Do you love daring situations while helping others? You can do that as a security guard. People want to protect themselves, their assets, and their properties.
However, they cannot stay focused all the time for such purposes. That’s where a security guard comes in for help.
However, clients prefer licensed security guards or those with a guard card. That’s why you should learn how to get a guard card before offering someone your services.
How To Get A Guard Card? Just 5 Steps Away From Becoming Licensed!
The following are the critical steps to obtain a guard card for security guarding services.
What Are The Guard Card Requirements?
Different states have different requirements for a guard card. Check out your state or region’s specific requirements to stay on track. But the most common ones are similar in every state.
- Age requirements: A minimum of 18 years is required for unarmed security guarding. And a minimum of 21 years for armed security guarding services.
- A detailed criminal record check.
- You have to complete advanced training in professional institutions.
Enroll In A Security Guard Training Program
Then comes the training part. You have to participate in a security guard’s training program. It’s of basic level training you should complete before applying for a guard card. In this training, you will learn:
- The basic duties of a security guard. How he patrols, responds to emergencies, and maintains an assertive demeanor.
- Understanding local rules and regulations, ethics, moralities, etc.
- Learn the complete procedures of escalation and de-escalation to handle conflicts.
- These trainings are available both online and onsite. You should choose what’s suitable for your routine.
- Make sure to choose a certified provider to make your guard card reliable.
Do You Have A Criminal Background?
When you become a security guard, you have to protect people. The state trusts you with a big responsibility. That’s why a clean criminal background puts them at ease when choosing the right person for the job.
- They will use your fingerprints to check your criminal history.
- Schedule an appointment at a fingerprinting location.
- You have to give your ID and proof of training.
- You have to pay a specific fee, which differs in every state.
Submission Of The Application
After completing those steps, you can apply for a guard card.
- Visit the state’s regulatory website, the Bureau Of Security And Investigative Services In California (BSIS).
- Fill out the form and provide the required documents.
- You also need to provide your fingerprinting details, training certificates, and the specific fee for submission.
- You can expect your guard card within a few weeks after applying.
A Licensed Security Guard
After obtaining a guard card, you’re all set to work as a licensed security guard. Whether you want to work for a company or do independent security guarding jobs is up to your preferences. This card can open the doors to numerous opportunities for you.
Conclusion
To conclude, how to get a guard card? You have to follow your state’s rules and regulations, which are simple and easy. After completing them, you should enroll in extra training programs, too. Because they help enhance your skills and work according to your clients’ new requirements.