California was one of the hardest-hit states when the economy ran into a recession. Job security in this state is often shaky at best, so finding a secure job is a rarity. Security guard training in California allows most to still manage to find lots of work, great pay, and benefits that most people would envy. Moreover, you don’t need a degree or take college security guard courses in California. If you are one of the 10% or so who happens to be unemployed in California, it might be time to research the requirements that Cali security guards have to meet.
Unarmed Security Guard Requirements In California
Being a California security guard is no laughing matter! California guards have a very training intensive requirements list. You will need to be an 18 year old (at the very youngest), and have a criminal background check from both the DOJ and the FBI. After that, you have to take a 40 hour training course which will teach you the ins and outs of being a security guard in California.
The background search is pretty intensive, and many people have gotten turned away from minor offenses. Most companies will also ask for fingerprints, a photo ID, and proof that you actually are a US citizen. Before you go searching for security guard jobs in Los Angeles or security jobs in Oakland, make sure that you are physically and mentally capable of doing the job.
Armed Security Guard Requirements In California
California is a state that is notorious for strict gun laws, and this reputation extends to California security guards. Before you can be an armed guard, you have to be 21 years of age, and also have a gun permit in California. Armed guards will be under the same scrutiny as unarmed guards, and will also probably be drug tested regularly. Mentally and physically capable people are the only ones who can be armed security guards in California. You will need to be trained by a Bureau-certified instructor, at a state-approved facility for security guard training. You should also look into acquiring a guard card from the state.
Firearms certification expires after 2 years, so you will have to reapply every 2 years in order to remain an armed guard in the state of California. Most California security officers choose to stay as unarmed guards due to the high amount of red tape that is associated with being an armed guard. However, the high wages does make it very tempting.
California Security Guard Training
The minimum 40 hour training for unarmed California security guards covers a lot of different things. “Power to Arrest” training is normally 8 of those 40 hours. First Aid, CPR, legal issues, and more are all covered in basic training. Depending on where you are trained, you might also need to know other things which aren’t covered. Armed guards also will need a minimum of 14 hours of firearms training. This course covers morals of armed security guard work, firearms terminology, safety, and also range training. You will also have to get training in shooting fundamentals and emergency response.
Job stability as a California guard is high, and the demand for both armed and unarmed guards means that finding security guard jobs in San Diego or any of the other major metropolitan areas will be a breeze. With ample wages, retirement packages, 401K plans, and more, being a California licensed security guard is not a bad option. However, people are starting to realize how great being a security guard is. In order to get a job before the flood of people comes, you will need to start training to become a security guard right now. Jobs like these aren’t going to stay empty for too long!