Security officer
Security officers make sure that buildings, valuables and people are safe and secure.
Also known as: Security guard
- Starter salary£20,000 a year
- Experienced£35,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 48 a week
What you'll do
As a security officer, you could:
- patrol premises and secure doors, windows and other entrances
- monitor CCTV cameras and respond to alarms
- check staff and visitors in and out of buildings
- guard cash or other valuables in a security vehicle
- operate scanning equipment and devices, for example at airports
- guard important facilities, like power stations and hospitals
Working environment
Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills for challenging people politely but firmly
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- knowledge of public safety and security
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- concentration skills to stay alert and aware of your surroundings
- the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become a security officer
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- an approved training course
Apprenticeship
You can apply for a Professional Security Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship to get into this role.
You could also do a Security First Line Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you have experience in security work.
If you want to work with guard dogs, you could apply to do a Detection and Protection Working Dog Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
These take between 1 and 2 years to complete.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
Other routes
To work legally in many jobs as a security guard you need a front line Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.
Before you apply for this licence you need to train for an approved 'licence-linked' qualification . This is so that employers can be sure you have the skills and knowledge you need to do the job safely.
The qualification you need will depend on the type of security work you want to do, for example:
- guarding cash and valuables in transit
- CCTV operating
- front line security
You can search for the correct type of training with an approved training provider in your area, through the SIA website .
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks
- be over 18 years of age
When you apply for an SIA licence, checks on your personal and work history will be made, including your criminal record.
The SIA has more advice on applying for a licence and criminal convictions .
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a supervisor or chief security officer.
You could take further qualifications, through an advanced Security First Line Manager apprenticeship to go into security management.
With management experience you could become an area security manager, with responsibility for offices, shops or other facilities across a region.
You could specialise as a consultant, advising businesses on certain types of security, for example close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management.
You could also set up your own security recruitment agency, or work for companies that develop and sell security systems, like biometrics or surveillance equipment.
Career tips
Experience of working in the police or armed forces could help you get into this job.
Registration
- you'll need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence for agency and contractor jobs
Guides for this industry
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0