Security Guard Certification – What does it take?
Security guard certification is not a necessity but the career advancement possibilities make it worth the investment in time and money to have one. If you only aim to be an unarmed guard, you need not go through a certification program. But if you have greater plans than this, then you need to go through the added effort.
There are several certification programs available that will help them succeed in both public and private locations. Being a certified security guard is easy to do as long as you know the process involved.
There are many tests you have to do before you can be a security officer. The main prerequisite to get a certification is to have a clean background. If you have a criminal record, your chances of pursuing a career as a security guard are very slim. Throughout the course of getting a security guard certification you will be asked to have your fingerprints taken (then it is submitted in the database of the FBI and Department of Justice), reference verification and drug test.
Before you can get your certificate, you need to go through the required educational programs. This should include either a high school diploma or GED. If you have that, you can look for your preferred means of getting the certification that you need.
It can be completed either online and or through a community college. There are only a small number of colleges that have this program. If you want to be qualified to carry firearms, you need to get the appropriate training for this as well. The online security guard certification program requires you to finish 10-30 credits. The course includes loss and crime prevention, cultural diversity and the criminal justice system in your country. It may also teach you criminal law concepts, investigation and security procedures and surveillance and observation training.
Interaction with other students and the professor is done through discussion boards and email. To get your education online, you will need word-processing software, web camera and sound card – and other operating and software programs.
If you acquire your security guard certification, you are qualified to work in several institutions. The public establishments include hospitals, department stores, corporate and government buildings. If you have firearms training, you can work in banks and armored cars. You can also qualify to pursue a career in the law enforcement agency.
Having the certification is not enough to function as an effective guard. You need to have the right skills, be very observant and have a cool head. Being a guard, you will be in charge of protecting the people and property where you are assigned. You also have to hone your clerical skills, as you will be asked to do several reports on any unusual activity during your shift.
Security guard certification discussed in this article only refers to the one you will encounter in the early stages of your career. There is also a higher certification that you can aim for. There is the Certified Protection Professional that is awarded by the ASIS International. Holding this means you have been tested in the knowledge of security practices, investigation and also information and physical security. To qualify for this exam, you need at least a bachelor’s degree and seven years of experience as a security guard. If you have 9 years of work experience, then a bachelor’s degree is not necessary. Security guard certification review modules are available in the website of ASIS International to help you pass the exam.