Top 10 Security Guard Certifications

Certifications for a security guard are important for the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge, skills and experience that employers look for when hiring. A certification shows potential employers that the applicant is knowledgeable in their field and has taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry practices and trends. Certifications also serve as proof of completion of training courses, which can make an applicant more attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications can help security guards gain access to higher-level positions within the industry.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Security Guards and explains how they can help to advance a security guard's career.

What are Security Guard Certifications?

Security guard certification is a type of credentialing program that provides individuals with the necessary training and skills to work as a security guard. This type of certification is typically offered by private security companies or government agencies, and it is usually required for those who wish to become a security guard.

The certification process typically involves classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a written exam. The classroom instruction will cover topics such as safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and basic legal concepts. The hands-on training may involve learning how to use firearms or other weapons in order to protect property or people. Finally, the written exam tests the individual’s knowledge of the material covered in the classroom instruction and practical training sessions.

Having this certification is important for employers who are looking to hire qualified security guards. It demonstrates that an individual has received proper training in order to do their job safely and effectively. Furthermore, it can also help increase an individual’s chances of getting hired since employers are more likely to hire someone who has been certified than someone who does not have this credential. Additionally, having this certification may also help an individual stand out from other applicants since it shows that they have taken the initiative to gain additional knowledge and skills related to their profession.

Pro Tip: When considering security guard certification, be sure to research the requirements for the state or jurisdiction you are seeking certification in. Each state may have different requirements for certification and continuing education.

Related: What does a Security Guard do?

Top 10 Security Guard Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Security Guards today.

1. Certified Protection Officer (CPO)

Certified Protection Officer (CPO) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of security, loss prevention, and safety. The CPO credential is awarded by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).

The CPO program requires applicants to complete a series of courses and assessments to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the security industry. This includes courses in topics such as access control, legal issues, emergency response, risk assessment, and more. Upon completion of the coursework, applicants must pass an exam with a score of at least 80%.

The CPO program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on the applicant’s level of commitment. The cost for the program varies depending on which courses are taken and if any additional materials are purchased. The cost can range from $600-$1,200 USD.

To get certified as a CPO, applicants must first register with IFPO and pay any applicable fees. They then must complete all required coursework and pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their official CPO certification from IFPO.

2. Certified Security Supervisor (CSS)

Certified Security Supervisor (CSS) is a professional certification program designed to provide security professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage and supervise security operations. The program consists of two courses: Security Supervision I and Security Supervision II.

The CSS certification is offered by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO). To obtain the certification, individuals must complete both courses successfully. Each course consists of 10 modules and takes approximately 40 hours to complete. The cost of the two courses is $299 USD.

In order to be eligible for the CSS certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in security operations or management; or a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, security administration or related field; or a combination thereof. Additionally, applicants must pass an online exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

Once certified, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise in security supervision and management and can use this credential as an advantage when applying for jobs within the security industry.

3. Certified Security Manager (CSM)

Certified Security Manager (CSM) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of security management. It is offered by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). The CSM certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and practices of security management in order to protect organizational assets and resources.

The CSM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of cumulative paid full-time work experience in one or more of the eight domains of the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by ISC2. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified as a CSM, you must first register with ISC2 and pay the application fee. After registering, you will be sent a confirmation email containing instructions on how to schedule your exam. Once you have taken and passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from ISC2.

The cost for taking the CSM exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs between $450-$600 USD.

4. Certified Professional Investigator (CPI)

Certified Professional Investigator (CPI) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and experience in the field of investigations. The certification is granted by the International Association of Professional Security Investigators (IAPSI).

To become a Certified Professional Investigator, an individual must meet certain qualifications and pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills in the areas of investigation, law enforcement, security management, and other related disciplines. The exam is administered by IAPSI and consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as investigative techniques, legal principles, evidence collection and preservation, interviewing skills, case management, and more.

The process to become a Certified Professional Investigator typically takes between 6-12 months. To get started on the path to becoming certified, individuals must first complete an application form available on IAPSI’s website. Once accepted into the program, applicants are required to take an online course or attend an approved training program before they can take the certification exam.

The cost for becoming a Certified Professional Investigator varies depending on whether you choose to take the online course or attend an approved training program. The cost for taking the online course is typically around $500 USD while attending an approved training program can range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD depending on location and duration. Additionally, there is also a fee for taking the certification exam which is typically around $200 USD.

5. Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of emergency management. The CEM program is administered by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).

The CEM program consists of four components: education, experience, training, and examination. To become certified as a CEM, an individual must meet all four requirements.

Education: Applicants must have completed at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must have completed at least one course in emergency management or related field.

Experience: Applicants must have at least three years of full-time professional experience in emergency management or related field within the last ten years.

Training: Applicants must complete at least forty hours of approved training in emergency management topics within the last five years.

Examination: Applicants must successfully pass the IAEM Certified Emergency Manager Examination. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as disaster planning, response and recovery, hazard mitigation, public information and warning systems, and legal issues related to emergency management.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all four components required for certification. The cost for taking the CEM exam is $450 USD for IAEM members and $550 USD for non-members.

6. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

A Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is a professional who has been trained to detect and investigate cases of fraud. CFEs are trained to identify fraudulent activities, analyze evidence, and develop strategies for preventing future fraud. The CFE credential is offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to obtain the CFE certification. This includes completing the required coursework, passing the CFE Exam, and meeting other requirements such as having at least two years of experience in fraud detection or investigation.

