What Kind Of Training Is Required Of A Bodyguard

What Kind Of Training Is Required Of A Bodyguard?

There is no national licensing or level of certification that the federal government requires of bodyguards. However, there are certain training courses and accreditations that can be obtained to help a potential bodyguard boost his or her standing in the industry. It is a competitive field that many try to get into, so having something that sets you apart from the rest could be exactly what you need to get your foot in the door and begin a promising career.

The basic education requirements for most bodyguard is-at the very least-a high school diploma. This is true for almost every job out there, and if you want to stand out among the other bodyguards, you may want to pursue a higher level of education. If you are new to the industry, remember that you are competing with former military and law enforcement that commonly go into bodyguard services after retirement or discharge. They will be a level or two ahead of you because of what their military and law enforcement training has taught them.

Many agencies that place bodyguards with clients require a minimum number of years of experience along with specific training as a bodyguard. If you don't have the experience, then your best course of action is to go heavy on the training and hope that someone gives you a shot. One organization, the American Association for Industrial Security was founded in 1955 and currently boasts 35,000 members worldwide. They offer extensive education that can be helpful for boosting your career as a bodyguard.

One certification that is optional but helpful for an aspiring bodyguard is the Certified Protection Professional designation administered through the American Association for Industrial Security. In addition to offering respected designations, ASIS also offers extensive seminars and courses for industry professionals starting out or wishing to continue education. Current or aspiring bodyguards can find courses on how to assess and analyze risk in certain situations, how to handle victims, executive protection and many more. These courses range from $40 for online content only to $1200 for very involved courses.

Many certifications available for bodyguards, such as the CPP, require several years of experience in the field before you can be eligible. For this reason, you may decide to obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university that offers coursework in the field of protection or even law enforcement. This can open up a few more opportunities if you want to pursue a job as a bodyguard after college. Higher education is very important to many employers, and when coupled with on the job training and experience, you can become a vital part of a bodyguard team.

There are physical training courses offered for potential bodyguards that will put you in touch with the physical fitness demands of the job. This will include self defense moves to help you immobilize and detain an attacker, speed and agility to pursue someone if necessary, and firearm training for when it is necessary to carry a weapon. There are many avenues to take on the way to becoming a bodyguard, and it is your duty to decide which ones are right for you.