How To Become A Security Guard - Guard Card Training
In order to have any chance of getting a job as a security guard you’ll need to have what’s commonly referred to as a “guard card”. Formally this is called a “security guard license”. The law in most states says that you cannot be hired by a company without one.
The amount of training necessary in order to get licensed varies. In some states it can be done, at a minimum level, with just 1 day of instruction from a recognized security guard school. Any reputable school will know the application process and the legal requirements thoroughly so go by what they say when you contact them. Even in the few states where training is not a legal requirement most employers will still expect to see that you have undergone some form of training before they’ll hire you.
While most security guard training centers will provide you with a great deal of essential training it must be said that the real training will begin once you start work on patrol for real. Try to learn from more experienced colleagues and follow their lead until you have built up some experience of your own. When people ask “how do you become a security guard?” This is probably the most effective way.
While your responsibilities will differ from one working environment to the next you will certainly need a thorough understanding of all security guard duties. Most emergencies can be lessened through adequate preparation. Simple things such as knowing who to contact in event of “x” or “y” happening is one crucial point. Don’t think it’s the responsibilities of others to tell you this – ask them yourself and get the information. Different situations will require you to contact different people.
99.5% of your days will undoubtedly be very normal however as we all know “you can never tell” what will happen from one day to the next. Do you understand what to do if the elevator alarm goes off? What about crowd control in the event of a bomb scare? Good quality security guard classes should prepare you for these eventualities no matter how remote they may at first sound.
One of the most important aspects that comes with any position of power is how you behave and conduct yourself. Your training will teach you exactly where the lines are drawn and which ones you cannot cross when dealing with the public.
Where to Get a Security Guard Card
Security is a booming field these days with jobs opening up in schools, corporate headquarters and even restaurants. There is an increased call for security personnel to work in the insurance industry investigating fraud and as process servers. Training is available and it is not costly.
Requirements
Requirements vary from state to state. Some states require only that you are older than 18 years of age and have no felony convictions before they will issue a guard cards, while others require that you attend classes. In Illinois, you can get a Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC) without guard training. This is basically a State Police background check but it allows you to apply for a guard job.
Certified Schools
Find out who licenses the security guard training schools. In Illinois, it is the secretary of state, in California it is the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services and in New York it is the Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Public Safety. Call a general information number for your state government to be directed to the proper authority. They can also tell you what the requirements are in your state.
The List
If you find that you need training to get the guard card, ask the licensing agency for a list of the certified training facilities in your area. Contact them and find out when the next class offerings are. States typically require 20 to 40 hours of training.