To get the CFE certification, you must first join the ACFE as a member. After joining, you can register for the CFE Exam Preparation Course which will provide you with an overview of fraud examination topics and prepare you for taking the exam. After completing this course, you will be eligible to take the CFE Exam which is administered twice per year in June and December. Once you pass the exam, your application will be reviewed by ACFE staff and if approved, you will be awarded your CFE certification.

The cost of obtaining your CFE certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ACFE member when registering for the exam preparation course. For non-members it costs $1,495 USD while for members it costs $995 USD.

7. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of information security. It is the most widely accepted certification for information security professionals and is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

To be eligible to take the CISSP exam, applicants must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). The domains are: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Information Security Governance and Risk Management, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Security Architecture and Design, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, and Legal Regulations and Compliance.

The exam itself consists of 250 multiple choice questions that must be completed within six hours. The cost for the exam is $699 USD for members of ISC2 ($599 USD for renewals) or $899 USD for non-members.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). You will then need to maintain your certification by completing continuing professional education credits every three years in order to remain certified.

8. Physical Security Professional Certification (PSP)

The Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification is a professional credential offered by ASIS International, a global organization dedicated to the security industry. The PSP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and experience necessary to design, implement, and manage physical security systems.

The PSP certification requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in physical security or related fields. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, system design and implementation, operations and maintenance, legal considerations, technology applications, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To obtain the PSP certification, candidates must submit an application to ASIS International along with proof of their professional experience. In addition, they must pay a fee which varies depending on whether they are an ASIS member or non-member. The current fee for non-members is $495 USD. Once the application has been approved by ASIS International, candidates can register for the exam online or through Pearson VUE testing centers located around the world.

Once successfully completed, the PSP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. After this time period has expired, certified professionals must renew their credentials by submitting evidence of continuing education credits earned since their initial certification date as well as paying a renewal fee (currently $125 USD for non-members).

9. International Foundation for Protection Officers Certification (IFPO-CPO)

The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) Certification Program (IFPO-CPO) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to provide professional development and recognition for protection officers. The IFPO-CPO is a certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of security professionals in the field of physical protection. It is intended to provide a standard of excellence in the industry and to ensure that those who work in the security field have the necessary qualifications to do so.

The IFPO-CPO certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as access control, emergency response, risk assessment, and more. The exam can be taken online or at an approved testing center. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to qualify for the IFPO-CPO certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least two years of experience in physical security or related fields and completing an approved training course. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check and adhere to a code of ethics set forth by the IFPO.

The cost for the IFPO-CPO certification varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $150 - $200 USD. This fee includes both the application fee as well as any associated materials needed for taking the exam.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official IFPO-CPO certificate within 4 - 6 weeks after passing your exam.

10. National Crime Prevention Specialist Certification (NCPS-C).

The National Crime Prevention Specialist Certification (NCPS-C) is a professional credential awarded by the International Association of Crime Prevention Practitioners (IACPP). The certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of crime prevention. It is a voluntary certification that requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the area of crime prevention.

The NCPS-C requires applicants to complete an application process, which includes submitting an application form, providing proof of professional experience, and passing an exam. Applicants must also complete at least 24 hours of continuing education credits within five years prior to applying for the certification. Once approved, the applicant will receive their NCPS-C designation and be listed on the IACPP website as a certified specialist.

The application process typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete and there is no cost associated with applying for the certification. However, applicants are responsible for any fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other documents necessary for the application process. In addition, applicants may need to pay for any continuing education courses they take in order to meet the requirements for certification.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their NCPS-C designation by completing at least 12 hours of continuing education credits every two years. They must also abide by IACPP’s code of ethics and standards of practice when engaging in crime prevention activities.

Overall, obtaining the NCPS-C designation demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in crime prevention and provides them with recognition from their peers in this field.

Do You Really Need a Security Guard Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the specific job that you are applying for. If you are applying for a job as a security guard, then it is likely that you will need to have some kind of security guard certificate. This type of certificate usually involves taking a course and passing an exam in order to demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to security work.

Having a security guard certificate can be beneficial in many ways. It shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to become qualified for the position and have invested your time and money into doing so. Being certified also demonstrates that you understand the laws and regulations related to being a security guard, which can help you feel more confident when performing your duties on the job.

In addition, having a certification may give you access to better pay or promotion opportunities than those without one. In some cases, employers may also require certification as part of their hiring process, so it is important to check with each individual employer before applying for any positions.

Overall, whether or not you need a security guard certificate depends on your individual situation and the requirements of the job that you are applying for. However, having one can certainly be beneficial in terms of demonstrating your qualifications and increasing your chances of being hired or promoted within the field.

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FAQs About Security Guard Certifications

1. What is a security guard certification?

Answer: A security guard certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates the holder has met certain standards and qualifications to work as a security guard. The requirements for the certification vary by state, but generally include completing an approved training program, passing a criminal background check and being at least 18 years old.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified varies depending on the state you live in, but typically it takes between 2-4 weeks to complete the necessary training and receive your certification.

3. Are there any additional requirements beyond the training program?

Answer: Yes, some states require additional steps such as passing a written exam or completing an internship before you can become certified as a security guard.

4. Do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: Most certifications need to be renewed every few years in order to remain valid. Check with your state’s licensing board for specific information about renewal requirements for your particular certification.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a security guard provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher pay and enhanced credibility within the field of security services. It also allows you to demonstrate your commitment to professionalism and safety in the workplace.