Education

• Security guards rarely need more than a high school diploma and certification. Post-secondary institutions such as community colleges and four-year universities offer courses in law enforcement and criminal justice studies, which are excellent resources for security guard training.
  
  

Certification

• Nearly all states require security guards to be certified or licensed. This process typically includes classroom work and examination, and can take anywhere from six months to one year. Certified guards are usually considered fairly well trained by hiring companies.
  
  

On-the-job Training

• Some of the best training for security guards takes place once they take their first job. They are often trained on the ins and outs of the position by a more experienced security guard or supervisor.