To be licensed as a guard, individuals must generally be 18 years old, pass a background examination, and complete classroom training in such subjects as property rights, emergency procedures and detention of suspected criminals. Many employers of unarmed guards do not have any specific educational requirements. For armed guards, employers generally prefer individuals who are high school graduates. Some jobs require a driver's license. For positions as armed guards, employers often seek people who have had experience in the military or in law enforcement.
Most persons entering guard jobs have prior work experience, although it is usually unrelated.
Because of limited formal training requirements and flexible hours, this occupation attracts some persons seeking a second job. Candidates for guard jobs in the Federal Government must have some experience as a guard and pass a written examination in order to be certified by the General Services Administration. Armed Forces experience is an asset. For most Federal guard positions, applicants must qualify in the use of firearms. The amount of training guards receive varies.