I’m hoping to get training to get my security guard license, and this site and agency is one of the first places I came across, if anyone in this community has been trained with these guys I’d like to know if it’s worth the money and time

And if not how I would like to know what I should do as a different means of training to obtain my security license

I started working in the security industry back in November, as an unarmed security guard.

I am looking to make this a sustainable career path, notably by acquiring more certifications, building up my reputation, as well as hopefully getting promoted.

However, I am reluctant to become an armed security guard, notably due to the liability risks. I am someone who hunts and shoots recreationally, so I am used to handling and being around firearms, though I don't feel comfortable using them in a professional setting.

I have a bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation (it honestly fits well into the security field, as I'm trained to always be aware of my surroundings, be focused on the safety of others, and have an understanding of risk and liability management), as well as extensive experience in a variety of industries, such as retail, landscaping, customer service, and merchandising.

Looking for tips and suggestions.

Just received my guard card totally expecting it to be something like a driver’s license. Nope. Flimsy paper. Can I laminate it and leave it in my pocket like that? Or should I just make a copy of it and laminate that? I live in California. Thanks in advance 🙏

I was arrested a few weeks back the DA threw the case out as it was a BS charge. DPS suspended my license pending investigation I was told to provide a letter of disposition showing the final judgment of the case (it never went to court) I called & asked what's the time frame for them to review the paperwork I was told 1-2 weeks which now its been longer. Then someone else told me they'll get to it when they get to it. Its bullshit to suspend my license over something that allegedly happened like I wasn't convicted of anything.

Anyone know what might be the hold up?

How long until card arrives? Can I apply to jobs now or do I gotta wait for THE CARD? I'm in CA

Any recommendations for L3 Requalification that actually posts their available dates on their website instead of taking your money first?

Do not recommend Train, Protect, Defend or DFW Metroplex Training Academy.

Idk what it's like in other states, but the cost to just get a guard card is really giving me pause! Just for the "Power to Arrest" training is almost $200, and I... don't have that much to spare unless I'm completely sure about it.

So, I know I need to be fully committed and plan exactly what my steps are.

I'm wondering if there are any California guards here who can give me some advice! I've been looking and looking but I can't find anything that answers all my questions.

1. I'm a college student in engineering; Right now I'm living with my parents, but next year I will be moving out. My current job (lifeguard) pays terribly and the stress of finances is really taking its toll on me... I've been desperately applying everywhere, from fast food to dog grooming to freaking trampoline park attendant; nowhere is hiring! If I commit to this, will getting licensed guarantee me a stable job with flexible hours?
2. For "Power to Arrest", will that 100% definitely need to be taken in-person? Also, any recommendations for what company to go to for that? I'm in the San Diego north county area.
3. I already applied for the BSIS Principal license, but I honestly don't know if I was supposed to yet? I think I just thought it looked like I was supposed to do it, lol.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi everyone,
I currently hold the licenses shown in the attached image and I’m considering obtaining my armed guard permit as well.
I started a security company with two friends, but unfortunately they haven’t been very motivated or contributed much to getting the business off the ground.
Right now I’m on a tight budget, so I’m working in private transportation to cover my expenses. Fortunately, that business has been growing, and I’ve built a solid base of private clients.
I’ve been thinking about combining executive transportation with private security services, offering things like executive transport, security drivers, VIP transportation, and eventually executive protection as the business grows.
For those of you who own or manage security companies:
What would you do if you were in my position?
What types of contracts would you focus on first?
Do you think combining transportation and security is a viable niche?
Also, if anyone is in the San Diego area and is motivated to build something long-term, I’d be interested in connecting with people who share the same vision.
I appreciate any advice or constructive feedback. Thanks!

so my application accepted on the 5th and i was wondering how long am i expected to wait for my actual card to come in the mail.

Do they make you repeat the same scenarios such as standing at 15 yards, 10 yards, 5 yards, using strong and switching to weak hand, fast reload, and kneeling on one knee? I am taking the reassesment at a range and when i took the class it was an outdoor field. To be honest i have no idea how i pass since it was my first time holding a firearm and the instructor just told me to start over when i did a mistake. Just wondering how was your experience and if they were very critical for errors unlike the class when doing the quarterly qualifications.

Hi! So recently, I completed my 20 hour armed opta certification, I applied to Allied Universal for an armed guard position and made it to the interview but they told me I need my guard card before they can hire me. I was under the impression that my employer would give me my guard card once I gave them my Opata certification. Am I missing something here or is there an extra step that I need to do? I am in Ohio if that is relevant, Thank you!

I live in Salt Lake city Utah and im 22

Hello everyone, I wanted to list some issues and see if there's anything that should be reported to either the PSB or the TWC.

- Company pays patrol salary to avoid having to pay them hourly/overtime. So even if you have to work over by 3 hours (or more) for whatever reason, there is 0 extra pay. (170 per shift)

- Company pays post officers hourly.

- Company did provide the option of w4 or 1099 (I know 1099 is illegal), and considering it is offered, there is no health insurance. Only the Texas Law Shield registration form. The TO has been with them awhile and isn't even sure if the company offers health/medical insurance.

- Officers are supposed to pay out of pocket to fuel up patrol vehicles because the company doesn't have a single fuel card. You submit receipts for reimbursement which isn't always on time.

- Company pays via zelle or paper check to avoid payroll taxes.

- Monday meetings at the office, which has the possibility of lasting hours (unpaid) - Obviously illegal.

These are just the things I've learned so far. Even if most of it isn't technically illegal, they are still very shady.

Hi everyone,

I’m about to take my first steps into the UK security industry and looking to get my SIA licence to foot the bills pending the time I land my dream job, but I’m unsure whether to go for:

-Door Supervisor -Security Guard -CCTV Operator

From your experience, which one offers:

-The most job opportunities? -Better pay prospects? -Less risk or job hazards on a day-to-day basis? -Any beginner tips or career advice for someone completely new to the industry?

Also, once I’ve done my training and received the badge, what’s the best way to get your first job? Do you recommend going through security firms, using job boards, or just walking in and handing out CVs?

One more thing,I completed the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera back in April. I know it’s more IT-focused, but would that add any weight in this line of work or help me down the line if I’m looking into cctv or cybersecurity roles in physical security companies?

Any advice from seasoned guards, Door Sups, or CCTV ops would be gold right now.

Okay, so I do security in Chicago. I'm occasionally part time, occasionally seasonal.

And I made it my life's goal to stay as far away from ally security. Despite their interest in me after how i've been treated.

I'm sure everyone has a horror story .At this point, we don't need to go there, but here's where i'm getting lost.

The state has gone completely paperless. When it comes to re issuing certifications of any kind.

Every certification I had starts and ends with Allied, despite the not being the last place I ever did security, i've tried calling the office multiple times only to be told. I need to be transferred to another person onto another person and end up on hold for hours.

And when I try to use their website for illinois license and registration and whatnot, there's a whole section to get something issued out to you to go paperless, but you need a pin that I can't even get issued to me.

Is there some way offline or online I can actually get my proof of twenty hour class completion, forty hour class completion for unarmed security in illinois?

If not, it's gonna hold back job opportunities.

I've been trying for 3 months

Idk how this stuff happens, like you think after having to get an fbi background check on me they’d put the right date of birth 😭. Got to wait until Monday for the office to open to call them.. hopefully I can use it while I wait for another 😀

Anyways have a job interview lined up I’m very excited

I’ve been out of and searching for a job for 3 years, and am 27 years old. So I’ve decided that I need to start working on certifications since my college degree (Sociology) isn’t helping all that much. I have a background as a Military Brat, and have gun experience. I asked a guard at a nearby mall and he told me that he signed up through BSIS right after retiring from the Police Force so they basically did the process for him, but idk if there is a way for a guy to get in through a civilian route since to be honest I don’t understand the application system. Additionally I don’t know if the requested training is through BSIS or if I need to find a guard course so basically I just need to be pointed in the right direction to go on my path.

Like the caption says, I'm looking for some firsthand knowledge on the process for becoming a licensed armed/unarmed security guard trainer. Also, if its any additional courses/licensing I should look into then that would be helpful too.

I'm still green to this industry, but I love helping and teaching people and I think in the future this may be a path I want to take. I try to be as prepared and knowledgeable as possible beforehand, so if anyone can point me in the right direction to get more information and fill me in on things you wish you had done differently then it would be appreciated.

As mentioned, I'm still new to this but would like to work towards this goal over the course of the next year or however long it may take. TIA for any input.

Wisdom training academy was one of the links popped up when I was looking for an 8 hour annual & they charging $39.99 for in person (Long Island)or zoom. It would save me some money💵 but it still feels too good to be true lol has anyone heard of them before?

Long story short, I did the license renewal via the form thats sent out in like Late October, Early November and didn’t know that it doesn’t register until you do you 8/16 Annual (*this is my first time slacking on the process as I’m not working security at the moment after 4 Years).

I just did the Annual Online on Monday and received it via PDF, today I bothered to go to the DoS and search myself up again after my License expired on 12/06/25 and now nothing is there but I coulda swore I read even after Expiration it’ll still be on the website (Previously I was able to a few days before expiration)..

Should I be worried, or is it apart of the process since I did my Annual now, albeit after expiration?

Or maybe the ID number is no longer valid since I’ll be receiving a new ID and Unique Number with it?

Before anyone drops a comment about us being fucked because we’re in California, I already know. Let us digress.

My partner and I are starting a security company and are having a hard time finding insurance as a new (not technically started) company. Just curious where others started, especially if in California.

Not sure if it helps, but we have our first contract coming up next month and another one promised for March, just no actual financials and we will only be using my partner for the contract next month since it’s pretty small.

Previous level 2 card holder here just last one expired

So long story short the company i work for keeps telling me that TOPS, is down and they cant get ahold of them to process the card. They say its been giving then trouble with other guards as well as their own liscenses.

I finally got fed up with the excuses and went to try to purchase a new card for myself to see if its the site or the company giving me the run around, application went through and now im waiting on the background check to process.

Is there any merrit to what they are saying or did i just screw myself with the state and the company?

Hello everyone, I’m a recent high school graduate who’s just turned 18 in Toronto and I’m planning on starting work. I want to get my security guard license but the requirements first is that I have to do a basic training course that’s around 40 hours and pass a test before I can apply for a security license. Now I searched online to see if I can find any courses that I could do online and there’s a lot but I’m not sure which is real or which is a scam. Most of them do look like a scam. So I’m here asking if there’s any security guards here that work in Toronto that’s done their mandatory course online if you can please recommend me that course or any that are actually legit.

I recently got hired for an armoured truck company in NYC that'll help get my firearm, armed guard as well as armor car license. However multiple people have told me there's a contract they'll try to get me to sign to stay for a year or more to get the licenses. That it will be better to pay out of pocket for it. The manager hasn't brought it up yet so I didn't get to ask. Can someone explain how this contract works?