3 answers
marley
Student
Springfield, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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What do need to need to become a professional security guard?
What kind of education did you complete to get where you are today? Did you need to complete college or any other kind of requirements?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
656
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Yes, I did complete college, which enabled me to get future administrative positions in the security industry.
What really turned me into a professional, is the certifications that I obtained. Many security companies have training and education programs, where you can obtain specific levels of professional security guard certifications.
I also became a member of a professional security officer national organization (IFPO), and passed their national certification exams. So, there are many opportunities for you to improve your skills, get certifications, and increase your knowledge and professional level within the security occupation.
What really turned me into a professional, is the certifications that I obtained. Many security companies have training and education programs, where you can obtain specific levels of professional security guard certifications.
I also became a member of a professional security officer national organization (IFPO), and passed their national certification exams. So, there are many opportunities for you to improve your skills, get certifications, and increase your knowledge and professional level within the security occupation.
James Hanzel
Corrections and Security
236
Answers
Cape Coral, Florida
Updated
James’s Answer
Hello!
It varies sometimes. I know in my home state of California you will need your "guard card." This basically means you have passed certain courses in order to become a basically trained security guard. This is the only qualification for most jobs in security. The only other requirement I can think of that might be an issue is if you have a criminal record. You will need to obtain a firearm for some security jobs.
It varies sometimes. I know in my home state of California you will need your "guard card." This basically means you have passed certain courses in order to become a basically trained security guard. This is the only qualification for most jobs in security. The only other requirement I can think of that might be an issue is if you have a criminal record. You will need to obtain a firearm for some security jobs.
James, thank you!
marley
Jason Flint
Crisis Response and Workplace Experience
37
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Marley,
You can get into the security guard industry with as little as a HS diploma. The catch is that the more education and training you have like a Criminal Justice 2 or 4-year degree or physical security certification, the better off you will be competing for supervisor roles and moving your career along. Some companies like to see firearm training or licenses, no prior criminal record, sometimes a state-issued investigator license and you may also need to pass a drug test. Each company, location and client is different so doing some research will help.
You can get into the security guard industry with as little as a HS diploma. The catch is that the more education and training you have like a Criminal Justice 2 or 4-year degree or physical security certification, the better off you will be competing for supervisor roles and moving your career along. Some companies like to see firearm training or licenses, no prior criminal record, sometimes a state-issued investigator license and you may also need to pass a drug test. Each company, location and client is different so doing some research will help.