If you are looking for an exciting a new career in a recession proof industry, pursuing a job as a security guard can be a really great option. Job openings for security guards are relatively easy to find and some come with excellent benefits.

If this sounds like an occupation you may be interested in, you will need to have a special license issued by the state called a "California guard card" to legally work. Any employer who hires you without one would be in violation of state law. So, if you are serious about get hired, it always best to first acquire your security guard training and guard card before you actually start interviewing for security guard jobs.

Security guard training is extremely important. Without it you will not be familiar with your primary duties and responsibilities as a security officer. As a guard you will likely work in a public setting where you will occasionally be faced with difficult situations where it is very easy to make a miscalculation if you are not properly trained. If someone gets hurt, the end result can potentially be serious legal issues for both you and the company you work for.

In the interest of public safety most states have enacted laws to strictly regulate the security industry. These include requirements to ensure all security officers are properly educated and fully licensed. California has full time inspectors whose task it is to visit businesses to make sure they are in compliance with these regulations. Should they catch any security personnel employed without a valid guard card, both the guard and their employer are fined and often can face serious legal problems.

The easiest way for you to both find a job and avoid any problems is to get properly licensed. The process is not overly difficult provided that you are willing to invest a little of your time and savings. With a small amount of effort you could have a new guard card and be on your way to starting a brand career in just a few weeks.

To get a California guard card, you must first take and pass an eight hour introductory course commonly known as the "Powers to Arrest" or "California guard card" class. In addition to powers to arrest training, you will also learn how to write guard reports, perform a citizen's arrest, and follow post orders. You’ll even receive some basic WMD and terrorism awareness training. You will also be required to pass an exam which is not very difficult as long as you have paid attention to your instruction.

You can either register to take the "Powers to Arrest" class in person at a nearby accredited guard training facility or over the Internet. If you are a busy person, online security guard training is actually a pretty smart option. This is because it enables you to train at your own pace and at a location of your choosing.

Your total out of pocket expense for your security guard training and guard card fee is typically about two-hundred dollars. This includes a sixty to seventy-five dollar course fee, a sixty to seventy dollar fingerprinting and background clearance fee, and a fifty-one dollar registration and guard card application fee. You also must have a clean criminal history and be a legal adult of least eighteen years of age.