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What kind of training do you need to be a security guard?
In order to qualify for employment as a security guard, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Additionally, you must receive training from a state certified professional, as follows:
- Unarmed security guards must receive at least 24 hours of instruction.
- Armed security guards must receive an additional 15 hours of instruction by a board-licensed instructor.
After hire all employees shall complete training within six (6) months of start of employment. Records of all training shall be maintained in employees’ records. Special events requiring temporary employees must receive training before the event.
What should I look for in a Georgia security guard training company?
In order to be qualified as a security guard in the state of Georgia, you must undergo a minimum of 24 hours of instruction. The state itself does not provide this training, and instead you must seek out a private training company to provide it for you.
As you explore different options, keep the following in mind:
- The company itself should be in good standing with the Georgia State Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. You can look the company’s standing up here.
- The company should also provide board certified instructors. You can verify that your instructor is certified here.
- A worthy security guard training program should also be extensive and helpful. Is it offered by people with experience in the field? Do they help you prepare for the exam? Do they cover all of the required topics?
How do I know if I am ready for the exam?
You won’t be permitted to sit the exam until the board approves your application. This requires you to first complete your training, as well as meet other requirements.
However, to mentally prepare yourself for the exam you can consider all manner of questions to get yourself ready:
- Are you familiar with all of the areas outlined in your training course?
- Can you explain these different subjects in your own words, without looking at materials?
- Have you completed all the suggested practice exercises and study guides suggested by your instructor?
What is included in the basic training curriculum for Georgia Security Officers?
A minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction in a basic training program includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
- Private Security Roles
- Crime Awareness and Prevention
- Criminal Justice System and Private Security
- Professionalism and Ethics
- Legal Aspects
- Principal Misdemeanors and Felonies
- Arrest and Proper Use of Force
- Liability
- Courtroom testimony
- Patrol and Observation
- Patrol techniques and gathering information
- Crimes in progress
- Officer Safety
- Note taking and Report Writing
- Incident Response
- Responding to Emergencies
- Crowd control and Evacuation
- Fire control and Prevention
- Hazardous Materials
- Bomb Threats and Terrorism
- Security Resources
- CCTV Operation and Video Documentation
- Alarm systems
- Access Control
- Electronic Article Surveillance
- Customer Service Issues
- Public Relations
- Interpersonal Communications
- First Aid Overview
- Additional Requirements for Armed Guards
- Liability issues
- Use of deadly force
- Types of handgun
- Ballistics
- Range training
How do I go about getting my security license?
Georgia security guards are required to follow the judgements and legal decisions to the extent of the official power of the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies. Unarmed security guards are not required to register with the state, while armed guards must; and in either case they will undergo extensive background checks. While unarmed guards are not required to register, they must meet all training requirements the state sets. Those who operate security agencies must also meet the same requirements.
How long does it take to be a security guard?
The bare minimum for Basic Security Officer training as mandated by the Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies is 24 hours of classroom instruction. This course may be taken online or as part of an accredited university or federal, state, or municipal police authority.
Note that completion of this course does not guarantee employment or licensing as a security officer, as completion of all requirements as established by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies or other states governing boards is required.
How do I become a security guard in Georgia?
Following the completion of all training and requirements established by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, one need only apply like any other job by searching for postings online or by other traditional methods. Your instructors will be able to give insight towards employment. In addition to completion of Basic Security Officer training, the following requirements must be met:
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
- Submission of fingerprinting and undergoing a criminal background check
- Photo identification required on site
- At least a high school diploma or equivalent
As the economy worsens, the need for qualified and certified security officers goes up. Most hiring agencies and employers do not list the need for security officers, as this may advertise a general lack of security. Those seeking jobs in the field of private security are encouraged to seek and investigate different types of companies to probe if they have need of security officers.
Can anyone be a security guard?
Anyone that meets the standards set by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies may be a security guard in the state of Georgia. In general, if you have a clean background and a high school diploma, you may seek certification as a security guard.
Do you need a security license in Georgia?
Security guards employed in the state of Georgia, regardless of institution, fall under the laws and regulations of the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies. While there are minimum training qualifications, the state of Georgia does not currently require unarmed guards to hold an official security license.
Armed security guards, however, are required to submit registration with the state, and extensive background checks are required. Unarmed guards do not require
What can stop you from getting a security license?
Convicted Felons may find it difficult getting approved by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies. It depends on the nature of the crime and how recent the conviction. Specifically, illegal use, possession, or carrying a dangerous weapon will prevent you from employment as a security guard. Any crime involving moral turpitude may disqualify the applicant at the Board’s discretion.
Committing an act constituting dishonesty or fraud will disqualify the applicant. Unregistered aliens or non-citizens are unable to obtain a security license. Being of immoral standing in the community, found through background checks and references, may also disqualify applicants.
