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

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–2 weeks

   Take your state's guard training

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

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

   2–6 weeks

   Get licensed

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

   ◆ State 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

   1–2 years

   Move to a specialised post

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

5. ✓

   Destination

   Security Guard

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