Security Guard Protective Services Workers
SaveWhat Does a Security Guard Do?
Security guards observe, detect irregularities and protect people, buildings and assets. They maintain security at all times by patrolling designated property areas, controlling access at entrances, watching alarm and video recording systems, asking suspicious individuals for identification and reporting infractions and law breaching activities.
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Where Do I Start?
Security Threats
Types of threats to public and private security such as unauthorised entry, aggressive behaviour, molestation, robbery, theft, assault, kidnapping, murder and public demonstration.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Security Guard
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialSecurity Threats knowledge
Types of threats to public and private security such as unauthorised entry, aggressive behaviour, molestation, robbery, theft, assault, kidnapping, murder and public demonstration.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCheck Official Documents skill
Check an individuals' official documentation, such as driver's licenses and identification, to ensure compliance with legal regulations, and to identify and assess individuals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialComply With The Principles Of Self-Defence skill
Observe the principles according to which a person should only use so much force as is required to repel an attack. The use of deadly force is limited to situations …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDeal With Aggressive Behaviour skill
Respond promptly to adverse behaviour in a professional manner by taking appropriate and legal action to prevent further aggressiveness, such as verbal warning, lawful removal from the premises or apprehension …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialDetain Offenders skill
Keep back offenders and trespassers in a certain area.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Law Application skill
Ensure the laws are followed, and where they are broken, that the correct measures are taken to ensure compliance to the law and law enforcement.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialEnsure Public Safety And Security skill
Implement the relevant procedures, strategies and use the proper equipment to promote local or national security activities for the protection of data, people, institutions, and property.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify Security Threats skill
Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialIdentify Terrorism Threats skill
Identify the possibility of terrorism activities posing threats and danger in a specific area by monitoring activities of potentially dangerous groups of people, assessing risks in different areas, and gathering …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLiaise With Security Authorities skill
Respond quickly to security incidents and violations by calling the police and keep in touch with other relevant parties involved in the potential prosecution of the offender.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPatrol Areas skill
Patrol a designated area, watch out for and respond to suspicious and dangerous situations, and communicate with emergency response organisations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPractice Vigilance skill
Practice vigilance during patrol or other surveillance activities in order to ensure safety and security, to look out for suspicious behaviour or other alarming changes in patterns or activities, and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialRestrain Individuals skill
Restrain, or control by force, individuals who violate regulations in terms of acceptable behaviour, who present a threat to others, and who perform acts of violence, to ensure the individual …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialStay Alert skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Inspection Walkway skill
Carry out a route in order to verify if all the doors and windows are closed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMaintain Facility Security Systems skill
Ensure that proper and functional security systems are in place, including alarm systems, fire alarms, sprinklers and emergency exits.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Surveillance Equipment skill
Monitor the operation of equipment used in surveillance and gathering of intelligence to ensure it functions properly and to gather the surveillance information detected by it.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Body Searches skill
Examine visitors by performing a body search, in order to detect weapons or illegal substances.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Security Checks skill
Monitor and check individuals' bags or personal items in order to make sure the individuals present no threats and that their behaviour is legally compliant.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 32 displayed)
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OptionalCriminal Law knowledge
Th legal rules, constitutions and regulations applicable for the punishement of offenders.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalExplosives knowledge
Behaviour of explosives, pyrotechnics and blasting techniques. Associated risks and legal requirements.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLegal Use-Of-Force knowledge
The characteristics of the use-of-force, which is a legal doctrine employed by police and army forces, to regulate acts of violence during interventions. Use-of-force is ought to balance security needs …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSurveillance Methods knowledge
Surveillance methods used in the gathering of information and intelligence for investigation purposes.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCheck Methods knowledge
Procedures used for investigative purposes such as surveillance by physical and electronic means, interrogations of witnesses, collection of objects and data for assessment and analysis and physical and electronic research …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFire Safety Regulations knowledge
The legal rules to be applied for fire safety and fire prevention in a facility.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalIllegal Substances knowledge
The forbidden substances which cannot be transported from one area to another, or carried by an individual, as well as their nature and how to handle them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLegal Requirements Related To Ammunition knowledge
Legal regulations and requirements in the field of selling, buying, handling and storing ammunition.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAlarm Systems knowledge
Security systems in buildings and on properties automatically alarming security companies or producing acoustic or audio-visual signals when break-in, theft or damage of property is detected.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSecurity In Commercial Buildings knowledge
Security procedures, characteristics, tasks and risks in commercial areas and institutions such as banks, malls, tourist spots, hotels and restaurants.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSecurity In Industrial Buildings knowledge
Security procedures, characteristics, tasks and risks encountered in industrial areas such as factories, ports, warehouses and mines.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalControl Crowd skill
Control a crowd or riot, ensuring people do not cross to areas they are not allowed to access, monitoring the crowd's behaviour and responding to suspicious and violent behaviour.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Compliance With Types Of Weapons skill
Use different kinds of firearms and other types of weapons and their matching ammunition, in compliance with legal requirements.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalHandle Surveillance Equipment skill
Monitor surveillance equipment to observe what people are doing in a given area and ensure their safety.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Lost And Found Articles skill
Make sure that all articles or objects lost are identified and that the owners get them back in their possession.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Major Incidents skill
Take immediate action to respond to major incidents that affect the safety and security of individuals in private or public places such as road accidents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Radio Equipment skill
Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide First Aid skill
Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCarry Out Security Activities With A Dog skill
Use specially trained dogs to search specific areas or surveil properties in order to detect threats or individuals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Airport Security Screening skill
Monitor passenger flow through the screening checkpoint and facilitate the orderly and efficient processing of passengers; inspect luggage and cargo following screening procedures.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDocument Security Incidents In The Store skill
Prepare documentation and specific reports of the security threats, observations and incidents, such as shoplifting, that occur in the store, to be used as evidence against the offender, if required.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Accurate Screening Of Luggage In Aerodromes skill
Screen luggage items in aerodrome through use of CBS system; conduct troubleshooting and identify fragile or oversized baggage.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Hotel Security skill
Guarantee the security of guests and the premises by monitoring the hotel premises.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Security On Ships skill
Conduct security taking into account the specific security and safety measures on passenger and commercial ships.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalEnsure Store Security skill
Implement and monitor security measures within the store; be vigilant about shoplifters and fraudulent use of credit cards.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalExercise Security In Hospitals skill
Security activities in a hospital environment executing the hospitals structured security program, usually positioned at admission or the entrance of the hospital, patrolling the premises, helping nurses and doctors on …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Cargo skill
Conduct quality checks on cargo before loading and after unloading commences. Ensure total on-board cargo load is secure.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInterrogate Individuals skill
Interview individuals in such a manner that they give information that could be of use in an investigation and that they possibly tried to conceal.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Parking Areas To Maintain Security skill
Monitor the entry and exit routes within the parking areas and report on any hazards, accidents or violations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Door Security skill
Spot and monitor individuals or groups of people at the door who intend to enter the premises unlawfully or have potential for causing threats.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Security In Detention Centres skill
Ensuring security and to some extent intercultural communication in detention centres holding individuals for crimes, illegal immigration or refugees.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRegulate Traffic skill
Regulate the flow of traffic by using assigned hand signals, assisting travellers on the road, and aiding people to cross the street.
Course recommendations coming soon.