How Do I Get My Guard Card?

By Alex Wallst

     In order to become a certified and licensed security guard many states mandate that an individual obtain a what is known as their Guard Card. A Guard Card is often used to describe the license that is issued by the state that the security guard wishes to work in. Each state has different sets of rules for any potential security officer candidate that must be met in order to be legally allowed to be employed as a guard.




     The basic requirements and qualification that are almost universal are:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a United States Citizen or be legally allowed to work in the United States
• Not have any prior felony convictions
• Not have any physical impairments that would prevent you from completing the job
• Not have any mental impairments that would prevent you from completing the job
• Be able to submit to and pass a background check and fingerprint check

     If you have all of the basic requirements then you will have to apply and pass the remaining requirements set by each individual state. One of the most popular states that issues guard cards is the state of California.

California Guard Card Requirements

     All of the basic requirements above apply as well as a few other more detailed and in depth requirements. You will need to pass a background and criminal history check through the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Once this is complete, California mandates that all prospective security guards complete 40 hours of training. Eight hours must be completed before being assigned to a security post, sixteen hours must be completed within the first thirty days of being assigned to a job, and the final sixteen hours must be completed within 180 days. The training can only be completed with officially recognized firms in the state of California. If you need a list of firms that offer the required training they can be found on the California BSIS website.

New York Guard Card Requirements

     New York is another popular state that issues Guard Cards. As with California, New York requires all of the basic guard requirements to be met along with a few other more detailed items. New York mandates eight hours of pre-assignment training to b completed before registering for you guard card. They also require you to electronically submit your fingerprints through there vendor which is called L-1 Enrollment Services. Once you complete this, and additional 16 hours of training must be completed on the job within three months.
Other State Guard Card Requirements
All States are different so the easiest way to find out the requirements is to check with the state department of justice or state licensing board.

     For detailed information about your specific state Guard Card and its requirements visit Security Guard Training HQ

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