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Security guards play a critical role in maintaining safety and order across various environments, from commercial buildings to public events. Upskilling for supervisory roles is a valuable focus for those looking to grow in the field. Security guards can take meaningful steps toward advancement by building on their experience and developing leadership, communication, and incident management skills.
This guide offers practical advice on transitioning from frontline security work to supervisory positions. Upskilling can open doors to more responsibility and long-term career growth, whether through pursuing specialized certifications, improving report writing, or learning how to lead a team effectively.
The Path from Security Guard to Supervisory Roles
If you are ready to take your career to the next level, transitioning into a Security Supervisor or Security Manager role can provide higher wages, more responsibilities, and greater job satisfaction. In this blog, we’ll explore the skills and certifications needed to advance from a security guard to a supervisory role, as well as the steps you can take to build a career in security management. Additionally, we’ll discuss how Beem can help finance your training and certifications, allowing you to focus on your professional growth without the burden of immediate financial concerns.
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The Role of a Security Guard and Why Upskilling is Key for Career Growth
What Does a Security Guard Do?
As a security guard, your primary responsibilities are critical to the safety of the environment in which you work. Typical duties of a security guard include:
- Monitoring surveillance equipment: Observing CCTV cameras and reporting any suspicious activity.
- Patrolling premises: Regularly walk through the property to identify security risks, such as broken locks, potential fire hazards, or people loitering in restricted areas.
- Responding to alarms: Reacting to triggered alarms, investigating the situation, and alerting emergency responders if needed.
- Providing customer service: Helping visitors, staff, and customers with security-related questions or concerns.
While these tasks are essential for ensuring an environment’s security, security guards interested in moving up in the industry will need additional training, certifications, and experience. Upskilling allows you to take on supervisory and managerial roles in security.
Why Upskilling is Important for Career Advancement
Security guards who choose to upskill are positioning themselves for roles that carry more responsibility, better pay, and increased job satisfaction. Supervisory roles within the security industry offer various opportunities, such as:
- Security Supervisor: Overseeing a team of security officers, ensuring they perform their duties effectively, and managing security operations.
- Security Manager: Managing overall security operations for an organization, including planning, budgeting, and coordinating with local law enforcement.
- Loss Prevention Manager: Focusing on preventing theft, reducing inventory loss, and overseeing security protocols within retail environments.
- Head of Security: A high-level position overseeing all security aspects for a company, organization, or facility.
By acquiring the right skills and certifications, you can position yourself for these higher-paying, more prestigious roles in the security industry.
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Key Skills and Certifications for Advancing to Security Supervisor Roles
1. Leadership and Management Skills
You’ll need leadership and management skills to move into a supervisory role. As a Security Supervisor, you will oversee a team of security officers, and these skills are essential for the position.
Team Management
Managing a team of security personnel requires assigning tasks, monitoring team performance, and keeping the team motivated during shifts. You’ll also need to handle scheduling, ensure adequate security coverage, and resolve any conflicts among team members.
Decision-Making
As a security supervisor, you must make quick decisions in response to security breaches, emergencies, and safety issues. Strong decision-making skills allow you to act swiftly and appropriately in critical situations.
Communication
Clear communication is essential when managing a security team. You’ll need to relay important information to your team, upper management, and emergency responders when necessary. Effective communication in high-pressure situations is key to keeping operations running smoothly.
2. Advanced Security Training
To be considered for a security supervisor position, you must develop expertise beyond the basic security guard duties. Some of the essential advanced security skills include:
Advanced Surveillance Techniques
As a supervisor, you’ll need to know how to operate and monitor advanced security surveillance systems, including alarm systems, video analytics, and access control systems. You may also need to train new security officers to operate these systems.
Risk Management and Threat Assessment
Security supervisors must be skilled at assessing risks and identifying potential threats. You’ll need to understand how to conduct threat assessments, analyze vulnerabilities in security protocols, and develop action plans to mitigate risks.
Crisis Management
Crisis management training will prepare you to handle emergencies like fire outbreaks, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or active shooter scenarios. Knowing how to lead in a crisis will set you apart as a capable leader in the security field.
3. Regulatory Knowledge and Compliance
Security supervisors must be well-versed in local, state, and federal regulations that govern the security industry. This includes knowledge of laws related to privacy, use of force, and ethical considerations.
OSHA Certification
An OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certification will ensure you understand workplace safety regulations and how to maintain a safe environment for staff and customers.
First Aid and CPR Certification
You will be responsible for handling medical emergencies in many security supervisor roles. First aid and CPR certification are essential certifications that will help you respond to health crises effectively.
