There are many worthwhile career paths as the current job market stands today. Going into business is a traditional option, leading to several successes. Others may choose to pursue a journey into law enforcement. This field offers several roles to get into, such as becoming a security guard.
Security guards are an incredibly multifaceted role, which involves doing multiple tasks simultaneously. The position can be just as rewarding, allowing the individual to reach new heights every so often. If you want to become one of these professionals, the proper research and preparation will be required.
Follow these steps to learn how you can become a security guard.
1. Past Endeavours
You generally don’t have to have the requisite experience for those who want to become a security guard. However, qualified positions would prefer candidates to know how the role works. If you worked as a bouncer in a bar or have been involved in community policing, you will be good to go.
2. Acquiring Your License
Many professions on being a security guard mean that you will have to be qualified. Security guards can only work in their chosen occupation if they have the proper license behind them. Before you can get your security guard license, it is essential to be familiar with several aspects.
For example, you must be at least 18 or 18+ in an age in most places. There should be no criminal record, too, in addition to being eligible to work. Most examinations will also require the candidate to pass a security test of some kind. Once the initial criteria are taken care of, you will be well on your way.
3. Choosing Your Training
Once you determine that you meet the preliminary requirements of the license, you’ll have to get to work. This entails taking a security training program of some sort, which could range in length. These programs can occur in two standard formats: classroom or online.
Moreover, you will also generally be instructed to take an additional course. These courses can include CPR training, which goes hand-in-hand with your security license training. It is recommended to contact multiple organizations first for more details. That way, you will arm yourself with the requisite knowledge of the subject matter.
4. Registration
As mentioned previously, your security license training program can vary in length of time. For the most part, however, these programs will only last about forty hours in total. After this program has been completed successfully, you should be given a completion number.
This number is paramount in terms of continuing with the next steps. Once it is given to you by your training provider, you will usually have to register for the upcoming exam. The requirements of the position are not yet complete, and however, you are almost there to become a security guard.
5. Taking the Exam
This type of examination will be one of the essential parts of the overall process. All of your training and knowledge gathered thus far will now be put to the test. First, you will need to register for the exam in your general location to take the test. Sometimes, there will be other information to be aware of before taking the test.
For example, there can sometimes be a cost associated with taking the security guard test. If you require additional resources before taking the test, make sure to find them, and they will prove invaluable, especially when trying to ace the exam as a whole.
6. Applying for Your License
Passing the security guard test means that you are now, officially, well on your way. You will now have to apply for the actual license to start applying for those jobs. To make things much easier on your end, always try to send in your application online.
Online applications are incredibly simple and allow you to receive your license in record time as well. Plus, a digital-based license can be used temporarily before the physical version is mailed out to you.
7. Job Application
Now that the hard part is out of the way, you will have successfully received your security guard license. The next step involves preparing your resume and then sending out your applications.
To hear a response from an employer, you will generally have to wait several days. Always be sure to follow up with them if you have questions about your application. Sooner or later, you will have reached your goal of becoming the security guard you intended to be!
