In today’s busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to find a security guard training course that fits your schedule. Fortunately, there are many online course options to receive training and licensure to become a security guard. These options include local colleges and universities, online private colleges and universities, and private online schools that specialize in online security guard training. Although these options are readily available, it is important to research options specific to your state, as security guard licensing requirements vary widely from state to state.
One option is to check with your local community college, trade school, or university. Depending on the type of security training you are looking for, local colleges and universities may offer security guard training. You can check with each school in your area to see if they offer an online degree or certification program in security, and if they do, this can be an online option for you that will fit your schedule. The benefit of this option, if it is available, is that you may be eligible to receive financial aid or scholarships to help you cover the cost of the program. Furthermore, because local colleges and universities are already accredited in your state, they should also meet the state’s requirements for security courses.
Another option to consider is security degrees and certifications from online private colleges and universities. Some examples of private online colleges that offer online security programs can be found here. The advantages of attending an online private college are similar to those of attending a local college or university in that you may be eligible for financial aid or scholarships. The disadvantages, however, are that these colleges are much pricier than their local counterparts, and you must research the college thoroughly to ensure that it is actually accredited nationally and in your particular state. If it is accredited in your state, it may be a convenient option to get your security training while also receiving financial aid and scholarships to help cover some of the cost of the program.
If you are looking for quality training at a school that specializes only in security guard training, then an online private security guard training school might be the best option for you. Although you must cover the full cost of the training, online security schools typically specialize in security guard training and licensure, so they tend to be more knowledgeable and more in-depth than a more generalized college or university might be. Furthermore, online security schools tend to be licensed in a particular state, so you can find one that is able to license you in your state. This option may not be available in all states, as all states may not have an online security school that offers training courses entirely online. Some larger states, such as California, Florida, and New York, do have online security schools that are licensed in these respective states to provide training and licensure to security guards and other security personnel. These schools generally offer basic 8-hour and extensive 40-hour guard card training as well as other security training so that you can advance in your security guard career. As a word of caution, it is important to do thorough research into the online security school of your choice to avoid scams.
Not all online security schools are made equal. Some online schools claim to offer comprehensive security guard training that is fully licensed by the state, but they are scams. To avoid being scammed, check for a state licensing number, check the security of the website and payment systems, and, if the school is a college or university, check for proper state, regional, and national accreditation.
If you have a busy schedule and feel that there is not enough time to pursue security guard training, there are online options to fit your schedule. To begin your search, you can find a school in your state here.
