How to Become a Professional Bodyguard?

by Executive Protection Institute EPI was founded in 1978

Interested in becoming a bodyguard? You are not alone! Everyone wants to feel like they are making the world a better place, and what better way to do that than by protecting the lives of others?

Enrolling yourself in a bodyguard school might be the way to go! A bodyguard school can teach you all the skills and tactics you need to keep yourself and your client safe. After studying under experienced trainers, you will be well prepared to start your career as a personal bodyguard and use your new skills in actual situations that would otherwise have been unpredictable and dangerous. But don't get too ahead of yourself! There are many things you should consider before taking this step.

The Duties and Responsibilities of a Professional Bodyguard

The most important responsibility of the bodyguard is to protect the principal person they are assigned to guard (the person or thing being protected). They must also be able to look out for any potential hazards that might be a threat, identify any persons with ill intentions, and engage with them appropriately to neutralize the threat. They are responsible for maintaining vigilance while on duty and reporting all suspicious activity promptly; this includes anything unusual or out of place, like an object that may not belong there, someone that might have followed their principal without them noticing, or even unusual sounds in the environment around them.

Bodyguards can also be security drivers for high net-worth individuals and public figures who are often in the limelight, making them vulnerable targets for criminals, terrorists, and all sorts of hazards.

In other words, you could be taking on various roles when working as a bodyguard, from a driver to an investigative officer to a chauffeur and more, to provide appropriate security solutions for your clients' needs.

Qualities for Becoming an Ideal Bodyguard

An ideal bodyguard must be courageous and decisive, even in the face of personal danger; maintain composure, ideally under all circumstances; be willing to serve in any post where there is a need for an experienced agent, whether or not stationed at home.

The ideal bodyguard should also have a mind open to new ideas and should be prepared for long hours with few vacation days; be willing to work irregular hours if necessary, and enjoy the work despite its risks. It takes discipline, courage, and foresight to qualify as an effective bodyguard!

Training Involved in Becoming a Professional Bodyguard

Bodyguard training is intense and designed for those with a serious interest in the profession. Some of the skills taught in most reputable personal protection schools are firearms and driving courses, cultural sensitivity awareness, physical training, defensive tactics, surveillance detection, and even business practices.

After completion of basic training, graduates can work as security guards or risk management specialists or move on to apply their skills towards becoming full-fledged bodyguards and protection agents.

Assessment centers are commonplace, and prospective protection agents typically need to pass a screening before they are permitted into the protection field of work. Therefore, one must prepare for this extensive procedure before making an initial inquiry by closely reading the client's policies beforehand and properly noting their hiring guidelines before submitting any resumes or portfolios for consideration.

Bottom Line

Becoming a professional security guard can provide many growth and advancement opportunities as the industry is quickly changing and developing. Hopefully, this guide will help you navigate your education effectively and get you into your first job as quickly as possible!