All individuals who work as security guards and interact with the general public in the State of California are required to hold a state issued security guard license, commonly referred to in the business as a California guard card. Finding employment as a security officer without first having a guard card can be very challenging and will, in pretty much all cases, be illegal should you start working. This will explain the method to most easily and inexpensively acquire a California guard card.

However, before you even start the process, you’ll want to first make certain that you meet the general eligibility requirements. As long as you are at least eighteen years of age and have no criminal convictions on your record, you should be qualified to acquire a California guard card.

At a minimum, all applicants are required to take eight hours of education from a state licensed training facility. This can either be done at a local school or at one that offers the class over the internet. Finding a school is not difficult if you do a local search in Google for “security guard training”. Costs can vary greatly from one school to another, so it does pay to shop around. Prices typically range between $60 and $120 dollars. Schools based online generally tend to be slightly cheaper and most also provide the advantage of allowing you to register and start your training coursework immediately.

The coursework itself consists of eight hours of “powers to arrest”, terrorism awareness, and basic security guard training. At the conclusion, you'll also be required to pass a final exam which is not difficult as long as you're paying attention. In the unlikely event you fail to pass, most schools will permit you to take the exam again for free, but this is something you should confirm with your school in advance.

After you have passed the course, you will then need to visit the Bureau of Safety and Investigative Services (BSIS) website to download and print a Livescan form. The Livescan system electronically records your fingerprints and transmits them to the FBI and Department of Justice so that they can conduct a background clearance. The fee associated with this service varies depending on which Livescan facility you choose to visit, but most typically charge about sixty to sixty-five dollars. Don’t forget to bring at least two forms of ID to your appointment, including at least one government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport and/or state issued identification card.

Once your fingerprinting has been put in process you are clear to submit your California guard card application to the BSIS for processing. The easiest way to do this is via the BSIS website. The cost is fifty-one dollars and can be paid online.

The final step is to simply wait about a week for your new California card to arrive in the mail. Or, if you are anxious to start a new job, you can speed things up by a couple of days by printing out a copy of your approval letter from the BSIS website. This can serve as legal temporary license until your new one arrives in the mail.

Obtain A California Guard Card Quickly is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

These tips will help you land the best possible security guard jobs. If you follow all the steps and take it seriously, you will be considerably ahead of other officers in your community looking for work.

1. Get your guard license. Regardless of where you live, if you do not have a guard card, you cannot work. Almost all states require some level of certification.
2. Become clear on what kind of security guard job you want. If you don't care, and just want to work, that's fine. However, remember that during your interview you can very likely be asked what kind of environment you want to work in, so be prepared to answer.
3. Make a list of local security guard companies in your city. An easy way to do this is visit a search engine and type in 'security guard companies' and then the name of your city. Numerous guard companies should come up.
4. Get a resume and cover letter together. If you need help with it, then get help. If you lack security experience, that's fine, but put something together. When you apply for a job you should always offer a resume and cover letter, even if you lack a lot of experience. (note: one way to get security experience and build your resume is to work event security. The hiring standards are typically much lower than for full time employment. If you work a few events, you can include that guard experience on your resume. Each event is really a different job. It's a fast, easy way to build your resume. Go to any job listing site and type in 'event security. They are always hiring.
5. When you are ready to visit security guard companies, be well-dressed, in a suit and tie, or conservative dress or pants suit if you are a woman. Be very polite, even to the secretary.
6. Include your resume with your application. Make sure your application is legible and accurate. (Note: there are many articles and books on interviewing well. This article is not devoted to it, but it's essential to learn good interviewing skills.)
7. Give a firm handshake and make eye contact with whoever is interviewing you. Listen, don't talk. Answer questions directly. Be formal. Say "Sir" or "Mam" when you address them. What they are looking for more than anything are officers who have good customer service skills. The best security guard jobs require polite, respectful officers.
8. After the interview is over, be sure to check back with the guard company. Even if they didn't hire you, positions come and go all the time. Let them know that you are available.
9. Apply to as many security guard jobs as possible, especially if you are new to the business. Don't wait for the best security job to come your way. Take what is offered while you keep looking. This secret is the really the best. Because you build your resume.
10. The highest paying security guard jobs are, generally speaking, these jobs:

             a) Private protection (you typically need an armed license and be over six feet).
             b) State and government jobs (these are great jobs with many benefits, but there's many qualifications and a lot of testing, usually).
             c) In-house security. If you can find large companies in your area who hire their own security guards, apply. They typically pay more and have better benefits (note: visit a
 library if you need help locating this list. Most librarians will assist you. Tell them you are trying to get a list of large companies in your area that may hire their own security staff).
             d) Ask around. Meet other guards. Share information. As with anything, the more informed you are, the better.
 
