Public Safety

How to become a Security Guard

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

0–2 months

Typical pay

$32k–$44k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Take your state's guard training

   Usually 8–40 hours covering powers, use of force and report writing.

   1–2 weeks

   Course that covers thisSecurity Guard Training CourseUdemy · around $29.99 →
2. 2

   Get licensed

   Most states issue a guard card after training and a background check.

   2–6 weeksState guard licence

3. 3

   Add first aid and CPR

   Frequently required on corporate and healthcare sites.

   First aid / CPR

   Course that covers thisCPR/AED Awareness Course: Save Lives with ConfidenceUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Move to a specialised post

   Armed, healthcare or corporate posts pay well above retail patrol.

   1–2 years

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.