What is required to be a security guard?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071231162814AAPDTEW

Depending on what country and province/state I assume it is different, however here in Ontario Canada, You simply apply for the job you take a test on your knowledge in the security buisness and then you have your interview, If you make a good impression on your prospective employer they will hire you, You than must fill out applications for a security guard licence, You will have to pass the back ground check and then you are on your Way! I am currently waiting for my security guard licence I have a few more days to wait am going crazy looking at my uniform in the closet, Good Luck!

As for America, becoming a security guard is amazingly easy. Some states such as California will make you get your guard card before you can start working, which basically certifies you in basic aspects of your job. However, in many states you can go to work in Loss Prevention at a store, take a job with an alarm monitoring and response company, work as an armored car courier/driver, or basically anywhere else you want. Most places don’t demand too much in the way of credentials, education or experience, but then, the pay often isn’t very good either.
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How to become a licensed security guard

The private security industry in Victoria is regulated by the Victoria Police Licensing Services Division. Several categories of licensing exist for private business operators and employees.

A Security guard is defined by the Private Security Act 2004 as a person who is employed or retained to protect, watch or guard any property by any means including:

• By patrolling the property in person; or

• By monitoring the property by operating a security system that utilizes closed circuit television, a closed monitoring system, radio or other similar alarm device.

To work as a security guard, a person must hold a security licence issued by the Licensing Services Division.

Steps to obtaining a security licence

All new licence applicants must successfully complete the approved training requirements delivered by an Victoria Police accredited training organisation; undergo a Criminal History Check; and supply two character references

Security licence training requirements

The following units of competency are the minimum entry-level requirement for licensing as a security guard:

• PRSSO201A Communicate effectively in the security industry

• PRSSO202A Maintain workplace safety

• PRSSO203A Work effectively in the security industry

• PRSSO204A Work as part of a team

• PRSSO205A Provide security service to customers

• PRSSO206A Provide first aid

• PRSSO207A Respond to security risk situation

The units have been selected by the police from the Asset Security Training Package PRS03. Each unit is nationally recognized and can only be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). In addition, all Registered Training Organisations delivering training for security licensing purposes must be accredited by Victoria Police.

Security licence training fees

Security licence training fees vary between Registered Training Organisations. As a guide, fees range from $595 to $2500.

PSG Australia is a Registered Training Organisation Provider Number 21750 and accredited by Victoria Police to deliver security training for licensing purposes. The company provides FREE training to applicants eligible for the Australian Government Work Skills Vouchers Programme

Paul Simmons is the Registrar of PSG Australia – a Registered Training Organisation (Provider Number 21750) and an accredited Victoria Police training organisation.

All the best