The beginning of a new year often provides the motivation to actively start seeking new career opportunities. While there are currently many job openings in the marketplace, few provide the career and personal satisfaction of being a security guard.

Guards are in high demand. They have been on the front lines of the pandemic–keeping communities safe by supporting hospital services and helping retailers and other businesses stay compliant with health mandates.

Being a successful security guard takes a deep understanding of security law and strong people and communication skills. It’s not for everyone. Most of a security guard’s job is to interact with the public in positive ways, but when enforcement is needed, guards must have the training and know-how to take appropriate action.

Training Programs. The training courses to become a licensed security guard are taken online. Initial training is an 8-hour course where you must receive 100 percent on the final exam. The next step is to complete and pass background checks by the California Department of Justice and the FBI.

Passing both the training course and background checks will then enable you to apply for a guard card and go to work at a security guard company in a limited capacity. To become a fully trained and licensed guard, you’ll need to complete an additional 32 hours of coursework within the first 6 months of employment. Eight hours of continuing education is then required each year. The security guard company will often provide additional in-person training.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a security guard career in California, Access Control Security provides online guard licensing options. Go to https://www.247GuardTraining.com or call 877-482-7324 to learn more.