About Security Guard Schools
What You Need To Know About Security Guard Schools
The security industry is growing. Demand for guards is high and each year more and more positions are available despite the slow economy. The first step to becoming a security officer is to get educated in the field and to make sure that you meet all of the requirements to get a security guard license, commonly referred to as a guard card. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
The rules governing the security profession vary from state to state. The very first you should do is contact the agency in your state that regulates security training and licensing to learn their guard card licensing requirements. In some states the application process is fairly simple, while in others, it can be a little more challenging. In most all states you can expect to get a guard card in less than two weeks.
One thing you should expect for certain though is that you will be required to pass a background check. This means having a clean criminal record. Most states will also require you to be 18 years old.
Most states also have exam and educational requirements. Some will require you to enroll in a security guard school and pass a basic introductory security guard training course. Security guard schools are licensed by the state to provide educational training to security professionals. So if you are required to enroll and take a course, be sure to confirm with your state bureau that the security guard school you are considering is approved to provide basic guard card training.
It is also a good idea to talk to at least a few security guard schools before you decide to enroll in one. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Ask them how much they charge for the course because rarely do they all schools cost the same. Find out what their cancellation policy is in case you do are not happy and want your money back. Also, find out if there is an exam and what the penalties are if you don’t pass on your first attempt. Are there any penalties for failing? And, is there a waiting period before you are allowed to take it again?
Lastly, have them explain the steps you will need to go through to get your new guard card. Will you have to submit the paperwork or will they do this for you? What will the total cost be to you? Most good security guard schools should be able to answer all of these answers and provide basic assistance in getting your guard card.
A few states allow you enroll online. Online security guard schools tend to be cheaper and allow you to train at your pace. This can be a big advantage if you are someone who has a busy schedule.
Most guard card certification courses can be completed in as little as one to two days. In the course you will be taught the basic duties and responsibilities you will need to know as a security guard. These include such things as your powers to arrest, weapons of mass destruction and terrorism awareness, and how to write reports and interact safely with the public. Remember to pay close attention to the course material because you will likely be tested on it. Most tests are simple provided that you have paid attention to the course material.
Once you are finished, you will soon have your new guard card and be ready to start an exciting new career as a security officer.
