With the strong rise in the need for security and higher demand in the protection sector, the security guard profession is currently booming. Indeed, given the current situation, security is certainly one of the main concerns of a company. While it is impossible to completely eliminate acts of violence, it is possible to strengthen protection. Working in the field of private security is therefore an interesting option to boost your professional credentials. Thus, it is an interesting career choice that can help you open many doors.
What is the role of a Security Guard?
Before getting into the hot topic, it is better to first establish the mission of a private security company. A security company is an establishment specializing in protection and surveillance services. Its main mission is to take charge of the safety of people and property. For this, it relies on professional and experienced security agents.
Thus, in order to guarantee the protection of people and their property, these agents carry out rounds to fight against intrusion attempts and possible fires, in particular to monitor clients’ homes in the event of their absence. This visit can be done during the day or at night, on foot, with a dog or by car.
Apart from patrols, a security guard is also able to analyze the cause of an intrusion or fire alarm. These security and prevention specialists aim to protect their customers against vandalism and theft. They also intervene to remove any doubts. They will alert the services concerned in the event of a problem and guarantee the protection of the property
As they have undergone special training, a security team is able to intervene in various types of establishments and events such as in a company, a house, an event party, a construction site, a shopping center and many others.
What path do you need to take to become a professional security agent?
First of all, to become a private security guard, it is necessary to complete security guard training. This training is accessible without a diploma provided you are of legal age, have a clean criminal record and are in possession of a professional card. This card is generally issued by the prefect for holders of a Professional Qualification Certificate. For professional retraining as a security guard, you have the choice between 2 training courses:
Initial training
To reach the CAP level, three formulas are offered:
- CAP security guard: this diploma is accessible from the 3rd year, it can be prepared in 2 years. It offers training in the prevention of certain reprehensible acts such as theft, burglary or damage. Holders of the Safety Officer CAP can also complete the Fire Extinguisher Inspector CAP in one year.
- CAP Fire Extinguisher Inspector: just like the CAP Security officer, this one is accessible from the 3rd year and can be prepared in two years. It provides advice on the purchase, installation and use of fire extinguishers.
- MC safety of spaces open to the public: this professionalization contract is accessible after a CAP and requires a preparation phase of 1 year.
If you only have a BAC level, you can obtain these following diplomas:
- BP technical agent for prevention and security: accessible after a CAP and can be prepared in two years. This certification consists of both training in risk prevention and disaster response.
- Vocational baccalaureate in security professions: this training is prepared in two years after a CAP or 3 years after the 3rd. This program aims to prepare for the various professions of security, safety and public order, the protection of people, property and the environment.
For those who have a BAC+2 level, they can register for the DUT Health Safety Environment. Accessible after a BAC, it can be completed in two years and trains in risk management, health and safety at work as well as environmental protection, within companies and administrations.
If you have a BAC+3 level, you can prepare a professional bachelor's degree in the security of goods and people. This is accessible after a BAC+2, it can be prepared in 1 year.
Be aware that training in occupational first aid (SST) or first aid (PSC1) is highly sought after by employers.
Continuing education
As a part of your professional reorientation, it is possible to become a security guard through continuing education. For this, you must be in possession of several of the following diplomas. You will also be asked for a certificate of professional qualification as a prevention and security officer (CAP level). The CQP is issued by the professional security prevention branch or the Professional Title of Private Safety and Security Agent (Pro A2SP title).
There are also training courses such as the SSIAP1 or Fire Safety and Personal Assistance Service, the SST or Rescuer-First Aid at Work or the HOBO or Electrical Accreditation that may interest you. These additional certificates will increase your chance of finding a job easily.
What qualities are required to become a security guard?
This work requires a very good physical condition but also patience, autonomy and a high-performance editorial quality. In this case, to become a security guard, you must have a sense of observation, composure and a sense of responsibility.
What is the salary of a Security Guard?
The average entry-level security guard salary ranges from $1,480-$1,600/month. But this depends on the level of training, experience and the responsibilities of the position.
What is the salary of a Security Guard?
In order to provide a quality service to its customers, there are different profiles of security guards, each of which has their own roles and different missions depending on their qualifications. These are mainly:
- Security agents: intervening roundsman, mobile agents.
- Fire safety officers : classified at SSIAP levels 1, 2 and 3.
- Dog handlers
- Event security officers
- Remote surveillance operators
- Store inspectors
- Theft prevention officers...
What servies do a Private security agency offer?
In general, you should choose the company to whom you will entrust your security according to the services they offer. Therefore, before signing the contract, it is crucial to consider the availability of the following services:
- Human supervision;
- Remote monitoring;
- Control rounds (day and night);
- Control of access to the property;
- The various technical verifications and more.
A good service provider must have undergone extensive training. Indeed, to become a professional private security guard, it is mandatory to undergo specialized training. After the training, the security guard will have the essential skills to act in various fields such as:
- Fire safety;
- First aid;
- Guard missions.