Online Security Guard Courses, Training and Certification

<p>Online security guard certification courses can help you prepare for professional certification. If you're interested in becoming a security guard who works for the local, state or federal government, you can earn an online undergraduate certificate in homeland security. You may also pursue a bachelor's degree or take continuing education classes via the Internet in order to update your skills. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Security at the private, local, state and national levels; multicultural community relations for law enforcement; global terrorism and homeland security; active shooter events; and surveillance technologies</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Licensing</b></td><td> The BLS reports that the majority of states require you to be licensed as a security guard, which typically involves passing a criminal background check and drug test.</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Future Career Options</b></td><td> Armed or unarmed security guard at a variety of venues from construction sites, hotels and hospitals to retail stores, banks and casinos.</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhereDoIFindOnlineSecurityGuardCourses">Where Do I Find Online Security Guard Courses?</h3> <p>Due to the hands-on nature of security guard training, such as self-defense and first aid, there are very few programs available online. Some security companies offer online training programs. Security guard training and certification courses offered through community colleges are conducted on-campus. You could choose to obtain a bachelor's degree in homeland security online, which is available as a stand-alone program or as a concentration in criminal justice. Schools that offer this type of program include: </p> <ul><li>Eastern Kentucky University </li><li>University of Maryland University College </li><li>Columbia Southern University </li><li>Mercer University </li><li>Excelsior College </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreOnlineProgramsLike">What Are Online Programs Like?</h3> <p>For initial security guard certification, it is likely you will not be able to complete a program online but must instead take an on-campus course. Upon completion of a security guard certification course, you may be awarded a power of arrest card from your state, enabling you to apprehend criminals while on duty. </p> <p>If you provide security for a government agency or international corporation in an airport or other transportation facility, you may wish to study border security or port security in an online homeland security certificate or degree program. Other relevant Web courses may cover disaster management, threat analysis and risk prevention. </p> <p>If you're already a certified security professional, you may take online continuing education courses to update your knowledge of current technologies, worldwide issues and security tactics. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>In a security guard certification course, you will learn about the role of a security guard, professional conduct, responding to emergency situations, terrorism and communications. The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in homeland security could include courses such as: </p> <ul><li>Emergency management </li><li>Security management </li><li>Public safety administration </li><li>Critical infrastructure protection </li><li>Disaster preparedness and response </li></ul><h3 id="section---DoINeedToBeCertifiedAndLicensed">Do I Need to Be Certified and Licensed?</h3> <p>The BLS informs that employers may provide in-the-field training while you're on duty; however, you may need to take continuing education classes to maintain your state licensure. ASIS International provides a number of professional development programs and awards board certifications for Physical Security Professionals upon successful completion of an exam (<i>www.asisonline.org</i>). </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while a high school diploma is preferred by some employers, there are no standard educational requirements for security guards (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCareerOptionsDoIHave">What Career Options Do I Have?</h3> <p>In 2018, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for security guards was $28,530, and $32,680 for gaming surveillance officers and investigators. According to the BLS, armed guards may acquire more permanent positions, receive higher wages and have more opportunities for advancement. The BLS advises that armed guards must be licensed by the government to possess weapons and need to obtain special certification to make arrests while on duty.</p>