Security Guard License Requirements

A security guard license is the same thing as security guard card. The two terms are used interchangeably and refer to the same state authorized license that is required for a person to work as a security officer.

Every state has a different set of requirements or standards that must be met in order to legally work as a security guard. It is important that you become familiar with what your state requirements are if you want to work as a security guard. You can find this out easily enough by simply typing in the name of your “state” and “security guard license requirements” in any major search engine. There you should find information about the agency that oversees security rules in your state as well as their regulations and licensing requirements. You can also call your state agency for additional information if you have any questions.

In California, the state agency that regulates and issues licenses is called The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). In addition to taking and passing an eight hour training and certification course, the BSIS also requires that you to be at least 18 years of age and have no criminal record. You will be required to pass a criminal background check and be fingerprinted as part of the application process.  In California, there are two main courses that are required before you can get your security guard license. One is called “Powers To Arrest” and the other is called ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction”. These classes are very important because they help define what your limitations are and what is expected from you as a working security officer.

At Guard Training Online we can help you get your California security guard license. This is accomplished entirely online and most students appreciate how simple and affordable the process is. The course material we provide is easy to read and understand, and everything you need is provided for you online. After you have covered the course materials you will be required to take and pass a multiple choice test. If you fail, you will be allowed to review study materials and take the exam again at no additional cost. We provide all the support we can to help you.

Once you have earned your training certificate form us, we will then assist you in forwarding the necessary paperwork to BSIS for processing. In addition to your test, you must also get fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check. We will help you find a nearby facility that is authorized to take your fingerprints. The entire process should take about seven to ten days from start to finish.

While waiting for BSIS to approve your application, it is worthwhile to check the job market and become familiar with what jobs are available. Fortunately, there is usually an abundance of security guard jobs. However, the starting pay isn’t the best, but you can work your way up, and with the right attitude and work ethic, one should be able to advance fairly easily.  There are two kinds of security guard licenses: armed and unarmed. Again, you must check with your state requirements to see what is involved in obtaining each. An armed license is more expensive, takes longer to get, and requires more training, but once you have it, you can earn more. Typically, armed officers earn at least two dollars more per hour.

Some security professionals, though, do not like to carry guns at work because they feel it exposes them to more potential harm. There is not much evidence to support that armed officers are in any more danger than unarmed officers, but this is something you must decide for yourself, of course.    After you receive your security guard license and are hired to work as a security officer, additional training will be provided by your employer. Each security post is different and has a unique set of security needs. You must make sure that you clearly understand all the rules and regulations at your new post. If nothing communicated or written, take it upon yourself to ask a supervisor to provide something, ideally in writing.  Ultimately, you will be held responsible for any security-related issue or concern that comes up on the job. The more proactive you are in your training, the better off you’ll be.

©2010 GuardTrainingOnline.net. All Rights Reserved. Written by Scott Dinnerman.