What is blue card certification?
A Georgia Blue Card allows for employment as an armed security guard. It requires much more thorough training, requirements, and background checks than an unarmed security guard.
Why are background checks important for security guards?
A background check can expected two times at least for prospective security guards: before the state issues a security guard card and before a company hires a new applicant. They are an important part of the process for a variety of reasons:
- Ensure that you are reputable enough to be trusted with security measures.
- Prove honesty and companies often double-check this criteria.
- Protect companies from lawsuits by avoiding hiring a convicted criminal.
- Ensure insurance claims stay viable.
How do I get a Georgia blue card?
A Georgia Blue Card is required only for those pursuing employment as an armed guard. This is only possible through registration for a blue card after completion of the Certified Armed Guard Training Course, taken after the State Certified Training.
Convicted Felons may not obtain a blue card; however, unarmed guard certification is allowed and felons may be employed as an unarmed guard at the discretion of the governing board.
Prior steps to obtaining a Georgia Blue Card are as follows:
- Successfully complete the required training course from a licensed, certified instructor.
- Obtain a digital fingerprint and background check.
- Complete the application form for professional licensing from the GA Private Detective and Security Board (this step may require a notary and working with a licensed security agency)
- Wait approximately 4 to 8 weeks for your approval.
Remember that working as an armed guard without a Blue Card in the state of Georgia is illegal. Carrying a concealed weapon even with a Blue Card is also illegal. Georgia Blue Cards are issued only by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies. No other agency has the authority to do so.
What is the minimum salary to get a blue card in Georgia?
There is no minimum salary set forth by the state of Georgia for blue card carrying security officers, but some general pays may be mentioned. The average armed security guard hourly pay is $13.76. This range started at $10.47 per hour ending towards $14.97 according to Indeed.com.
What is the minimum cost to get a blue card in Georgia?
The blue card itself costs $70 to obtain, but that is far from the total cost. The following is a breakdown of all costs required for obtaining a blue card and security license both for companies and individuals from the Georgia State Board of Private Detective and Security agencies, as well as all training, registration and renewal fees are as follows:
- Initial Licensure Fees – COMPANY
- Private Detective Company (only) Application $100, License $300, Total $400
- In-House or Private Security Company (only) Application $100, License $500, Total $600
- Private Detective and Security Company (dual license) Application $100, License $700, Total $700
- Initial Registration Fees – EMPLOYEE
- Initial Registration – Detective – Unarmed Employee Total $45
- Initial Registration- Detective – Armed Employee Total $70
- Initial Registration – Security Guard – Armed Employee Total $70
- Initial Registration – Detective and Security Guard (dual license) – Armed Employee Total $70
- Unarmed security guards are not required to register with the State
- Renewal and Reinstatement Fees – COMPANY
- On-time Renewal Fee – Detective Company (only) Total $300
- On-time Renewal Fee – Security Company (only) Total $500
- On-time Renewal Fee – Detective and Security Company (dual license) Total $700
- Late Renewal Fee – Detective Company (only) Total $400
- Late Renewal Fee – Security Company (only) Total $600
- Late Renewal Fee – Detective and Security Company (dual license) Total $800
- Reinstatement Fee – Detective Company (only) Total $550
- Reinstatement Fee – Security Company (only) Total $750
- Reinstatement Fee – Detective and Security Company (dual license) Total $1050
- Renewal and Reinstatement Fees – EMPLOYEE
- On-Time Renewal Fee – All Employee Registrations Total $65
- Late Renewal Fee – All Employee Registration Types Total $80
- Reinstatement Fee – same as initial registration fee
- TRAINING INSTRUCTORS
- Initial Registration Fee – Certification of Training Instructor Total $100
- On-time Renewal Fee – Certification of Training Instructor Total $100
- Late Renewal Fee – Certification of Training Instructor Total $150
- Reinstatement FEe – Certification of Training Instructor Total $100
- Lost or Destroyed License Replacement Fee Total $25
- Additional Weapon / Change of Weapon Type Application Fee Total $25
- Verification of Licensure (order online) Total $35
- Decorative Wall Certificate Total $50
How much does a blue card cost?
Registration for a Blue Card from the Georgia State Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies is $70.
Is my blue card valid in any other State besides Georgia?
This varies from state to state. The Georgia certification program has been recognized nationally – however certain states have differences on security license requirements. When it comes to armed certifications this is especially true. In almost all instances the answer will be no, but it never hurts to check with the state. You should never assume that your blue card will be valid in other states, as you may suffer serious legal consequences.
How long is a blue card valid for?
Your Georgia blue card is valid for one year, requiring the holder to re-qualify once a year at the shooting range with approval through a licensed state instructor. Unless the annual requalification process is missed, you will not have to take the entire classroom course again.