If you’re considering training to become a security guard, but are completely new to the industry as a whole, you may have a few unanswered questions. While this is perfectly normal - and understandable - it can be helpful to have a basic knowledge of what will be required of you should you decide to pursue this line of career, and the following brief guide will help you with this:

Getting your guard card

For a lot of positions within the security guard service, a Security Guard License or Guard Card (or guard registration) is essential, and this is issued by the government to give individuals the legal right to work within the security industry. This small, paper permit is issued to you only once you’ve successfully completed the requirements that are set out by the law, and gives employers the confidence and proof, that you are adequately trained to carry out the role of a Security Officer or Guard.

Here's what you need to know about getting a Guard Card:

To register for a guard card, you must do the following:

- Register either online or in person for the Guard Card course, which is an 8-hour class that familiarizes you with the roles, responsibilities and duties of a Security Guard. It also teaches you about civil and criminal liabilities, security techniques, laws and any other safety information necessary.

- Registration must be completed at least a week before you plan to carry out the course, and you’ll find a list of certified training facilities for your area, online.

- You must be a minimum of 18 years of age (proof must be provided)

- Then, you’ll need to fill out an application form and pay the required fee for the class, which includes instruction, written exam, state application, guard card course, fingerprint forms)

- You will also be required to undergo a criminal history background check (these may take around 10 days to complete)

- Your fingerprints must be submitted once taken (by a certified vendor), and you’ll receive a unique ID number which will be your security guard license number.

Once you’ve successfully fulfilled all of the steps above, you’re ready to go online or mail your application for a guard card, and the process typically takes between 2 and 10 business days if submitted online, and up to 6 weeks if mailed.

When you receive your official security guard license, there’s nothing stopping you from applying for your very first security guard role; exciting stuff!

For more detailed guidance on becoming a security guard in your particular state, there are plenty of resources online, and by attending a security guard training facility in person, or communicating with them via telephone or online chat, you can find out everything you need to know.

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