If you want to learn more about what security guard companies are looking for visit their career or job sections on their websites. Most have them. Here's an example for security guards in Los Angeles.

Security Guard Jobs – 10 Tips For Landing A Great Job is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

If you are considering pursuing a career as a security officer, here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions:

How much do security guards earn?

On average, security guards earn approximately twenty-nine thousand dollars per year which equates to about fourteen dollars per hour. How much you earn though depends on your experience, the region where you work, and the type of employer who hires you. Most starting, entry level, positions though tend to pay about ten to twelve dollars per hour.

What are the highest paying security guard jobs?

In-house, full-time, security guard jobs tend to pay the most. While private companies can pay well, large institutions such as airports, universities and municipal services offer the best benefits. Also, armed guards tend to earn about two to three dollars per hour than unarmed guards.
The worst paying security guard jobs are typically for security guard companies which contract their guards out to businesses for profit. In addition to being the lowest paying, these jobs also rarely come with benefits and can have low job security.

Is being an armed security guard dangerous?

No. Even though armed guards are required to carry a weapon it is used primarily as a deterrent. Armed guards are rarely the targets of violent crimes and statistics have shown that working as an armed guard is no more dangerous than working as an unarmed guard. Given the low risk, higher pay, and minimal added training requirements, it can be well worth the extra training to become a licensed armed guard in most cases.

What are the training and education requirements to become a security guard?

Each state has its own you unique guidelines and requirements. While a few states do require a high school diploma or GED, the vast majority of states do not. Almost all states will require applicants to pass a background check, demonstrate a clean criminal record, and be at least eighteen years of age to get a security guard license or guard card.

Do you need a security guard license to work as a security guard?

Almost all states require security guards to be licensed especially if the job requires any interaction with the public. To find out what the specific requirements are in your state, you will need to contact the agency that issues security guard licenses. Most employers are aware of the laws and will not hire guards unless they are first licensed.

What are the training requirements to get a security guard card?

This can vary dramatically depending on the state you plan to work in. New York, California and Washington, DC tend to have the strictest training requirements because of the elevated security risks and it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks of classroom education to earn a license.
In most states though, very little to no formal training is required. Again, the best way to learn you own state’s guard training requirements is by contacting the agency that issues security guard licenses.
 

Security Guard Jobs FAQ is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

In the wake of September 11th terrorist attacks the demand for security guards has never been greater. It is now estimated that there are approximately two million full and part-time security officers who are employed in both the public and private sectors. This figure far exceeds the number of sworn federal, state and municipal security officers which in the United States is estimated to be approximately seven-hundred thousand. Furthermore, the demand for security officers is also expected to rise dramatically over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks the security guard profession 19th overall for future job growth with an estimated 14% increase in overall demand anticipated over the next decade.

The pay scale for security officers depends largely on the skill level and experience of the officer, local market demand, and the type of employer that is doing the hiring. Licensed armed guards, for example, typically earn about two to three dollars more per hour than unarmed guards. Likewise, hourly pay in high demand states such as California, Illinois, New York and New Jersey typically starts at about ten dollars per hour for unarmed guards while the starting pay scale in low demand states can be about two to three dollars per hour lower.

The best security guard jobs are typically full-time positions provided by private corporations and government institutions. Not only do these types of employers typically provide officers with career positions that pay significantly higher than hourly positions in other industries, they also often provide benefits such as health insurance and pension plans. At the other end of the spectrum, security agencies and part-time employers, such as security guard companies and big box retailers, tend to pay significantly less per hour and provide few or no benefits to their officers.

