Security Guard
On this page
- What's it like to be a Security Guard?
- How to become a Security Guard
- Latest Security Guard jobs
- Top skills and experience for Security Guards
What's it like to be a Security Guard?
Security Guards enforce safety rules and ensure the security of individuals, homes, offices, retail malls, and other properties in their charge. As deterrents to crime, they are usually tasked to provide security for a specific location. To perform their duties well, Security Guards must have a basic knowledge of the law, technology, self defence, and first aid.
Tasks and duties
- Verifying the identity of people entering an establishment.
- Performing bag checks using metal detectors at the entrance of their place of work.
- Greeting employees and visitors entering an establishment.
- Preventing criminal activity and detaining those who attempt to commit crime.
- Carrying out routine inspections throughout their area of responsibility.
- Monitoring surveillance footage from security cameras.
- Providing direction and other types of guidance to guests.
- Coordinating with law enforcement during occasions that require a high level of security.
Security Guards may be employed by the government, directly hired by private companies, or be outsourced from private security agencies.
How to become a Security Guard
Aside from a secondary education diploma, aspiring Security Guards must also earn relevant professional certification and clearance.
Complete secondary school.
Pass the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary (O) Level examination.
Earn a National ITE Certificate (NITEC).
Get a Security Officer licence from the Police Licensing and Regulatory Department (PLRD). This involves applying for a security licence at the GoBusiness Licencing website, then completing three Basic Licensing Units (BLUs), which are compulsory security courses for applicants who have no prior work experience or who are not exempted by the PLRD. On completion of the units, you can then apply for a Security ID card.
