How Do I Become a Facility Security Officer?

Someone who enjoys protecting others and maintaining order should consider a career as a facility security officer. Individuals in this field can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, shopping malls, and museums. There are a few steps that must be followed in order to become a facility security officer. Having a clean criminal record, graduating from high school, completing security officer training, passing an exam, and becoming certified are all examples. The majority of people should be able to find work once these steps have been taken.

It’s critical to have a clean criminal record before beginning the process of becoming a facility security officer. While a simple misdemeanor will not automatically disqualify someone, any serious crimes on their record, such as a felony, will. In fact, before receiving any formal training, most people must undergo a background check and be fingerprinted.

Graduating from high school is also a requirement for this profession. While most employers do not require a college diploma, almost all demand that security officers have a high school diploma or equivalent. Having one demonstrates that a person has the fundamental skills required for the job.

In order to become a facility security officer, you must also complete formal training. The length and scope of training varies depending on the individual’s location and the facility, but most courses last between 20 and 40 hours. During this time, a person will learn the fundamentals of being a security guard, as well as laws, safety concerns, and responsibilities. If a weapon will be used on the job, a person will need to be trained in how to use it.

After completing the initial training, the majority of people are required to take an exam. The exam questions are usually multiple choice, and they will vary depending on the facility and location. Exams will typically cover the material covered during training as well as anything else deemed necessary the facility. In addition, some facilities may require a person to pass some physical tests before being hired as a facility security officer. Passing these tests demonstrates that a person is knowledgeable, capable of defusing potentially dangerous situations, and physically capable of performing the job.

Furthermore, most facilities require security officers to obtain certification before beginning work. This usually entails passing a drug test and demonstrating knowledge of laws, property rights, and legal issues related to intruder arrests. A person can become an official facility security officer after obtaining this certificate.