What Training is Necessary to Become a Personal Bodyguard?

Training to become a personal bodyguard can start in high school via fitness and self-defense classes. An aspiring personal bodyguard can benefit from military training and from a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, in addition to taking special classes and field training in protection. Get more info on your training options here.

Career Overview

Bodyguards are expected to carry out a wide range of duties, and therefore they must receive extensive training. They may be asked to manage crowds, survey areas and chauffeur clients to locations. There is no one path to becoming a bodyguard, so aspiring individuals should carefully consider which options are best for their particular needs.

How to Become a Bodyguard: Training Paths

There are no universal bodyguard requirements, and as such, there are a number of different ways to seek the training necessary for a career as a personal bodyguard. The following are a few common bodyguard training paths:

military experience
formal education
special training

The following sections describe each of these paths.

Military Experience

Going into the military after finishing high school can provide needed training for someone aspiring to be a bodyguard. Training in the military may include skills that carry over into the career of a personal bodyguard, including defensive use of firearms and team communication. Military training can help one acquire the right mindset for being a personal bodyguard, such as the ability to assess correctly and quickly what is happening. Military experience is also valuable in instilling a sense of duty and dedication.

Formal Education

Obtaining a criminal justice or law enforcement degree could give you a good background on which you can build a personal bodyguard career. In these fields of study, you can obtain an Associate's degree (2 years), Bachelor's degree (4 years), or advanced degree. A personal bodyguard also needs specialized training in areas that include defensive techniques, disarming, weapon use, driving, CPR, first aid, and communication, some of which may be included in your degree program.

Special Training

Aspiring bodyguards often seek training under the supervision of professionals, as well as field experience. Many private institutions offer training of this nature in the form of short courses conducted in classrooms and in the field. Students learn how to protect their client and obey laws concerning protective security. They are taught to respond to threats, to develop procedures for protecting clients, and to protect clients without opening themselves up to civil or legal liability.

Licensure

Some states require that personal bodyguards obtain licensure. The licensure requirements vary from state-to-state. Be sure to research the specific requirements for the state(s) where you plan to work. In addition to obtaining a bodyguard license, you may also need to secure authorization to carry a concealed weapon.

Important Facts About Personal Bodyguards

Required Education	High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
Median Salary (2019)	$64,507 (for bodyguards)*
Job Outlook (2016-2026)	6% growth (for security guards)**
Key Skills	Physical Strength, Conflict Resolution, Attention to Detail
Similar Occupations	Security Guard, Secret Service Officer, Correctional Officer

Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics