How to Become a Security Guard in Utah

Security guards are still in demand, even in Utah.

If you want to know what it takes to become one, read this guide!

Security Guard Job Description and Requirements

In Utah, security agencies and agents need a license to operate.

According to the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) who oversees this industry, there are 3 types of agents:

• Armed
• Unarmed
• Armored car

To become a security guard, generally, you’ll need to:

• Pass a background check
• Be free of addictions
• Undergo some training
• Pass an assessment

During your wok-hours, you’re expected to:

• Patrol the property
• Keep strangers out
• Watch the security cameras
• Ensure the alarms are functioning
• Collaborate with law enforcement when needed
• Write activity reports
• Report suspicious activity

Becoming an Unarmed Security Officer

After meeting the general requirements mentioned earlier, you’ll need to enroll and complete a training program.

The program must be approved by the Division, at least 24 hours long, and include these topics:

• Private security nature and role
• Legal responsibilities
• State laws and rules
• Situational response evaluations
• Patrol techniques
• Documentation and report writing
• Use of force (including alternatives)
• Community/ police relations
• Sexual harassment in the workplace
• CPR and first aid
• Self-defense
• Access control
• Crowd control
• Use of defensive objects

When training completes, you’re expected to score at least 80% on the exam covering the first 9 topics from the list above.

Once you’re hired, you’ll need to continue your education of 16 hours.

Becoming an Armed Security Officer

For this position you’ll need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Complete an extra course that was approved.

It will consist of 6 hours of theory and 6 hours of practice, or range instruction.

This class also ends with an exam for which the passing score is also 80%.

Armed agents have to continue their education as follows:

• 4 hours of training every 6 months
• 16 hours of continued education

Becoming an Armored Car Security Officer

Candidates for this position must be at least 21 years old.

They need to complete a training program similar to that of the armed officers.

Rule 156-63b explains further what you need to do to obtain a license for this position.

License Application Process

To become licensed, you’ll need to download the application form from the DOPL website and indicate which license you need.

There are forms that need to be signed by your instructors.

The following documents are needed as well:

• An identification document: driver’s license, ID, or work authorization
• Explanations if you answered “yes” at the criminal history question
  • Records from the police and the court should also be included
• $100 – security officer application fee

The application form has 2 fingerprint cards, to have the background check done through the FBI and the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).

This service is free of charge, unlike in other states.

Individuals may obtain an interim permit only if their criminal history is spotless.

This permit is issued faster than the license.

If you’re an unarmed guard and want to become an armed agent, you’ll need:

• To prove the completion of the required training for the position
• Pass another background check

Becoming a Qualifying Agent

If you want to become a qualifying agent for a security business, you need:

• 6,000 hours of security experience, at the supervisory, managerial, or administrative level
  • Law enforcement or a governmental or military entity experience might also be accepted
• To score at least 75% on the Utah Security Personnel Qualifying Agent’s Exam, before applying

The topics on this test cover:

• Security business management
• Qualifying agent liability issues
• Workplace security
• Retail security
• Security officer training
• Security officer supervision
• Risk analysis and risk reduction

PSI administers this exam and it also prepared a candidate handbook.

The fee associated with this test is $72.

Application Process For the Qualifying Agent

Qualifying agents must submit their application documents along with the documents of the agency seeking a  license.

You’ll also need a current resume, as there are 2 ways to prove your experience:

• An employer form
• A W-2s or tax returns

PSI will submit the results from the exam directly to the licensing agency.

Security Guard Salary Information

If you want to earn more as a security guard in Utah, you could search for a job in a larger city.

Regional Salary in Utah

Keep in mind that the longer you work for a company, the higher your salary will be.

Additional Information

The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing can offer more details about the licensing process, by phone.

Security Guard License by State