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Maybe you want to start working in the security industry in Montana.
For this, we have brought you a guide with information regarding licensing and schools you can attend.
Article Table of Contents
Security Guard Description and Requirements
A security guard job entails keeping a property safe and protect it against trespassers.
You will have several job duties to complete every day, which include:
- Working together with law enforcement to report any suspicious incidents
- Ensure that the laws are respected on your employer’s property
- Keep an eye on TV cameras and alarms
- Patrol a designated area
- Write reports about what you found during your checkups
- Interview witnesses in the case of criminal activity
A security guard should also have some skills, which include:
- Solid communication skills
- Ability to decide fast
- Empathy skills with the customers
- Know how to use a gun if needed
- Knowledge of public safety
- Know the laws and regulations in Montana
- Work well alone but also in a team
Training Required for Security Guards in Montana
In Montana, you first need a license before you can work as a security guard.
The security guard certifications in Montana are issued by the Montana Board of Private Security.
The first step in getting licensed is to attend a training program.
Luckily, security guards don’t have to join long programs, which means you can get hired faster.
Some candidates choose to join the university and complete a degree.
Getting an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree offers increased job opportunities down the road.
Training includes theory and practice hours, and the theory classes feature subjects like:
- Employer policies/ orientation
- Post orders
- Officer safety
- Evacuation procedures
- Advanced arrests, search and seizure
- Laws and regulations
- First aid and CPR
- Workplace violence
- Access control
- Trespass
- Handling difficult people
- Crowd control
- Preserving incidence scenes
- Driver safety
- Chemical agents
- Courtroom demeanor
- Supervision
- Radio procedures
- Parking and traffic control
- School security guard training
- Executive protection
- Firearms and baton training
- Fire safety
- Air taser or stun gun
- Public relations
- Observation and documentation
- Communication
- Legal aspects and liability
Applying for a Private Security Guard Certification in Montana
The requirements to get a security guard position in Montana are:
- Be 18 years of age
- Passing a drug test, which is required by most employers
- A background check which may include your driving experience
- A high-school diploma or equivalent
- EMT certification
- The training diploma signed by your supervisor
- Paying the registration fee
You will also need to take and pass a licensing exam, which includes the next subjects:
- Laws
- Regulations
- Use of force (including verbal force)
- Ethics
- Emergency services/ first response
- Communication/ report writing
- Asset protection/ safety/ fire
- National Terrorism Advisory System
If you have been jailed before, you will have to offer extra details to the Board.
This is also the case for individuals with mental illness or past addictions to alcohol or substances.
If you choose to carry a firearm, you will need extra training and a permit.
The training needs to be accredited by the board and done by a Certified Firearm Instructor (CFI).
The subjects in training will include:
- Firearm familiarization
- Safe handling
- Shooting judgment
- Issues regarding the use of deadly force
- Civil and criminal liability
To apply, you need to send in:
- A filled-in application form
- A copy of the birth certificate
- A passport-style photo
- A copy of the firearms certification
- A character reference
- The verification form if you are licensed in another state
- A fee of $100
- A gun fee of $50
- The background check fee of $28
The background check is to be performed by both the FBI and the Montana Department of Justice.
How to Become a Resident Manager in Montana
To get this position, you need:
- Training through a vocational school for at least 6 months
- 2 years of experience in the industry
- Pass the written exam with a score of 70%
- $175 application fee
- $20 exam fee
The experience requirement can be achieved in several ways:
- Working as a security guard for 2 years
- Law enforcement experience
- Manager in governmental security
Salaries for Security Guards in Montana
In this state, you can get a higher salary if you have a specialization or run your own business.
You can also get increased job opportunities if you have a university degree or live in a larger city.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $39,016 |
| Missoula | $33,672 |
| Great Falls | $35,322 |
| Bozeman | $33,672 |
| Butte | $33,672 |
| Helena | $34,283 |
| Kalispell | $35,777 |
| Havre | $34,711 |
| Anaconda | $33,672 |
| Miles City | $38,405 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 240 | $38,000 | $18.27 | $49,780 | $21,200 |
| Great Falls, MT | 260 | $35,770 | $17.2 | $47,790 | $20,700 |
| Missoula, MT | 190 | $34,680 | $16.67 | $45,650 | $25,070 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Overall, job prospects are quite good, with more openings every year.
Extra information about security guards in Montana
To get more info on the certification process and industry updates, you can contact the Montana Board of Private Security.
The most important part of becoming a security guard is to complete your training.
That way, you can easily get licensed and start the career you have always dreamed of.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Security Guard
Security Guard License by State