How to Become a Security Guard in New York

The security guard industry in New York state has been rapidly growing especially in the wake of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Many more businesses are taking the protection of their property and other assets much more seriously. This means that firms in New York are constantly in need of more security guards.

In order to become a security guard in the state of New York you need to be 18 years of age or older and a citizen of the U.S. You will need to pass an FBI background check and submit a copy of your fingerprints to L-1 Enrollment Servicess. Lastly, you will need to complete and pass an 8 hour training course before applying for your license with the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services.

Once you have your Security Guard Registration Card, you can begin working as a security officer in New York state. Please note however that sometime during the first 90 days of your employment you will be required to do an additional 16 hours of on the job training. And like most states you will need to complete a short annual refresher course to keep your registration card up to date.

Additionally, there will be a $35 dollar fee to apply for your Registration Card and a $100 dollar fee to get a digital copy of your fingerprints and have it processed by the FBI. All of these fees are non-refundable.

Becoming a security guard is a rewarding and challenging career opportunity for the right minded individual. And there are no lack of opportunities available in the Big Apple. You just need to make sure that you get the correct security guard training. Get started on your new career today!

Becoming a Security Guard in California and the Guard Card

Security guards have never been in higher demand in the state of California. This is an excellent career opportunity for anyone looking for a challenging and reward line of work. Becoming a security guard allows one to work in a multitude of different environments, both independent and as a part of a team as well as interact with the public and protect valuable persons and property.

But before you can get started in this field you will have to make sure that you have received the proper security guard training. In order to be employed as a security guard in California you will need a state license, better known as a guard card. The guard card provides employers with the reassurance that they are hiring quality individuals who are properly trained.

To apply for your guard card you will need to contact The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). This agency governs the licensing of security guards within the state of California. As is typical in most states there is an age requirement of 18 years in order to apply. There are no exceptions to this rule so it would be a much better use of your time to just wait it out if you are a minor.

The next requirement for applying for your guard card is that you complete an 8 hour power to arrest training program. These courses can be taken at several BSIS approved security guard training centers around the state. Once you have completed the course you will be required to write and pass a short exam.

The next stage of processing is a criminal background check. BSIS requires that you send this information to the FBI for processing. The best way to go about this is to get a digital copy of your fingerprints at any live scan center. You will usually need to book an appointment and possibly pay a small fee. Please note that there is also a $79 non-refundable fee that you must send to the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with your fingerprint records.

The final step in pursuing your guard card is filling out a written application and sending it by mail or electronically to BSIS. The best way to get the application form is to go to the BSIS website and download and print an electronic version of it. Once you complete your application you should expect to wait about 2 or 3 weeks for it to be processed before you receive your guard card in the mail.

In the meantime it is advised that you begin the process of looking for a potential employer. You can simply inform them that your guard card application is pending and they will usually be happy to begin the interview process concurrently. Please note that in order to keep your guard card up to date you will be required to participate in some periodic renewal tasks. These are done on the job in California so there is no further requirement on your time or money.

Becoming a security guard is a fantastic and challenging career for the right individual. As you can see, the training requirements in California are not that difficult. You just have to go through the right steps and obtain your guard card and you will be on the way to becoming a security guard before you know it!
 

Security Guard Training in Illinois and the PERC Card

Becoming a security guard is a great idea no matter what part of the country you live in. Security personnel are in hot demand even in this dismal economy. If you live in the state of Illinois and want to become a security guard there are two requirements.

First you will need to a get your license to work as a security guard in the state of Illinois. Every state in the U.S. has it's own similar licensing system so this is nothing unique to Illinois. Secondly you will need to apply for and obtain your PERC card. This stands for the Permanent Employee Registration Card. This certification ensures that you haven't been found guilty of any felonies or other serious crimes in the past. In fact, within the state of Illinois many other jobs require this sort of licensing such as school bus drivers and some private investigators.

In order to apply for your PERC card first you will have to make sure that you are 18 years of age or older. No exceptions are made under any circumstances so you may as well not even bother if you are a minor. You will also need to have a social security number and a valid ID or work permit. In order to start the process you should contact The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The IDFPR are the sole legal issuers of PERC cards within the state of Illinois.

Before you actually apply for your PERC card you will also want to make sure that you get your digital fingerprinting done. This is becoming more and more commonplace today in highly sensitive work positions as it allows the FBI or other Government agency to more quickly identify and conduct a criminal background check on you. You will want to make an appointment at a live scan center in your area and make sure to bring photo identification with you. The procedure is usually fast and painless. You should be in and out in 15 minutes.

After you have finished with this you will receive a digital fingerprinting receipt which you will send in with your PERC card application. The easiest way to get the application is to download and print it off of the IDFPR website. Along with filling out all the necessary information you will also need to send in an up to date picture of yourself and a non-refundable amount of $55. Should your application be approved, you will receive your PERC card in the mail within a few weeks.

After you have received your PERC card you can begin a security guard training course in order to receive your state license. This usually consists of about 20 hours of coursework detailing skills such as communication, detaining a suspect, writing reports and so on. You will have to write an exam at the end. Should you pass you will receive your certification and be fully licensed to work as a security guard within the state of Illinois. You will need to do a short renewal course each year as long as you are employed in the security guard field.

Becoming a security guard is a great career decision for many people and there are plenty of exciting and challenging positions available in the state of Illinois and elsewhere. You just need to make sure that you get the proper licensing and training first. What's stopping you?