Understanding Professional Occupational Certificates to Work as a Security Officer
In this article, we review how employers can lookup Pennsylvania (PA) state licenses for staff working as a Security Officer. Employers must ensure that each of these licensed workers are up to date with their licenses and follow the necessary regulations that are put forth by the State of Pennsylvania. This can be risky as even a minor violation could result in penalties for the employers or individual workers. Employers also need to be aware of any changes in the regulations brought about by the state board, and should work to keep their workers informed.
Being a security officer is a complex and important job. Responsibilities of a security officer include deterring criminal activity, maintaining law, and order, creating and responding to emergency situations, and monitoring security cameras. To ensure security officers are properly trained and certified, employers often require certain occupational certificates.
Occupational certificates are documents that certify an individual has completed courses on skills needed for the job. Security officers are expected to be knowledgeable in several topics pertaining to safety and security, including first aid, fire safety, company security, drug and alcohol use, incident response, and access control.
The first certificate a security officer should obtain is a guard card. This document is usually issued by the state’s police department or bureau of security and investigative services. Most states have similar documents, but they could also have different names, such as security license or security registration.
Second, it is important to obtain a certification in First Aid/CPR/AED. This certification ensures security officers can effectively respond to medical situations and administer the necessary help until professional medical aid arrives. Sometimes, employers will cover the cost to become first aid certified.
Third, security officers should receive training and certificate in Fire Safety/Firefighting. This training helps officers detect signs of danger, respond to fires, and use proper firefighting methods.
Fourth, to truly understand the policies, systems, and programs of a certain workplace, a security officer must undertake a Security Company Orientation class. This class ensures officers become familiar with the machine operations, alarm systems, access control, and security procedures of a certain organization.
Finally, to prevent sensitive and private information from getting into the wrong hands, officers may be expected to be knowledgeable about security breaches, computer security, and other online security measures. Having a Certificate in Security IT would show an employer a security officer is fully prepared to respond to cyber security threats.
Having the right certificate is not only important but may also be legally required. Although a guard card is the most fundamental document, further certificates can demonstrate an officer is qualified, trained, and truly committed to providing a safe and secure environment.
How to Lookup Licenses & Manage Certification with Software for a Security Officer
Looking up and managing occupational licenses for Security Officer can be an arduous task. Aware of all applicable regulations, certification requirements and license types important. First step is to research the rules and regulations governing the occupation in the state or municipality where working. Necessary to gain an understanding of what, if any, types of licensure are necessary for Security Officer.Once the type of license has been determined, visit the licensing board in the state or jurisdiction and obtain the necessary information. For example, Security Officers may need to register with or obtain a private security officer license. Many states require that applicants obtain a sponsor or employer who can verify their application information. Look up local rules as to who is eligible to become a sponsor. May have to have the applicant complete a background check or provide additional proof of their identity.
Upon obtaining the license, it is necessary to keep track of its expiration date. It is important to renew the license before its expiration date to avoid any lapses. Depending on the state or municipality it is possible to renew the license online, with paper applications or in person. Process may vary and important to review renewal process before the license’s expiration date.
As part of the continued management of the license, must be aware that any changes in the regulations or requirements for the license type may necessitate the need for additional training, seminars or continuing education prior to the license’s renewal. Changes could include mandatory refresher courses in security measures or additional background checks.
Lastly, depending on the state or municipality, may be subject to periodic inspections or audits to ensure that all requirements for the security license are being met. Preparing for such inspections will ensure that the license can be maintained in good standing and its holder remains compliant with applicable regulations.
