The demand for security guards is increasing. According to the Department of Labor Statistics, California has the highest number of security guards, over 150,000 out of 1.1 million in the U.S. The security guard sector, says the government department, is estimated to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026 with excellent job opportunities.

Getting Started: Basic Requirements. Becoming a security guard can be a stepping-stone to a law enforcement career, a solid job while attending college or a career unto itself. To begin security guard training, applicants must be 18 years or older, have at least a high school diploma, a clean criminal history and pass Department of Justice and FBI background checks.

Security Officer Training. As a security guard applicant, you must complete an eight-hour online training program before being assigned to duty. The program familiarizes and instructs students on the legal aspects, techniques and liability issues relating to the arrest of an individual as well as course work on weapons of mass destruction. Once course testing is successfully completed and submitted to the state, you will receive a “Guard Card” that allows you to begin work as a security guard. You will also be fingerprinted with your prints becoming part of your security guard record.

An additional 32 hours of training is required within the first six months of employment for a total of 40 hours of training. Security guard classes and fingerprinting forms are available through the Access Control Security website.