How to Become A Security Guard
Should I Become a Security Guard?
Security guards are an important component of any public safety mechanism. They are responsible for safeguarding the lives as well as property of people in different situations. As a security guard, you will find a wide range of employment options. Banks, shopping malls, metro stations, airports, hospitals, museums, cinemas, casinos and sporting arenas are just a few of the places where you can find work.
How to Become a Security Guard 
The day-to-day role of a security guard often involves patrolling and monitoring the premises while also keeping an eye on all the visitors during any public event. If you would like to explore this line of work, then this guide has some useful information.
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Education
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High School Diploma, GED (General Educational Development) certificate, or equivalent.
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Major Requirement
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At least 18 years old; pass background checks and fitness exam; undergo state-enforced training programs.
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License / Certification
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Most states require security guards to be licensed. Different vocational institutes provide certified training programs.
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Key Skills
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Monitoring, coordination, active listening, speaking, critical thinking, network monitoring software, spreadsheet software, office suite software, word processing software, virus protection and transaction security software.
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Annual Mean Salary
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$32,050 (May, 2018)
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Job Outlook
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Expected increase of 4% from 2018 to 2028 (Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers)
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Sources: O*Net Online and US Bureau of Labor Statistics
To become a security guard, you will need to be very good at the art of observing. You must also have excellent critical thinking ability and must be an efficient user of various types of surveillance programs, monitoring software, etc. Furthermore, the ability to keep a cool head in dangerous and stressful situations is vital for any individual working within the security domain.
Career Requirements
In order to become a security guard in the US, you must be at least 18 and complete a High School Diploma. You can also enter the field with the equivalent GED (General Educational Development) certificate or some other comparable level of education. Security guard training programs are made available by different vocational institutes while many employers also provide on-the-job training. Most states require all private security personnel working within their jurisdiction to be licensed.
Steps to Become a Security Guard
Follow the procedure outlined below to become a security guard.
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Must Be At Least 18 and Complete a High School Diploma
This is the minimum criteria that must be fulfilled. If you don’t have a High School Diploma, the equivalent GED (General Educational Development) certificate will suffice as well.
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Undergo Training
After you have obtained a High School Diploma, you are eligible to start training to become a security guard. Different vocational education centers offer security guard training programs approved by the state. There are also private agencies that employ and train security guards.
Many organizations (banks, cinemas, shopping malls) get in touch with them to find adequately trained security personnel for their safety needs. Conversely, some employers prefer on-the-job training for all security guards on their payroll.
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Qualify All Background Checks
To become a security guard, you will need to undergo and clear a thorough background investigation. This is likely to include fingerprint registration and family scrutiny as well as a detailed check into any possible criminal record in the past.
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Apply for a Job
Once you have cleared all background checks and completed training, you can then apply for work as a security guard.