How to obtain a security guard license ​

Getting a security guard license is not an easy task. A number of credentials, approval, and expertise are required to obtain the security guard license. If you are working as a security official or a guard, you must be fully approved and certified as a licensed guard. The document, the training, and the physical and psychological tests are required to be passed.

In this blog, we will learn about how to get the security guard license and what factors are involved 

A security guard license is needed in Pakistan when you want to work in security jobs. It shows that you have done the required security guard training and have been informed by the police that the person is not involved in any illegal activities. This article will explain how to obtain a security guard license step-by-step, from basic training and testing to applying with the police.

Basic Requirements

Here are some of the basic requirements you have to fulfil if you want a security guard license:

• Age and Education: You must be at least 18 years old (often not older than about 55) and have passed middle school. Ex-military personnel get a shorter training course (1 week) than civilians.
• Health and Fitness: You must be physically fit. For example, as per rules, a guard needs a medical fitness certificate stating they are at least 5 ft 2 in tall, 18–55 years old, have good eyesight, and have no disabilities.
• Character Check: You must have a clean record. Not involved in any illegal activity for the smooth process of obtaining a security guard license. The licensing authority will also check police records to make sure you haven’t been convicted of serious crimes or involved in anti-state activities.
• Documents: Prepare your valid ID (Pakistani CNIC), passport-style photos, and any proof of residency. You also need a medical certificate from a doctor and a recent police clearance or fingerprint check for your background.
  

Security Guard Training

After meeting all the basic requirements, the next step is to complete formal training. In Pakistan, training is usually done through government-approved institutes or private schools. These courses often last 2 weeks for civilians (only 1 week if you are ex-military). The training covers basic security duties, self-defence, and weapon handling (even for unarmed guard jobs, this knowledge helps).

• Look for courses by searching terms like “security guard training near me” or “security guard courses online”. Some institutes may advertise online security guard training or guard card training. (Note that only courses approved by the authorities count toward an official license.)
  
• After training, the institute will issue a certificate to prove you have finished the course. This certificate is required for your license application.
  
• There are also free or low-cost options: some technical colleges and NGOs offer “free security guard training near me” or subsidies. Always make sure the training centre is recognised by the government. Beware of offers for a “free guard card” or very cheap courses that might not be valid for a license.
  

Taking the Exam and Getting Certified

Many training programs include an end-of-course test. You will have to answer questions or do practical drills to show what you have learned from the training course. Passing this exam earns you the official security guard certification or training certificate.

• Some terms you might see: security guard card, security guard license training, or guard card license. These all refer to the same idea of official training and permit.
  
• In other countries (like the US), unarmed guard licenses may be called a “Class D security license” or “guard card,” while armed guards need special certificates. In Pakistan, we simply focus on armed vs. unarmed within the training. If you want to carry a weapon, you must do extra armed security guard training and get a separate firearms license.
  

Applying for the License

Once you get a certificate and fitness records, the next step is to apply for the license. In Pakistan, this is usually done through the local government or police.

• Find the Licensing Office: In most regions, you need to submit your application as directed by the District Coordination Officer’s office or the police licensing office. (If a larger city, there may be a special security licensing authority.)
• Complete the Forms: Fill out the formal application (sometimes referred to as Form A) as a precept for a security guard or private security license.
• Submit Documents: Submit your training certificate, medical fitness certificate, copies of ID cards, photographs and fees. If police require fingerprints, this may be done at this stage too.
• Police Checks: The police will complete checks on your background and will also confirm that you satisfy each condition. They may contact you for an interview.
• Pay Licensing Fee: Pay the government fee. (e.g. Under Punjab rules, a private security license could be approximately Rs. 25,000 for 3 years, but fees can vary.)
• Wait for License Approval: Once everything has been verified and you have satisfied all checks, you will be issued your security guard license or card. This is your license to work legally as a guard.

Steps to apply (summary):

• Complete full training and get a certificate.
• Get police and medical fitness verification.
• Fill out the form properly and provide all the documents that are compulsory (ID, photos, certificate, etc.).
• Pay the fee and attend interviews or tests that are needed.
• Receive your license when approved.
  

Working with a Company or Independently

Most people enter the security field by joining a licensed security company. These companies already have permission to operate (a security business license). If you work for one:

• Company Support: The company will guide you through training, paperwork, and exams. They may even have in-house security guard training, or the company works with training schools to help guards get proper training.
  
• Employment: You will typically be on the company’s payroll. They may pay for your certification courses and ensure you have a security guard card or license.
  

If you want to work independently (as an independent guard or bodyguard):

Self-Application: You must apply on your own to the police or licensing authority for a private security license. The process is similar, but in this situation, you will be the license holder. In some cases, you may be required to register as a small security company (this involves the security business license).

Additional Positions: In many places, if you wish to obtain a higher position like a security officer or bodyguard, you must also have additional requirements and experience and will see terms like security officer license or bodyguard license referring to these specialised positions. Typically, you start as a guard and learn “on the job.”

Renewal and Other Tips

• Renew your license: Typically, security licenses expire. For example, Punjab rules allow licenses to be valid for 3 years. Set a note to remind yourself to renew as early as possible. Before renewal, you will most likely require up-to-date training and a fresh police check.

• Keep documents updated: You should report address changes to the appropriate governing body, as well as any lost licenses. Keep a file of all your training certificates, occupational health certification and medical records as backup.

• Stay trained: Taking periodic refreshers, i.e. security license training courses, will keep your skills current. As you obtain your license, you should continue to learn–first aid, fire safety, etc.–and technology (CCTV) to stay current. 

• Beware of scams: Avoid taking ads at face value like “free guard card training”, “security guard license online,” or “apply now for your license to work.” If there is an effort to obtain a license, it must be through government-approved training and submitting an authorised application.

A Trusted Name in Security

When you get your security guard license, it is important to work with a trusted company. Desert Hawks Security Services (DHSS) is one of the top security companies in Pakistan. They help protect people and places on time and with care.

Desert Hawks has over 15 years of experience in keeping things safe. The company was started by army veterans in 2009 and now works all across Pakistan. They are trusted because they are approved by many important organisations, such as:

• Ministry of Interior (MOI), Government of Pakistan
  
• Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
  
• All Pakistan Security Agencies Association (APSAA)
  
• Pakistan Banking Association (PBA)
  
• ISO 9001:2015 certified, which means they follow international safety and quality standards.
  

Becoming a guard takes much effort, but it’s straightforward if you meet the age and education rules, finish the training, pass all the inquiries by police, and apply. Desert Hawks also provides security training, which helps people learn and grow in this field. They offer full support to new guards who want to become security guards and grow in their careers.

If you’re looking to apply for a security guard license and need the right company to work with, Desert Hawks is a name you can trust. Good luck on your path to becoming a security guard in Pakistan!