Becoming a security guard in Boston, whether armed or unarmed, is a clear and accessible process that puts you on the path to a rewarding career. Like in other parts of the country—Georgia, for example—the burden of guard licensing primarily falls on employers in Boston and across Massachusetts.
This means folks looking to become unarmed guards in Boston must only meet a few basic criteria. Then, your employer must ensure you are trained following state regulations before sending you on your first deployment. Because of this, some employers will have well-established pathways for new hires to get trained on best practices. Other employers may prefer to hire only guards with prior experience and may not offer in-house training as a result.
You must meet additional requirements if you choose to enter the industry as an armed guard. Once again, it is up to your employer to ensure you are educated in the use of firearms and have the necessary carry permits. You’ll never have to apply for a specific “armed guard” license with the state.
For these reasons, it is essential that you research the security guard companies that are currently hiring in Boston. Understand the level of training that will be provided in-house, and be prepared for some security guard companies to exclusively hire folks with prior experience. Most of all, make sure you understand the state’s requirements for becoming a security guard in Boston.
Requirements for Unarmed Guards in Boston
To become an unarmed security guard in Boston, you will not need to apply for any sort of license with the state or city. Instead, you’ll simply need to submit an application for employment with a security guard company that is currently hiring in Boston. The employer will have a license from the state, requiring them to ensure all guards in the field are properly trained. Some employers will offer in-house training to new recruits; others will prefer to hire guards with years of experience.
Regardless of whether in-house training is offered, all security guard companies in Boston need to confirm that their guards meet some basic criteria:
Be 18 or Older
This means you must have a government photo ID when applying for security guard jobs in Boston. Some employers may accept less common forms of identification, but a Massachusetts Driver’s License, passport, or birth certificate are the most reliable ways to prove you are over 18.
Be Legally Able to Work in Boston
If you are a US citizen and have already produced your driver’s license, you will have already met this criteria. A birth certificate will be the ultimate proof of work eligibility if all else fails. Newcomers will need evidence of resident alien status or proof of a Visa that permits employment in the United States.
Have a Clean Criminal Record
Since this is a basic requirement, employers will be prepared to conduct their own criminal record checks, or may refer you to another service that does record checks in Boston. If you are serious about becoming a security guard, proactively obtaining a criminal record check will help you find employment faster and show initiative.
Pass a Substance Test
Employers will set their own standards for these tests, since the state outlines no specific requirement. Security guard companies want to ensure that the guards they send to the field are capable and reliable. As such, folks struggling with addiction may not be well-suited for security guard work, and substance tests help determine which candidates are ready to take on the role.
Be Physically and Mentally Capable of Security Work
Once again, security guard companies are responsible for sending competent guards into the field. Training may vary widely depending on the types of contracts the security company takes on. In general, security guard training focuses on incident response, first aid, documentation, and general best practices for day-to-day conduct.
In-house training will likely cover the basics and prepare you for an entry-level role in the field. This is a great way to see if security is the right profession for you. Pursuing additional training beyond the basics offered in-house is highly recommended if you’re fully set on a security services career. This will make you a more attractive candidate, allow access to employers who do not offer in-house training, and open the door to higher-paying roles.
Requirements for Armed Guards in Boston
Becoming an armed security guard in Boston first requires you to meet all the conditions listed in the previous section, since those apply to all guards, not just unarmed ones. Armed guards take on a tremendous responsibility – protecting personnel, property, and the public with force if necessary. As a result, armed guards must undergo additional training and are typically better paid than their unarmed colleagues.
In addition to meeting the criteria set for all guards, armed security guards in Boston must:
Be 21 or Older
It is usually a sign that a candidate is more mature than an 18-year-old, but the primary reason for the 21+ requirement is to ensure they have their LTC.
Have a License to Carry (LTC)
A firearms license is required to possess or carry firearms in Massachusetts. Therefore, a license to Carry (LTC) is essential for anyone who wants to work as an armed security guard in Boston. The LTC is a state-issued license—your employer must confirm you have this credential, but obtaining your License to Carry is your responsibility.
To obtain your License to Carry (LTC) in Boston (and across the state), you will need to:
- Be 21+
- Pay the Required Fee ($100)
- Present State ID and Proof of Residence
- Complete the Resident Firearms License Application
- Obtain A Massachusetts Basic Firearms Safety Course Certificate
To obtain a firearms safety course certificate, you will need to take a state-approved course. Many such courses are offered in Boston, typically taking 4-8 hours and costing around $150.
Advance Your Career With Additional Training
We’ve mentioned a few times that training to become a security guard in Boston does not entail any state-mandated course or licensing. Employers are responsible for verifying that their guards are trained in best practices as outlined by state and professional bodies. Nationwide security guard companies may have many active deployments in Boston, but lack the facilities needed to conduct training in the city.
By pursuing advanced training from professionals with experience in the field, you can better your chances of finding employment as a security guard in Boston. Companies that do not offer their own training programs in Boston will also seriously consider you a candidate. Pay will scale based on the amount of training you take on.
Many training programs are available in Boston, ranging from inexpensive online courses to more advanced, in-person training. Consider your budget and which in-demand skills you want to pursue. Some common, high-demand skills in the industry include de-escalation tactics, site supervision, cybersecurity, advanced first aid, and fire watch.
Contact The Guard Alliance
The Guard Alliance proudly operates in Boston and across Massachusetts. Our head office may be in California, but our expert teams of armed, unarmed, vehicle patrol, and fire watch security guards have successfully deployed in Greater Boston for over a decade. At this time, we are not able to offer in-house training, but are actively recruiting guards with prior experience working in Massachusetts.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our team as an experienced security or fire watch guard, visit our careers page. If you need security solutions in the Old Bay State, please contact us for a customized quote today.