4. Technical Skills
In today’s digital age, technology is increasingly vital in security operations. A security supervisor should be proficient in using various security software systems and incident reporting tools.
Incident Reporting Systems
Familiarity with incident management software will allow you to keep accurate records of security breaches, accidents, or emergencies. As a supervisor, you’ll need to be proficient in using these systems to generate reports and track the status of ongoing incidents.
Security Technology
You’ll need to stay current on the latest security technologies, such as biometric access control systems, advanced surveillance cameras, and sensors. Understanding how to use these technologies effectively will ensure that your team operates at peak efficiency.
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How to Train for a Security Supervisor Role
1. Enroll in Leadership Training Programs
Leadership training programs are vital for learning how to manage people, solve problems, and make critical decisions. These programs focus on building the leadership and communication skills necessary for supervising a team.
2. Gain Certification in Security and Risk Management
Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP) are highly regarded in the security industry. These certifications demonstrate your expertise in security management, risk assessment, and emergency response.
3. Obtain Specialized Certifications
As a security supervisor, you may need specialized certifications, such as Crisis Management, Incident Command System (ICS), or First Aid/CPR. These certifications will give you the skills to handle emergencies effectively and ensure your team’s and the premises’ safety.
How Beem’s Everdraft™ Can Help Fund Your Training and Certifications
Covering Training Costs
The cost of upskilling to become a security supervisor can be high. Still, Beem’s Everdraft™ offers instant cash advances of up to $1,000 with no interest, credit checks, or income restrictions. Whether you need help covering the cost of certification programs, books, or training courses, Everdraft™ gives you the financial flexibility to pursue your career goals without the burden of immediate financial strain.
Eliminating Financial Stress
Instead of turning to loans or high-interest credit cards, Beem’s Everdraft™ provides a short-term financial solution that is easy to access and pay back. This allows you to focus on developing your leadership skills and earning the certifications needed for advancement without worrying about how to fund it.
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Behavioral Insights: Staying Motivated During Career Advancement
1. Set Clear, Measurable Goals
Set specific, achievable goals for your career advancement. Break them down into smaller tasks, such as completing a course, earning a certification, or taking on a leadership role in your current position. Having a clear roadmap will keep you motivated.
2. Track Your Progress
Use a planner, journal, or app to track your progress. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, to stay motivated. Tracking your progress helps you maintain momentum and reminds you how far you’ve come.
3. Seek Support and Feedback
Mentors, colleagues, and friends can provide valuable feedback and support as you work toward your career goals. Seek a mentor who can guide you and advise you as you navigate the path to a security supervisor role.
Overcoming Common Roadblocks to Career Advancement
Lack of Experience
If you lack experience in leadership, start by taking on small tasks such as mentoring new security guards or supervising a team during a shift. Over time, these experiences will help you develop the skills needed for a Security Supervisor role.
Financial Constraints
Training and certification programs can be costly, but Beem’s Everdraft™ offers a financial solution that allows you to fund your education and training programs, making career advancement more accessible.
Balancing Work and Study
Balancing work and study can be challenging. Look for flexible online courses or evening classes that allow you to continue working while pursuing your certifications and training.
Take the First Step Toward Becoming a Security Supervisor
Advancing from a security guard to a security supervisor is achievable with the proper training, certifications, and experience. By gaining leadership skills, certifications, and a deep understanding of security management, you can move into a higher-paying, more rewarding role. Beem’s Everdraft™ is here to support you by offering financial flexibility to fund your education and certifications, making your career growth more accessible. Download the app here.
Start today by planning your career path and working toward becoming a Security Supervisor. The next step in your career is within reach.
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FAQs on Advancing to Security Supervisor
How long does it take to become a Security Supervisor?
It typically takes 2 to 3 years to upskill and gain the necessary certifications and experience to transition from a security guard to a security supervisor.
What certifications should I obtain to become a Security Supervisor?
Certifications such as ServSafe, Crisis Management, Risk Assessment, and Leadership Training are essential for advancing to a security supervisor role.
How can Beem’s Everdraft™ help with my training costs?
Beem’s Everdraft™ provides instant cash advances of up to $1,000, which can cover certification fees, training courses, or other education-related expenses.
Do I need a degree to become a Security Supervisor?
No, a degree is not required. However, security management, leadership, and food safety certifications will be essential for the role.
How can I gain leadership experience as a security guard?
Look for opportunities to assist with training new security guards, manage smaller teams, or take on additional responsibilities during your shifts to gain leadership experience.
