To become a bodyguard, also known as a personal protection, close protection, or executive protection, individuals typically need to complete specific training and meet licensing requirements, which can vary depending on the country or state. Here is a guide on how to become a bodyguard and a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help others researching the same path.
This is a very common question for anyone looking to get into EP or advance their career. Below is my best and honest answer, based on my experiences and professional opinion.
The best way I can suggest to assess what training you will need to make yourself more marketable / valuable is to research the job openings on Linkedin, Indeed, etc. that are of interest to you, and note their required and preferred qualifications/certifications. There is no better way to get a realistic assessment of what hiring entities are looking for. Consider this avoid opinions of training providers – myself included.
“Peerlessly Realistic, Relevant & Valuable”
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Additionally, you can contact those same companies, and discuss this topic with their recruiters/HR to find out what makes candidates stick out to them during the selection process. This will give you great insight into what can set you apart when applying.
If you are not looking for “high threat” work, avoid investing your time and money (and GI Bill) into “high threat” courses. This should be obvious, but unscrupulous marketing makes me have to say it. Further, even if you are seeking “high threat” work, avoid investing in courses which don’t give you the certs you need to gain employment in that field until you have them, then invest in training to further better yourself, as any professional should.
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Bottom line – Any time spent with rifles and body armor is useless for non-war zone EP. No hiring manager cares to see that. And even further it shows the wrong mindset and/or how you got sold on use-car salesman tactics by schools selling the wrong stuff to industry hopefuls with GI bill funds.
Last word – be cautious of those who disagree with what I said.
Interviewer’s question: That sounds like a good start, but it’s all entry-level security jobs. How did you break into executive protection?
“I knew if I was going to advance my career and eventually obtain the kinds of opportunities that I wanted, I would have to go through a well-respected executive protection training course. I did my due diligence and read great reviews about Lasorsa and Associates’ Executive Protection Training Course taught by Joe Lasorsa, Jr. I did my first course there.
“Do I need training?” “How much does it cost?” “Who is the ‘best’ provider?” Etc. Etc.
These questions are and always will be rampant throughout the various social media groups as the desire to get into executive protection will always be there. In my opinion, it takes a distinct individual to be successful in protective services, so only the top tier of physical security professionals will survive the jump up to executive protection and there-in lies the problem: the desire is larger than the need. Much like a threat assessment, the fears almost always surpass the reality, (and they should), therefore a pragmatic decision must be made. To mitigate threats, the appropriate level of resources are applied, similarly an appropriate selection must be made regarding employment in this small, niche field.
Recent discussions in professional groups, such as the Security Driver & Training Facebook group, included recommendations and ideas for putting together a vehicle readiness check list, any input on lessons learned to add to the standard check lists for vehicles, etc.
Below is a list that I have developed for our Defensive & Evasive Driving Course that is both simple and effective for use by protective agents who routinely check their vehicles for optimal readiness, including rental vehicles.
Career opportunities in GA, AZ, NY, NJ, CA, PA, TX, Chicago, Seattle, Wash DC and more.
7 Day EP Program – Miami 11/2-8/5 3 Day EP – Vegas & NY Sept/Oct
Security Consulting – Vegas & NY Sept/Oct TSCM / Bug Sweeps – Raleigh 8/20-22/15
This post is unrestricted – New job postings are typically restricted to Alumni for the first week in order to grant them early access to the listings – Some posts may be removed if applied to by an Alumni.
Even though I am an “instructor”, I do my best to train as often as possible, both to challenge and increase my current capabilities and to develop new skills. I do not see myself as an “instructor” but rather a fellow trainer as learning always occurs both ways and those who have had the experience of discussing the topic with me have heard me say “I am looking forward to training with you” or have heard me correct someone who refers to me as their instructor by saying “we have trained together.” A phrase that has stuck with me from early on in my professional career has been “Know enough to know that you don’t know – always a student, always learning.” – JAL
Las Vegas, Houston, Austin, Colorado, Puerto Rico, Michigan, Virginia, Baltimore, Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Charlotte, Palo Alto, San Jose, Orange County, San Francisco, Illinois, Los Angeles, Oklahoma, New York, Atlanta, Wash DC, Maryland, and more
Here is an excerpt from one of the positions:
“Training and familiarity in evasive and defensive driving, or security and executive transportation is preferred. CPR, First Aid, AED certification is required.”
Our 7 Day Executive Protection Training Program provides certification in Executive Protection,Medical Response and Defensive & Evasive Driving. Come see why our training is the most realistic, relevant and valuable course offered.
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This post is now unrestricted.
Click here for more info on our Defensive & Evasive Driving Course
For Training Schedule and Locations see here