Most security guard jobs are for unarmed guards. Contrary to popular perception, security guards do not perform law enforcement activities. Unarmed guards generally have the same law enforcement rights and capabilities as private citizens. While it is true that they can perform citizen’s arrests, many employers, at the behest of their insurance companies, discourage officers from doing so because of potential liability risks. The primary purpose of most security officers, therefore, is to act as a deterrent and to “observe and report” any incidents they witness. If a security guard is a witness to a crime or some other event that is of significance to their employer, they generally are required to write and submit an “incident report”. Incident reports are legal documents that can be used in courts of law as evidence in lawsuits of criminal prosecutions.

Armed guards are increasingly in demand to fill security gaps that are, at least in part, the result of cutbacks to public law enforcement budgets. Private security contractors employ armed guards to fulfill government contracts for protecting sensitive military and government sites such as ports and nuclear power plants. Armed guards are also needed to protect businesses that deal in large quantities of cash such as banks, casinos, check cashing stores, and money transport. As mentioned before, armed guards are generally better paid although they are required to get additional training and permits, although they are sometimes required to provide and carry their own firearms.

For anyone who is serious about security training, becoming an armed guard is probably one of the best investments you can make. The 20-30% higher pay scale earned is a big benefit for a small investment in time and money for the training. What’s more, statistics have demonstrated that armed guards are no more likely to fall victim to physical harm on the job than unarmed guards.

Security Training & Future Employment Prospects is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

I own a discount cosmetics and beauty supply store in a lower income neighborhood. I have to deal with shoplifters for years and still lost a significant amount of merchandise and profits to shoplifters despite my best efforts to keep my inventory under lock and key. I finally made the decision to hire a security guard when I caught a young girl red handed behind the counter stealing merchandise. Unfortunately I had no idea at the time how important security guard training would be for my business.

I thought I could cut a few corners by hiring a high school kid as a guard. He was a really nice guy and took his job very seriously. At first having him around actually was beginning to really pay-off too as I saw a dramatic decline in my loss of inventory.

Everything was great until my guard caught a junior high school girl pocketing a tube of lipstick. When he attempted to stop her at the exit, she ran and he chased after and tackled her. She was pretty bruised up and when the police arrived, to my surprise, they took both the shoplifter and my security guard into custody on charges of assault and unlawful arrest.

To make a long story short, I had to bail my guard out and pay for the girl’s medical bills. Fortunately for us, the girl’s parents agreed to drop the assault charges against my guard as long as I was willing to do the same for her shoplifting charges. The whole episode ended up costing me about sixteen hundred dollars. I was actually quite fortunate though because the girl was a minor and, had her parents decided to sue me for assault, it could have ended my business.

I have since learned that all guards must have a valid, state issued, security guard license by law. Most licensed guards are properly trained to arrest shoplifters without risk of injury. Hiring licensed guards may cost a few dollars more per hour, but the reduction in risk and liability is well worth the added expense.

Why Security Guard Training Is Essential is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

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.
 

About Security Guard Schools is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

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!
 

California Security Guard Cards is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

One of the most important responsibilities of security guards is to know how to write an incident report. Incident reports are extremely important because they are legal documents which are filed as evidence with police reports and often are used as evidence in courts of law.

When something happens while you're working at your security guard job that puts the client, yourself, employees or the public in harms way, you will want to create an incident report. In addition to basic writing skills, you will also need to be very observant and try to remember as many details as possible so youcan document this information in your incident report.

When writing an incident report, always remember the Five W's: who, what, when, where and why.

1. Who was involved? Try to document first and last names. Also describe any suspects including their sex, height, age, race, clothing and hair and eye colors. If a vehicle is involved, try to get the year, make, model, color and license plate if at all possible.
2. What happened? State the facts only and include as many details as possible.
3. When did it happen? Note the time and date the incident happened.
4. Where did it happen? Note the address and specific location where the incident happened.
5. Why did it happen? Note the events leading up to the incident, what was observed during the incident, and the final outcome of the incident in question.

Remember to state only the facts and your actual observations. While your opinions are certainly important, they should never be stated in a report or you will risk appearing biased which can discredit your actual observations as stated in your incident report.

(©) Copyright by Scott Dinnerman. All Rights reserved.

