There is a lot more to being a security guard than easily sitting at a desk and checking people in and out of a building. Though this’s a big part of the job, security guards are the first people, any visitors to a business will see, and hence a friendly attitude and best communication skills are important. With security being needed at many events like football matches, gigs, and festivals, it can end up being a sociable and enjoyable job for the right person with several great opportunities. Security guards make about $28,490 annually on average. Security guards for Gaming surveillance are on the higher-end of the pay scale and earn about $32,680 per year. If you consider yourself to be protective, are around to lend a hand and you’re interested in a growing field, then becoming a security guard may be just the right fit for you.

Here is everything you need to know before taking the next step into a fulfilling career as a security guard.

What do Security Guards do?

• Patrol buildings, check security tool like CCTV cameras regularly
• Door supervision like checking in and greeting visitors
• Searching for luggage and visitors at airports, festivals, and sporting events.
• Some jobs will include driving in the secure transportation of money and goods.

What Qualities Do You Need?

As previously mentioned, communication skills are important, both in terms of written and spoken language as various security agencies need workers to write short incident reports. Being fit physically and confident for challenging people and complete duties is key as indoor supervision and driving jobs the security guard is left to their own devices. Furthermore, to this you’ll need to be able to use your initiative and make on the spot, fast and accurate decisions, however, there will be a supervisor you can contact if something does go wrong. As with most jobs today, a basic understanding of computers is needed as you will be expected to be able to send emails, kind up reports, and monitor surveillance equipment. Only a basic competence is required as any technical training will be provided by the worker.

How do You Become Qualified?

Though there’re no specific entry requirements, the best level of education will undoubtedly be a benefit. Employers will carry out background checks and though a criminal history will not rule you out of all security guard jobs, it’s absolutely being a disadvantage. A Security Industry Authority (SIA) license may be acquired by doing a short course and will allow an individual to work on agency and contractor jobs, opening up several more opportunities in the security sector.

How to become a security guard?

The Prerequisite Skills

You can be a candidate for a security officer position if You have got a great background or you have a pre-hire background. Employers can scrutinize motor vehicle records and even credit reports. You’re in the best physical shape. You’ll be on your feet standing, walking for hours at a time. Your prospective employer can specify the ability to lift 25 or even 70 lbs. You’ve great communication skills. Interpersonal skills are essential but not sufficient. You’ll need to write. In a few cases, English language skills are assessed formally. The interview is an opportunity for a prospective worker to gauge communication ability. You may maintain the right demeanor. Security officers who interact with the public in the consumer service business. They represent the facility to the client. Their presence alone may be enough to deter. Appearance and attitude are both essential. Education and training can help you respond properly to challenging situations.

Security Guard Education and Training

College coursework is one of the best things that can help you break into the industry. Higher school graduation represents the typical entry-level minimum. However, several employers seek more. Large hospitals, for instance, can favor a candidate who has a degree at the level of associate. Role-specific training is important. Several states mandate training in subjects such as security guard roles and duties and legal limitations of power. Some states have a licensing procedure. You can pursue more training in order to work in an armed capacity. In a few cases, you’ll need an armed security guard license or pistol permit. Expect to qualify on the range before start armed service and at regular intervals thereafter. few jurisdictions have a specific credentialing procedure for equipment such as baton. You aren’t limited to the training your employer offers. Training like non-violent communication is highly valued. You can pursue security training through a state-approved school or through an organization like AEI.

AEI provides a program that is 88 hours, broken down into 2 weeks. Upon completion, the student will receive all certifications important to be able to work as a security guard and security officer right after graduation. A security guard must complete 40 hours of needed training and an 8-hour refresher course every 12 months after completing the 40-hour course. As part of that training, a security guard must complete an 8-hour Power to Arrest or Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism Awareness training course prior to submitting an application. The 72 hours left consist of 8 hrs. of Baton, 4 hrs. of Asset Protection, 4 hrs. of Chemical Agents, 4 hrs. of Weaponless Defense and Use of Force, 24 hrs. of SB1626, 16 hrs. of Firearms, 8 hrs. of First Aid/ CPR AED, and 4 hrs. of Emergency Response Hazmat for First Responders.

Steps to become a security guard

To become a Security Guard, you’ve to complete the training needs of the state you want to work in. This training has to be acquired from a Registered Training Organization (RTO) and accredited by the police of state. As licensing requirements vary from state to state, you will require to check these with the regulator in the state you plan to work.

• Complete a course like the Certificate II in Security Operations (SPP20212). There’re different courses depending on what kind of work you want to do, but generally, you will learn about safety awareness, self- defense techniques, staff professionalism, legal rights, obligations, and crowd control.
• Apply for a security license. Some workers will need you to have more documentation and certification
  before commencing work. For instance, you can be asked to have a Working with Children Check.
• Upskill for further employment opportunities, such a security risk management or bodyguard roles. The more qualifications and licenses you possess, the extra employable you will be.