How to Become a Private Security Officer

If you’re looking to begin a career in private security or as a personal security officer, there are a few things to know about first. Working in security can be different from other industries and requires someone to have the right mix of training, personality, and background experience to be successful. After all, not everyone will be up to the challenge of becoming a personal security officer, but for those that have set their sights on this profession, at 1st Class Protection we want to help.

Below, you will find out all you need to know if considering a career in security and what you can expect from the role of a security guard or officer. You’ll discover how to become a private security officer, what private security qualifications you’ll need, and what opportunities are available when qualified.

To learn more about opportunities available here at 1st Class Protection, you can find out more on our jobs page.

The Role of a Private Security Officer/Guard

A security guard is employed by an organisation to protect not only physical buildings and areas, but also individuals. The role can be varied in the types of environments a security guard is needed, from clinical settings such as hospitals, to government buildings and even educational buildings. No matter where a personal security officer is needed, the core fundamental part of the job stays the same – to ensure safety and protect valuable assets.

Whereas public security roles involve working for services provided by the government, private security is offered by security companies that can be hired by companies to help protect their interests. The personal security officer roles are similar in both private and public security, with both needing the right private security qualifications and licences to operate.

The role itself can be more than just providing a physical presence outside or inside a building, with a security officer having more responsibilities depending on where they are needed. Officers may need to monitor CCTV equipment and alarm systems, keep logs of activity during shifts, liaise with emergency services where necessary and potentially escort individuals or trespassers from a building or area.

As the role can be varied and involves the protection of the public, the role requires specific private security qualifications and checks depending on what the job involves. When companies look to hire a private security firm to provide security personnel, they will want to see the required skills and knowledge has been gained to work as safely and competently as possible, as the role can involve working unsupervised and working alone at unsociable hours.

How to Get into Private Security?

The main qualification required is a Security Industry Alliance (SIA) licence. This is essential to ensure security officers are working legally in the UK if they are employed by a private security company. At 1st Class Protection, we ensure all employed security personnel have this qualification and provide training towards this before being deployed. To get an SIA licence, a licence-linked qualification is required, so we provide the necessary training to enable our security officers to apply and receive their licence.

• Those applying for an SIA licence for the first time have to have received their qualification within the last 3 years.
• If reapplying for an SIA licence you held before, a new qualification needs to be completed if it has been longer than 3 years since the previous one was active.

Beyond the all-important SIA licence, this isn’t the only consideration those wanting to know how to get into private security need to think about. You’ll also need to consider the following:

• Other training considerations – you may require a completed first aid course or other supporting skills that will help in the role
• Customer service skills – you’ll be representing the security company as well as the client, so having basic customer service skills is essential for dealing with the public. You may have to have difficult conversations, so being able to engage politely but firmly is helpful.
• Focus and concentration – you’ll need to stay alert throughout your shift to ensure public and property safety.
• Working under pressure – as you can imagine, the role has a lot of responsibility to ensure safety, so being able to work calmly with patience and under pressure is essential.
• Have basic computer skills – you may need to use handheld devices, CCTV systems or computers depending on the job, so having experience with these can help.
• Policing or military background – whilst not always necessary, having a background in similar disciplines will have many transferable skills that can help you do the job well.
• Speaking other languages – also not always necessary, but living in a multicultural society means many different languages, so being able to speak other languages can be hugely beneficial and help you stand out as a candidate.

The role of a personal security officer can be hugely rewarding for the right person that has the skills and personality to succeed and can involve manned guarding to residential and mobile patrols. If you have many of the skills and experience mentioned on how to become a private security guard, it could be the career for you.

Security Services at 1st Class Protection

As a leading security services provider in London, we can offer a variety of solutions for companies looking to ensure safety and protection. When we hire security personnel, we have to maintain our high level of service, so we always seek officers who can provide the service our clients demand. If you’re wondering how to get into private security, then partnering with us is a great option.

One of the reasons we provide training in the role is to ensure we have a team that can deliver exceptional service no matter the environment they are in, whether it's providing healthcare security or a corporate security role.

To find out more about careers at 1st Class Protections or our services, please contact us today.

Private Security Guard FAQs

What qualifications do you need to become a security guard in the UK?

To become a security guard or personal security officer in the UK, you must hold a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. This requires completing an approved training course, which covers working in the private security industry, conflict resolution and physical intervention techniques. You’ll also need an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate before starting the training. 

How long does it take to get an SIA licence?

The time it takes to get your SIA licence varies, but most applicants receive theirs within 4 to 6 weeks after submitting a completed application. This includes time to complete the required training course and obtain a valid first aid certificate. The Security Industry Authority will conduct identity checks and a criminal record background check during the process. Delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or during periods of high demand. 

Do I need prior experience to become a security officer?

No, you don’t need previous experience to begin a career as a security officer or personal security officer. Many people enter the private security sector with little to no background in security work. What matters most is your ability to complete the required private security qualifications, hold an SIA licence and have the right skills. 

What skills are important for a security guard?

Essential skills include excellent observation, communication, calmness under pressure and the ability to resolve conflicts. Teamwork, integrity and time management are also key. In the private security industry, being able to follow protocol, assess risks and respond quickly and appropriately to incidents is crucial. Employers also value those with a customer-service mindset, especially in roles that involve public interaction.