Do I Need to Go to School to Be a Security Guard?
The educational requirements to work in professional security are pretty forgiving. So if you’re wondering “do I need to go to school to become a security guard?”, the answer is likely NO.
However, that doesn’t mean you should pass up the opportunity to continue your education. A little extra effort and training now could really pay off in the long run.
Every state has different rules
There’s a specific government agency set up in each state that’s responsible for issuing security guard licenses or guard cards. That means the rules are different from state to state.
Here are a few guidelines to consider:
- Educational Requirements – Most states only require a minimum amount of education such as a high school diploma or GED. Some states, like California and Texas, have no restrictions based on education, which makes it easy for anyone to jump into the security field.
- Training Requirements – In addition to educational requirements, state’s often have a set amount of security guard training you need to complete. These basic classes usually take just a few hours and are designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to start work as a professional security officer.
Keep in mind that most entry-level security jobs involve writing reports on a regular basis, so you should have a basic understanding of how to read and write in English.
Check with the security guard licensing agency in your state to find out what specific educational requirements you need to meet to get your guard card.
You should consider specialized training
Because you don’t need to go to school to be a security guard, it’s really not that hard to get into the security field. If you’re serious about a career in professional security, though, you should think about going above and beyond the basic training required to get your guard card.
Specialized training, including baton, pepper spray, and firearms courses, can help you:
- Earn more money – Security jobs that require a higher level of training or involve a greater level of risk tend to pay more than entry-level positions.
- Find better jobs – The more skills and experience you have, the more opportunities will be made available to you.
- Get hired faster – Any extra skills or training you can pick up will help you stand out from other people applying for the same job. It also shows security companies that your career choice is important to you.
The most sought after security jobs, the ones that pay the most and offer the best perks, generally require the most training and experience. But they don’t have to be out of your reach if you plan ahead. Get some extra training on the weekends or your days off. Then leverage that training to ask for a raise or work your way into a better position.
Would you rather have an entry-level job you tolerate or build a career that you love? You don’t need to go to school to become a security guard, but just a bit of specialized training could make all the difference.