard in New York City are fairly low. In addition to passing basic eligibility requirements which include being at least 18 years of age, being a citizen or resident of the United States, passing an FBI criminal background check, and entering your fingerprint into a database, you will also need to take an 8 hour security guard training course prior to receiving security guard assignment.
After completion of your security guard training courses, you will receive a Security Guard Registration Card from the Department of State which will qualify you to perform basic security guard duties. Your security guard training course must be completed at an approved security guard school in New York. Within your first 90 days on the job, all new security guards must complete an additional 16 hours of on the job security guard training requirements.
On the other coast, the security guard training requirements in California are fairly similar to the New York requirements. Anyone applying for a license to work as an unarmed security guard must be at least 18 years of age, pass a criminal background check through the California Department of Justice as well as the FBI, and complete a 40 hour course administered by a certified training facility, or any private patrol operator (private security companies).
The 40 hours of security guard training necessary to become a security guard in California is split into 3 separate requirements. Prior to working as security guard, the individual must undergo 8 hours of “Power to Arrest” training, which familiarizes the recruit with the scope of a security guard’s powers. He/she must also pass an examination related to this material. When the potential security guard has completed all background checks as well as the first 8 hours of training, he is granted an interim security guard registration insert random backlink seo link building service which allows him to be placed on assignment.
Within the first 30 days after being assigned to a post, the security guard must undergo an additional 16 hours of training within the first 30 days of assignment, as well as another 16 hours of training within the first 6 months in order to qualify for a full security guard registration.
Some jurisdictions will allow you to fulfill your basic security guard training & licensing requirements online. Online security guard training will have lessons, exercises, and tests like classroom courses and will usually allow for interaction between students and instructions.
The biggest benefits that online security guard training offer are convenience and affordability. Online security guard training courses can be completed in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This can be especially beneficial if you’re busy with full-time employment. You’ll likely have to contact your local government offices to find out if online licensing fulfills the licensing requirements of your state or municipality.
If your jurisdiction requires emergency first aid and CPR training, this will likely have to be administered in a classroom. However, the majority of security guard licensing requirements may be completed online in most states.
If you’re an individual with a basic level of physical fitness who can display good judgment and common sense, are able to take direction and follow rules and guidelines, have a good deal of patience but can also take charge under pressure, then a career in private security may be perfect for you.
While some security companies will look to hire security guards with higher education or a ex-police or ex-military background, there are plenty of entry-level opportunities for those with minimal experience and a high school education. But whether you have a wealth of experience in the security field or nothing but a high-school diploma, the most important qualification for being a security guard is a responsible attitude and a willingness to learn. For anything else, that’s what security guard training is for.
Are you curious about what a typical day of security guard training looks like? Do you want to get more prepared and ace your certification? You’re in luck – this article will explain what you can expect in your training courses, how to prepare for the tests, and the most important things to remember while training.
First of all, it is important to recognize that security guard requirements differ from state to state and country to country. To properly prepare for your security guard certification, search the requirements for your state/country and make sure you are continually referring to them throughout your training. Secondly, you should note that while most training will qualify you to work as a security guard, you may need extra licensing and training to carry a weapon.
While in training, you can expect the course to be broken up into classroom time and time spent learning the skills. For example, a typical training day could include 5 hours of instructional classroom time and 3 hours of skills practice. Generally, an individual will need to accumulate around 40 hours of instructional time and pass a final exam by using quality article writing. Throughout the security guard training course, you will learn things such as the ethical code of conduct, how to write reports, emergency response skills, basic security procedures, use of force training and how to communicate effectively. All of these skills are extremely important and you should not take any of them lightly.
Some states allow security guards to get certified online. If you choose to go this route, make sure that you are prepared to do this without the support of classmates or lectures. This is a great option for those who are self-starters and motivated to succeed, but can be a hassle for those who learn better in classrooms.
It is recommended by most instructors that students pre-read the course material before class. This allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts and skills mentioned. Keeping a learning journal is also a handy technique. This journal can be used to record course information and insights. As you work your way through the training, you will often have quizzes on lecture materials. Make sure you have studied and have an excellent grasp on the concepts.
To prepare for the examinations, most security guard courses offer practice tests. Use these to your advantage and take them as much as possible. Usually, instructors are more than wiling to help if you find yourself struggling or unable to understand a concept or technique. Part of becoming a security guard is being a responsible person – responsible for other’s safety, wellbeing, and your own training. Using all your resources to succeed will make you an outstanding security guard.
Your security guard training will no doubt be a challenge, but knowing the requirements beforehand, using lecture materials to your advantage and paying attention during lectures will make it a fun and interesting journey. Remember these simple tips and you’ll pass your training with flying colors!