Skills
Security Guard Skills & Tools
The technical skills, people skills and tools employers look for in security guards, and how to build and show them.
What skills do security guards need?
Security Guards need technical skills such as patrol techniques, access control, and report writing, plus people skills like observation and calm communication. They also use tools such as Two-way radios and CCTV and video management systems.
Technical (hard) skills
- Patrol techniques
- Access control
- Report writing
- CCTV and alarm monitoring
- Emergency response procedures
- De-escalation
People (soft) skills
- Observation
- Calm communication
- Reliability
- Professional appearance and conduct
Tools, equipment and technology
- Two-way radios
- CCTV and video management systems
- Access control systems and badge readers
- Guard tour and reporting apps
- Flashlights
- First aid kits and AEDs
Skills in action: common tasks
These step-by-step guides show how security guards put their skills to work:
- How to write a daily activity report
- How to conduct an effective security patrol
- How to respond to a trespasser
How to show these skills on a resume
- Lead your skills section with the technical skills from the job posting, for example, “Patrol techniques” and “Access control.”
- Prove soft skills with results: instead of listing “observation,” describe a situation where you used it.
- List credentials such as State guard card or security license near the top, with the issuing organization and date.
- Use the employer’s vocabulary. Our security guard glossary covers the terms hiring managers expect.
How to build these skills
Formal training, supervised practice and certification are the most direct routes. Our Security Guard training introduces each of these skills with plain-language lessons, procedures and a final knowledge check: a strong foundation before hands-on training or your first day.