Incident Reports is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

Let's face it, many security security guard jobs are not easy. Not only must guards get the proper training, they also have a great deal of responsibility in that they protect people and property. That is a very important responsibility. But sometimes security officers do things that hurt their reputation. If you are a security guard or thinking about becoming one, give serious thought to the below five issues:

1. Fraternization: many times customers, clients and employers will socialize with guards. It's great to be courteous and professional, but it is a mistake to become overly friendly or to allow a conversation to continue for too long. Often security officers think they will get in good with a particular person by befriending them. Follow the axiom: be friendly, but don't make friends. If you get too close to the wrong person, they make expect favors. And they can turn on you, even if you do nothing wrong. Keep a respectful, professional distance at all times.
2. Appearance: we live in a world that judges people by the way they look. If your uniform is dirty, wrinkled, old, too large, or too small it may not be to the high standards that the client wants. Always look your best and dress professionally. This way, you'll offend no one.
3. Be licensed: Having your guard card is not just important; it's essential! If you get caught working without your guard card you could get yourself and your employer into big trouble. Each state has different licensing requirements. California guard cards, for instance, have minimum age requirements, a background check, and there's an eight hour course and test you must pass.
4. Be polite: customer service is perhaps the most important quality a security guard should have. Sure, you need to observe and report, but the attitude you have toward customers and clients will ultimately reward you or create big problems for you. It's your choice. Being polite and respectful is the easiest way to get ahead in this business.
5. Know your post: every post you are assigned to will be different. Know what is expected of you. The more you know, the better off you are. If you work at a post where the duties you should follow are not written down, take the initiative to have them written so that you are clear on what you should and should not do.

Security Guard Duties and Responsibilities is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.

If you are currently working in security, there are many ways to get a better security guard job. Here are some helpful tips for landing better a better position:

1. The first step is to be actually employed. Many who are looking for security work hold out hoping they will find a better position. But there is no perfect job. All employment has its downsides, so it's best to be gainfully employed and gaining experience. Look for a better job in your off-time.If you're doing a well at your current job, then chances are probably fairly good that you can either move up where you are, or use your position as a springboard to a land a better security guard job. Employers would rather hire someone who is reliable, ambitious and working, than someone who is unemployed.
2. If you do leave you current security guard job for a better position, leave on the best terms possible with your employer. This includes giving them the needed time to hire and train your replacement if at all possible. You never know when you may need a recommendation from them in the future.     
3. Assuming that you are employed and are trying to get a better position, ask around. Many fellow-guards get leads. Act on them. Get in the habit of sending out your resume to security guard companies and other prospective employers. Make sure all of your licenses are active and current.
4. You may want to also consider getting advanced licensing. Given the bad economy, it's a good time to expand your skills academically. Employers love to see this.
5. Read security journals and always check job listings on popular job sites and newspapers. Employers are constantly looking for quality, reliable officers.
6. Make a list of security guard companies and visit them. Tell them that you are currently working but are looking to advance in the industry. Most will respect this.
7. Consider how much money you want to make an hour. Be realistic and learn what security guard jobs pay hourly in your area. Again, this can be accomplished by simply asking around and paying attention to job listings.
8. Another good thing to do is visit employment centers. Many guard vendors have relationships with community employment centers as well as local security training facilities. The more places you look, the more you will improve your chances are of landing a better security guard job.
9. You may also want to work on your resume. Many security guard jobs do not require a resume, but it always looks professional when you offer one.
10. Dress for success. It leaves a good impression to wear a suit and a tie if you are a man, or professional attire if you are a woman.
11. Most employers consider what their clients want. Be very respectful, show that you have good customer service skills. When interviewing for a new security guard job give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and speak articulately. Figure out what you need to improve upon and make an effort to make such improvements. Everyone has flaws, and by working on them, we become not just better security guards but also better people.
12. Most state and federal security guard jobs pay well and offer better benefits than the private sector, so you may want to apply at any agencies in your area.
13. Employers who hire their guards in-house (rather than go through guard vendors) usually pay more.
14. Apply for supervisory positions. Such positions offer a better starting rate. Even if you do not have much security experience it does not hurt to apply because, if interviewed, it's a great learning opportunity and you may just surprise yourself and land the job.

Remember, the more you look, the greater your chances are of finding a security guard job that fits your requirements. You can always turn down offers that do not meet your standards. Keep in mind that most people settle. Commit yourself to working harder and you will succeed.

Landing Better Security Guard Jobs is a post from: Guard Training Online your source for California guard card information.