Security Guard Training - How to Become a Security Guard

Security Guard Training | How to Become a Security Guard | Our TOP Recommendations
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• Nature of the Work - Security guards, also referred to as security officers, patrol and inspect property to protect against vandalism, fire, terrorism, theft, and illegal activity. These individuals guard their employer’s investment, deter criminal activity and other problems, and enforce laws and regulations on the property.
  
• How to Become a Security Guard - A growing number of states are instituting ongoing training as a legal requirement for retaining a license. Guards may train in public relations, protection, crisis deterrence, report writing, first aid, and receive specific training in accordance with their particular assignment.
  
• Other Qualifications - Most jobs require employees to have a valid driver’s license. For jobs as armed guards, employers often look for people who have had responsible experience in other careers. Rigorous screening and hiring programs include background, criminal record, and fingerprint checks and are becoming the norm in the industry.

Security Guard Training | How to Become a Security Guard

Guards who work at organizations that place a heavy emphasis on security typically receive extensive formal training. For instance, nuclear power plant guards go through several months of intense training prior to going on duty and then perform their tasks under careful supervision for a long period of time. They learn how to operate alarm systems and electronic security equipment, use firearms, administer first aid, and identify and manage security problems.

Gaming surveillance officers and investigators typically require some training after high school but not always a bachelor’s degree. Some schools offer certification programs. Classroom training is typically completed in a casino-like atmosphere and covers the use of surveillance camera equipment. Prior security experience is a plus. Employers prefer people with experience working in casinos and prior knowledge of casino operations or people with investigation and law enforcement experience.


Security Graduate - Job Outlook

The job outlook for gaming surveillance officers and security guards should be quite good. A number of job openings will arise from employment growth, influenced by the need for increased security, and from the need to replace workers who leave the industry each year.

Employment of security guards is anticipated to increase by 17 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is quicker than the average for all careers. This career will see the creation of a large number of new jobs, approximately 175,000 over the projected decade. As crime, vandalism, and terrorism continues to spur the need for security, the need for guards will also increase as private security firms continue to perform duties that were previously provided by police officers like handling security at public events and in residential neighborhoods.

Employment of gaming surveillance officers is projected to grow by 34 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is far quicker than the average for all careers. Casinos will need to acquire more surveillance officers as more states legalize gambling and as the number of casinos continues to grow where gambling is already legal. Also, casino security forces will need to hire more technically proficient personnel as technology advances in preventing casino cheating and theft.


Security Guard Training - Earnings Statistics

Average annual wage-and-salary incomes of security guards were $21,030 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent made between $17,500 and $27,500. The lowest 10 percent made less than $15,000, and the top 10 percent made more than $35,750.

Related Occupations: Guards maintain security, safeguard property, and enforce standards and regulations of conduct in the organizations where they are employed. Related occupations in the security and protective services include police and detectives, correctional officers, gaming services, and private detectives and investigators.

Security Guard Training - Schools - Colleges - Universities

There are an excellent number of choices for Security Guard Training. Online colleges and universities now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for security guard training.


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