We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Become a Retail Security Guard?

Autumn Rivers
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,096
Share

Fulfilling a desire to become a retail security guard involves first meeting a few requirements. For instance, you usually are expected to have a friendly attitude, yet you should be prepared to confront shoplifters, even after a long day on your feet. Though there is no particular education — beyond a high school diploma — required of the average security guard, a college degree in a related subject could improve your resume. You also usually will need to pass a background check and drug test, with additional training in the use of weapons if you plan to be an armed guard.

You should first consider whether your current skills match those required by most security jobs. For example, you usually can expect to be standing or walking around a store for several hours a day, so you are advised to be OK with being on your feet a lot. You also will come into contact with a lot of new people each day, and you may be required to answer questions or help employees occasionally, so a friendly, helpful attitude usually is desired if you wish to become a retail security guard. One of the most important duties of this job is to discourage theft and dangerous situations, which means you should not be intimidated by confrontation with would-be thieves and those intending to commit criminal acts.

If you think you have the personality to become a retail security guard, then you may want to consider whether you have the right education. In most cases, as long as you have a high school diploma, you can become a retail security guard, because higher education is typically not necessary. If you wish to stand out from other applicants, though, you are advised to find a vocational school that offers a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement or security management, because these subjects can prepare you for a career as a security officer. You also usually can get a bachelor's degree in such subjects, which is especially recommended if you eventually plan to seek a higher-paying law enforcement job.

Once you are comfortable with the level of education you have, you need to fulfill other requirements to become a retail security guard. For example, you usually need to pass a background check and a drug test, keeping in mind that few employers will hire an applicant with a criminal record. In addition, you should consider whether you want to become a retail security guard who is armed, which usually requires extra training so it is clear you can handle weapons. You also may need a license to carry weapons, depending on where you live. Despite the additional training that usually is required of armed security guards, this route could be beneficial, because you may be paid more for such a job.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Autumn Rivers
By Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers, a talented writer for WiseGeek, holds a B.A. in Journalism from Arizona State University. Her background in journalism helps her create well-researched and engaging content, providing readers with valuable insights and information on a variety of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-retail-security-guard.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.