Security Guard Training

If you are interested in becoming a security guard, you need to know how to obtain security guard training. The opportunities for employment in this industry have been steadily expanding in the last few years, as the public and businesses have become increasingly conscious of the need for protection. There is therefore plenty of scope for rewarding employment for those with the right qualifications.

One reason why the security industry offers such excellent prospects is the variety of roles and jobs from which it is possible to choose. There are a large number of companies in the UK that employ security guards, from the big well-known groups  to a host of small private companies. It is possible to operate in a wide range of settings, from airports, factories, retail stores and universities to clubs, residential flats and even private homes, so you are likely to be able to work in an environment that suits you. However, before you can start, it is necessary to hold a licence from the SIA or Security Industry Authority, the body that regulates the industry.

In order to obtain this licence, you must be at least 18 years of age and have a clear criminal record check, with no violations of any sort for at least 12 months, plus a medical certificate. In addition, you have to provide evidence that you have received the required security guard training to perform the relevant duties. To get this training you should find an SIA-approved provider, such as GSS, so that you can be sure that the courses are tailored to the necessary standard. What classes you attend will depend on which sector of the security industry you wish to join, but if you wish to be a security guard there are three specific modules you are required to take, lasting a total of 26 hours. However if you already have a door supervisor licence, you do not need a further qualification to work as a security guard.

The three modules you need to take for this training consist of 10 hours for the basic training required across the security industry, eight hours for the specialist security guard module, and eight hours for the conflict management module. The specialist module will teach you specific skills including patrolling, search techniques and record keeping, and you will also learn about the legal aspects of security and the technology of security systems.

As soon as you have completed your security guard training course, you can start attending interviews for jobs. As long as you are applying to an approved contractor, you do not need to wait for the outcome of your training – you just need a letter confirming that your SIA licence is pending. If you are applying to a non-approved contractor, you have to wait till your licence is processed before you can start your application. Your licence is valid for three years and when it expires you can apply for it to be renewed. Currently you do not have to provide evidence that you have had ongoing training as a condition of renewing your licence, though this may change in the future.

The security industry has progressed a lot from a few decades ago, when any former soldier or police officer could get a job. The public has become much more conscious of the need for professionalism in the industry, so that those being protected can trust their protectors and have peace of mind. This is why the security guard training has become increasingly rigorous. Provided that you are able to meet the challenges of the high training standards, and the demanding but exciting nature of the job, you should find a rewarding and satisfying career path opening up to you.

Level 2 Award in Security Guarding

Under the Private Security Industry Authority Act 2001, all individuals wishing to work in the private security industry must undertake a recognised qualification before applying for a licence.

The Level 2 Award in Security Guarding has been developed to meet the requirements of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). It is based on the relevant SIA Specifications for Learning and Qualifications and provides the learner with the necessary knowledge and understanding for those who wish to apply for an SIA licence and work as a security guard within the private security industry.

The qualification comprises 3 mandatory units:

Unit 1 – Working in the Private Security Industry
Unit 2 – Working as a Security Officer
Unit 3 – Conflict Management for the Private Security Industry

This qualification can enable the learner to progress onto the NVQ in Providing Security Services or undertake further learning in other areas of the private security industry such as CCTV Operations or Door Supervision.

Assessment

Unit 1 – Working in the Private Security Industry

• 25-question multiple-choice examination paper.
• Successful candidates must achieve a score of at least 18 out of 25
• Examination duration – 40 minutes
• Guided learning hours for this unit are 10 hours.

Unit 2 – Working as a Security Officer

• 40-question multiple-choice examination paper.
• Successful candidates must achieve a score of at least 28 out of 40
• Examination duration – 1 hour
• Guided learning hours for this unit are 8 hours.

Unit 3 – Conflict Management for the Private Security Industry

• 25-question multiple-choice examination paper.
• Successful candidates must achieve a score of at least 18 out of 25
• Examination duration – 40 minutes
• Guided learning hours for this unit are 8 hours.

When you take a course with GSS we will provide you with support, guidance and resources to ensure you have everything you need to successfully achieve the highest possible standard in your chosen field.

• Course Workbooks
• Online Resourses
• Practice Assessments
• Telephone Support
• Email Support

A new and streamlined online booking system is currently being implemented. We apologise for any inconvenience. However you can still make bookings by contacting one of our advisors using the methods below.

Use our custom Support Ticket System to manage any of your questions. We aim to reply to all questions and enquires within 1 hour, however at extremely busy time please allow upto 48 hours. Click Here

• Call us on 0871 789 7680
• Email: support@gsslimited.co.uk