Becoming a security guard is much easier in Atlanta, GA, than in many other parts of the country. New guards can often complete their training online within a few days. With demand for guards increasing statewide, it’s a great time to consider entering this exciting and essential field.
Prospective guards interested in entering the industry as unarmed security professionals can expect minimum barriers to entry. If you’re interested in earning more as a guard, or simply wish to diversify your skillset, specialized training will allow you to use firearms and other implements. It’s essential to understand the requirements for armed guards—in terms of training and responsibilities in the field—before signing up for specific training courses.
This article provides a brief overview for folks interested in becoming security guards in Atlanta: the state laws concerning licensing, the path to becoming an unarmed guard, and additional training requirements for firearms certification. Given the current demand, opportunities should be easy to come by in Atlanta. By deepening your skillset with experience and education, you’ll be able to secure even higher-paying roles.
Basic Requirements for Security Guards in Atlanta
Compared to other parts of the country, things work a bit differently in the Peachtree State.
According to state law, the Georgia State Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies is responsible for issuing licenses to private security businesses. Individual, unarmed security guards are not required to apply for licenses through the State Board. Instead, much of the responsibility for ensuring guards in the field are trained and certified falls on security companies themselves – the employers.
Any security guard companies operating in Atlanta must meet strict criteria because they are responsible for verifying their deployed guards. According to the Georgia Code, private security guard companies must (among other things):
- Have a training officer and curriculum approved by the Board
- Be represented by an individual with at least 2 years of guard experience
- Be represented by an individual who has passed a written exam prepared by the Board
In other words, it’s up to your employer, not the state, to ensure that prospective guards have undergone the proper training. The state only requires new, unarmed guards to meet a few basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally able to work in the state
- Complete 24 hours of training
- Pass background and substance abuse tests
Training to Become a Security Guard in Atlanta
When you apply for security guard jobs in Atlanta, your employer will verify all the above criteria. In terms of training, again, it is your employer’s responsibility to have an instructor on staff and ensure that you complete 24 hours of training before being deployed to the field. Each employer may offer slightly different training courses, but the Georgia Code requires the following topics be covered:
- Role of Private Security
- Legal Aspects
- Patrol and Observation
- Incident Response
- Security Resources
- Customer Service Issues
- First Aid Overview
Your employer may offer the required 24 hours of training through an online module, or may rely on in-person teaching. In general, it is always a good idea to learn directly from experienced security guards in Atlanta, so consider showing preference for companies that offer more comprehensive training.
Additional training is required for applicants who want to work as armed security guards in Atlanta. Both employers and individual guards must register with the Georgia State Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies to use firearms in the field as part of their guard duties. If you’re interested in working as an armed security guard in Atlanta, GA, you’ll need to meet all of the requirements for unarmed guards previously mentioned, and:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Have a Georgia State driver’s license
- Apply for a Weapons Carry License
- Undergo firearm training approved by the State Board
- Demonstrate proficiency with service weapons at a designated firearms range
Whether or not you’re interested in becoming an armed guard in Atlanta right away, getting certified in the use of firearms is a great way to access more employment opportunities and better pay. Employers and clients will always prefer guards who are committed to their profession, and who undergo additional training to better handle security challenges in the field.
The Guard Alliance: Seeking Veteran Guards in Atlanta, GA
The timing couldn’t be better for folks interested in security guard jobs in Atlanta and across the State of Georgia. Private security is experiencing unprecedented demand in the region, and employers are keen to grow their teams with enthusiastic, professional guards.
The Guard Alliance maintains a national presence, operating in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, and communities across the USA. We prefer to hire veteran guards in Georgia – individuals with experience working as armed or unarmed security, law enforcement, or members of the military. Regardless of where you are in your security guard career, we would love to connect. Visit our Careers Page to get started.
