Get the Best Security Guard Training

Learn about security guard education and job opportunities.

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Security Guards Protect and Enforce the Law

Security guards and surveillance officers protect property, maintain security and enforce regulations and standards of conduct.

As a security guard, you may work in banks, hotels, hospitals, retail stores, restaurants, bars and schools, or for building-management companies and governments. Gaming surveillance officers work exclusively in casinos and other legal gaming facilities.

You will greatly benefit from earning a degree in criminal justice or security management if you aspire to any of the higher-paying jobs. While some people can get jobs without a formal degree, security guard training is preferred by many of the top security firms.

Training and Education

guard with cap and mag light representing security guard training

While there are no academic requirements to become a security guard, a 2-year associate's degree program or a 1-to-2 semester certificate program in a criminal justice-related area is helpful if you want to be a security guard or surveillance officer, or be promoted to a managerial position.

And you'll have an easier time finding a job with some formal security guard training.

Here are just some of the types of training a security guard may undertake:

Surveillance officers receive training in a casino-like atmosphere using surveillance camera equipment.
Armed guards receive formal training in areas such as weapons retention (keeping your weapon safe during a physical attack), self defense and the laws covering the use of force.
Security guards employed by the federal government must have some experience in the occupation, pass a written examination, and pass firearms and first aid tests to be certified by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Security Guard Certification and Licensing

Most states require that security guards be licensed. Requirements vary widely but in most states, applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and a drug test, and complete security guard training in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures and detention of suspected criminals.