Education and experience are critical to become a bodyguard!

by Executive Protection Institute EPI was founded in 1978

Professional bodyguards tend to work in either the government or private sector as personal security officers. Most bodyguards typically offer close protection to their clients against numerous dangerous situations such as theft, kidnapping, assault, or even assassination.

Whether they are protecting private individuals or are working for a high-profile client such as a political leader or celebrity, a professional bodyguard needs to practice discretion while keeping their client's confidentiality in mind.

Nevertheless, all professional bodyguards need to obtain a security clearance to work as government officials.

When on the job, a bodyguard may be asked to manage crowds, drives clients from one location to another, and secure areas.

Even though shadowing your clients wherever they go or watching over a particular area may seem like an everyday thing.

Still, as a bodyguard, you must always be prepared to access any potentially dangerous situations, use force if necessary, and detain any suspects.

Keep in mind that a bodyguard's schedule and working hour will depend on the needs and wants of their clients, and they have to work under flexible schedules which involves on weekends and at night.

As an aspiring bodyguard, you can follow more than one path to reach your goal. However, a mixture of experience and education in certain areas can help you get an advantage in this career.

Obtain a degree or certificate

All aspiring security officers are bodyguards who need to have a high school diploma or some on-the-job training.

You can find numerous schools that provide a certificate program and tell you how to become a bodyguard even if you do not have any previous security background.

Moreover, a few employers may also prefer people who have a bachelor's degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or other related fields.

Since most of these programs provide students with relevant training in firearm handling, security driving, forensic science, psychology, and criminology, having a professional degree program can help you meet all higher levels of certification requirements.

Get experience

If you are an aspiring bodyguard, you can get professional experience as a security guard to better develop the skills and knowledge required for an important position.

Almost all security guards go through additional education and training for employment, which can easily be applied to a bodyguard's job.

Suppose you have any prior military or law enforcement experience. In that case, it can be of enormous advantage for you since most professional bodyguard training courses teach you everything you may have already studied.

Law enforcement or military background can also help you mentally to become a bodyguard by giving you some insight into active thinking in draining situations, a sense of duty, and defensive countermeasures.

Closing remarks

With proper education and on-field experience, you can quickly advance to higher employment positions with government and private agencies. The most common qualifications you need to become a personal protection officer include: