Becoming a security guard requires minimum requirements such as age and education, and specialized training may be necessary depending on the situation. Armed guards require additional training, while highly technical fields such as casinos require more extensive training and offer higher salaries.
The requirements for becoming a security guard vary by state or country, although they are generally much more relaxed than they would be for a full law enforcement certification. In most cases, security guards have no more power or authority than the average citizen and therefore may require very little specialized training. In other cases, if a guard is armed or working in a highly technical environment, more training is almost always required.
A person usually must meet some minimum requirements to get this job, including age and education. At a minimum, he or she must be at least 18 years of age in most cases. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, although these requirements vary from employer to employer.
Depending on the situation, some places may require specialized classes for anyone wanting to become a licensed security guard. Licensing may not be necessary in all cases, but it does add some credibility to the person’s authority. Classes often look at issues such as property rights, arresting suspects and other elements of criminal justice. This class or classes can usually be completed in just a few weeks.
In some cases, such as those working in retail outlets, very little other training will be required to become a security guard. Some guards, for example, may simply patrol parking lots or keep an eye on things at the door, and very few specialized skills are required. At most what might be needed in these situations is a valid driver’s license.
In order to become a security guard authorized to carry a weapon, some additional training will also be required, centered on the handling and safety of weapons. In some cases, even a psychological profile may be necessary. Paying for armed guards is generally higher than paying for unarmed guards.
In other cases, highly technical training and surveillance techniques may be required to function as a security guard. These applications are especially important in casinos and some museums. In these situations, substantially more training may be required. In casinos, for example, not only will the guards learn about surveillance technology, they will also be taught some of the more common cheating techniques. Since a lot of training and knowledge is required, salaries are usually higher in these positions.
Those who want to become a security guard usually don’t for an extremely long period of time unless they are in one of these highly technical fields. Many who work in retail or guard warehouses cannot earn much more than the required minimum wage. Still, for someone looking for part-time work or using the position in preparation for another career change, it could be a good occupation.
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