Becoming a qualified security guard is relatively straight forward exercise. There are no education based qualifications needed to become a security guard. Of course there are qualities all security guards must possess however there isn’t a three year university course or a minimum amount of GCSE’s. The beauty of becoming a security guard is that it’s available for all to apply for.

There is however the requirement of the British government that everybody working within the security sector MUST have the right training and a valid SIA Licence. Before we get into how to secure training and an SIA licence lets refresh the type of work which is involved in security guarding.

Your main job role as a security guard is to provide a safety for your employer’s clients. If you are working on the gate of a large organisation then the employee’s of that organisation rely on your as the security guard to make them safe when they come to work. Whether this is regular nightly patrols or manning the gate during the day the job you take as a security guard gives employee’s within a company peace of mind that they will be looked after everytime they go to work.

As a security guard you may also have to monitor the security cameras, check the health and safety is intact and essentially support the well being of all who work within the company.

The importance of a security guard is sometimes understated as they are vital to keeping the business safe. Key characteristics which make a fantastic security guard are bravery, physical attributes, great people skills and the ability to act on your feet. There will be situations where you have to make a decision based upon the dilemma in front of you and it’s up to you to make the right decision, the decision which is ultimately best for the organisation and its employee’s.

Securing an SIA Licence:
If you want to become a general security guard on office premises then you will require a front line SIA licence. The front line aspect of the license refers to the fact you will actually be involved in day to day security work.

Before you apply for your SIA Licence you will be required to partake in some type of training which will award you with a security guard certificate. The following courses are accepted by the SIA:

1. Level 2 Award in security guarding

2. Nation certificate for security guards (Scotland)

3. City and guilds certificate of security guarding (Scotland)

4. BTEC Award in security operations (Scotland)

5. Certificate for security guards in Scotland

6. NOCN Award in security guarding (Scotland)

7. National Progression Award in Security Operations: Security Guarding (Scotland)

There are a number of qualifications you can use within Scotland however within the UK the level 2 award in security guarding is the award which is used by all governing bodies.

To acquire this award you will have to join a security guard training course. Throughout this website there is a number of advertised training providers who all offer competitive levels of training for all aspects of security guarding. As a starting point it is strongly recommended you enrol on one of these courses. Failing that you will not be able to work in security guarding.

Following successful completion of the security guard course you will be able to apply for your SIA Licence. Make sure you do this within three years of completing your security guard course. It will cost approximately £245 for the SIA licence and anywhere between £100-£150 for the security guard training. Pitting this against University fee’s it’s a very small price to pay for becoming fully qualified.

Once you have had your SIA Licence successfully processed then you will be ready to become a security guard. Becoming a security guard is relatively straight forward. From enrolling and successfully completing a training course you can realistically be ready to take up employment in 28 days.