California Security Guard Cards
The Benefits of California Security Guard Cards
If you have a California security guard card and are a legal US resident, you pretty much have all the documentation required to work security for most companies in the State. One of the best options is to work in what is known as “in-house security” where you work directly as an employee for a company as opposed to working for an independent security guard company. There are several advantages to in-house security guard jobs. For starters, they pay in generally a few dollars an hour higher because there is no guard company acting as a middle man between you and the company you work for. Also, your relationship is directly with you employer, so you often get many additional benefits security guard companies don’t normally offer, such as health benefits.
Unfortunately though, in today’s competitive job environment, most in-house security guard jobs are hard to come by. For this reason, most security guards have no choice but to take alternate work. That's why most officers who have a California guard card choose to work for security guard companies.
If you go to Google, and you search in your local area for security guard companies, there's a very good chance that you will find a number of them located near you. Most guard companies are constantly looking for officers because the turn-over of security officers is quite high. If you're looking for a job, it's best to apply to as many guard companies as possible. That way you'll have more opportunities. Always bring a resume with you when you go on a job interview, even if it's not asked of you.
If you have a California guard card, you have passed a fairly rigorous background check. There is a criminal background check done through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services. Companies take comfort in knowing that such a background check has been conducted. Some may not be aware of this fact, so it might be a good thing to remind them of if such concerns are important to them.
The nice thing about having a California guard card is that there are almost always jobs available. The pay may not be the best, but if you search the internet or look in the paper you are sure to find at least a few job openings. It's stable work and that counts for something, especially in this economy.
There are many places to get a California guard card. As mentioned, this requires that you pass a background check. You will also need to pass an eight hour training course and be at least eighteen years of age. The course work requirements can be done online or you can enroll in a school. The total cost for the course, background check and license, typically runs approximately $175- $250 depending mostly on the cost of the school you choose.
No matter what you do, if you're seriously thinking about becoming a security guard you really need to get your license. In fact, it's illegal to work in California without you guard card. It's not that expensive considering all of the benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Get certified today!
