Security Guard Certification on Resume

What Is Security Guard Certification

The Security Guard Certification is a credential issued by the state or provincial regulatory body responsible for private security. This certification validates core competencies and knowledge in areas such as patrol procedures, incident response, emergency protocols, and communication skills. IT signifies an individual's ability to effectively perform duties as a professional security guard, ensuring public safety and order.

Prerequisites for obtaining the Security Guard Certification may include completing a specified number of hours of training, passing a background check, and meeting minimum age requirements. The validity period varies by jurisdiction, typically ranging from one to three years, with renewal requirements that often involve additional training or continued education. The estimated time to prepare and difficulty level depends on the individual's prior experience and ability to absorb and apply the required knowledge.

In the security industry, this certification is highly significant as IT ensures a baseline of professionalism, competence, and accountability among security personnel.

Should I Include Security Guard Certification on Resume?

Including your Security Guard Certification on your resume can demonstrate your commitment to the profession, especially when applying for roles within the security industry. The relevance depends on the job you're seeking; while IT may not be crucial in all cases, IT could be a deciding factor in positions requiring licensed or certified security guards.

If you've recently obtained the certification, highlighting IT can showcase your dedication and readiness for the role. However, if IT has been many years since obtaining the certification, consider focusing on more recent achievements.

In situations where the job description emphasizes a need for licensed or certified security professionals, including this certification is particularly valuable. On the other hand, when applying for roles outside of the security industry, its relevance may be less important.

Hiring Managers And Security Guard Certification on Resume

• Hiring managers value the Security Guard Certification as IT signifies that a candidate has met the minimum standards required to work in the field.
• They associate this credential with qualities such as professionalism, reliability, and adherence to regulations.
• In industry-specific perspectives, hiring managers may see candidates with this certification as more qualified for roles requiring security personnel.
• The Security Guard Certification can set candidates apart from competitors, particularly in a competitive job market.
• Potential negative perceptions could arise if the candidate's certification is not current or if there are outstanding issues related to their certification status.

How to List Security Guard Certification on Resume

• Use the following format: Security Guard Certification [Certifying Body], [Issue Date] – [Expiration Date] (if applicable)

• Do not include your certification number/ID unless specifically requested by the employer.

• If your certification is current, you can omit the expiration date. If IT has expired or will soon, consider noting that IT's in process of renewal.

• Include the certifying organization (e.g., [State] Department of Public Safety).

• For in-progress certifications, use a future tense verb (e.g., Pursuing Security Guard Certification [Certifying Body], expected completion date).

  Examples:

• Security Guard Certification, [State] Department of Public Safety, 01/01/2022 – Present

• Security Guard Certification, [State] Department of Public Safety, Expected Completion Date: 01/01/2023

Where to List Security Guard Certification on Resume

The optimal placement for the Security Guard Certification depends on its relevance to the job you're applying for. If the certification is central to the role, create a dedicated certifications section and list IT there. If IT is less relevant but still important, consider adding IT to your education section or summarizing IT in your professional summary.

When listing multiple certifications, prioritize those most closely related to the job you're seeking. Place the Security Guard Certification higher on the list if IT is more important for the role.

Examples of How to List Security Guard Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Certifications Security Guard Certification, State of New York Department of State, Issued: 01/01/2021, Valid Through: 12/31/2023

This format works well for a technical resume as IT separates the certifications into a distinct section, making IT easy for recruiters to quickly scan for relevant qualifications. The specific date and duration of validity help demonstrate a sense of accountability and adherence to regulations.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Professional Summary Recent Criminal Justice graduate with a Security Guard Certification from the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, obtained: 05/15/2022.

This format is suitable for recent graduates who are looking to leverage their newly acquired certification as a key selling point in their professional summary section. By including the date of issuance, they can emphasize their freshness and eagerness in the job market.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications Security Guard Certification, State of Texas Department of Public Safety, Issued: 08/01/2021, Valid Through: 07/31/2024

Including the certifications in a dedicated section allows for easy organization and clear presentation. By listing all relevant certifications in one place, job seekers can demonstrate their commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills Security Guard Certification (New York State Department of State), Issued: 01/01/2021, Valid Through: 12/31/2023 CPR and First Aid Certified (American Red Cross), Issued: 05/15/2022, Valid Through: 05/14/2024

In a skills-first resume format, listing certifications alongside other relevant abilities helps highlight the job seeker's well-rounded skillset. By including the specific dates and validity periods, they can demonstrate their level of expertise and commitment to staying current in their field.