- A profession of action and contacts
- Job opportunities are growing rapidly, the profession is recruiting and will recruit again in the years to come! Many security guard company continue to emerge, the sector is expanding.
The lessers
- The job can be dangerous
- Working hours and working conditions are difficult
- Necessary qualities and skills
What are the qualities and skills needed to be hired as a Security Officer?
It is necessary to know how to respect the rules and the hierarchy, because the security agent must follow precise instructions, and always refer to his hierarchy. On some sites, the slightest error can have serious consequences and engage its responsibility. You must enjoy action, risk, and conflict resolution. The agent may have to manage aggressive people, even potentially dangerous, but also risky phenomena: fire, flood, gas leak… Nerves of steel are needed to make a quick and effective decision. You also need to know be diplomatic and open to dialogue, in order to understand very diverse people and behaviors. Communication is indeed very important in this profession: the security officer must exchange sometimes essential information with his colleagues, his hierarchy, render accounts, write reports. You also have to be able to keep up: the schedules are often staggered, and the days and nights can be long (up to 12 hours of work). Sometimes, the agent works outside, whatever the weather, while standing for a long time. You also have to be punctual, in order to take over from your colleagues on time. After 12 hours of service, these will be waiting for you impatiently the security officer must be vigilant and alert.
Education and Training
How do you become a Security Officer and what training do you need?
The job of security guard is accessible without any special training. However, you must meet a few conditions: be of legal age, have a clean criminal record and hold a professional card issued by the Prefecture. To carry out this activity, professionals must complete training that has been verified by a CQP security officer. (SIIAP certification is necessary for fire safety specialists.) There is security guard training available:
The CAP prevention and security officer or the MC security of spaces open to the public, are a gateway to the profession.
At baccalaureate level, the professional safety-prevention baccalaureate or the professional certificate as a prevention and security technical officer consolidate your skills.
Possible developments
What to do after Security Guard?
Throughout his career, the security guard can choose from a number of specialisations that are available through training:
- Master dog or canine agent : the agent is supported by a trained dog, often for higher risk missions.
- Fire safety or Firewatch officer: specialized in fire alarm systems, and evacuation and rescue measures. He has followed specific training (SSIAP).
- Remote monitoring operator: he manages alarms or performs remote monitoring.
- Other job titles include cash carrier, bodyguard, and airport security agent. The security industry is huge! With experience, he can progress to management positions: head of post, head of site, etc.
Main employers
Which companies can recruit a Security Officer?
Mostly employed by private security service companies, and assigned to different customer sites, he can also be employed by an internal structure.
Diploma
What qualifications do you need to become a security guard?
The Security Officer CAP is still required for employment as a security officer. There is also the Professional Technical Agent Certificate in Prevention as well as the Bac pro security-prevention. However, these diplomas are not mandatory to hold the position of private security guard. Indeed, people who are destined for this profession must above all integrate a training sanctioned by the CQP APS (certificate of professional qualification of security guard).
Missions
What are the missions that you can carry out as a security guard?
The security officer’s job revolves around risk prevention. Its mission is to guarantee the safety of goods and people within a given space. On sites such as warehouses or construction sites, its mere presence can be enough to deter malicious individuals. The same is true in stores and other large areas where thefts may be more or less frequent. His role is not to replace the work of the police and when the situation requires it, he must call the competent authorities to avoid any risk of overflow and aggravation of the situation. Administrative work can occupy a more or less important place depending on the position: writing reports, minutes, minutes, etc.
