Federal Security Guards and Clerance Levels

20 February 2012 No Comment

When looking at security careers, you may have come across federal security guards and you may be wondering if it is a profession for you. Federal security guards are employed by the government and work to protect important places and people from any threats that may be around. The government is one of the largest employers of security professionals and therefore a lot of security professionals work as federal security guards at some stage of their career. However, the requirements to become a federal security guard are generally much greater than for becoming any other kind of security guard, and more thorough background checks are needed as well as extra training. This means that not all security professionals are able to become federal security guards, although it can be a very rewarding career choice for those who make it.

The job of federal security guards is to protect governmental personal and properties that are deemed important and at some level of a risk from attack. Federal security guards have one of the highest degrees of responsibility of all security guards. The government hires federal security guards indirectly through forming contracts with security companies. The branch of the government that does this is The Federal Protective Service, which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security. The Federal Protective Service is responsible for protecting governmental buildings and people, and most of their budget goes towards hiring security guards. This means that federal security guards are essential for the protection of the country.

The contracts the Federal Protective Service forms with security companies are highly specific and strict. Security companies have to carry out background checks on all security professionals and all security professionals must possess a license, regardless of whether or not licensing is required by the state. Additionally, federal security guards are required to have certifications for any specific jobs they may be doing. Contractors must ensure all security personnel undergo a written exam in order to work as federal security guards. There are also strict rules about how security guards need to be dressed under contract, how long they work per week, what equipment they use and how through they keep records. The rules for becoming a federal security guard are a lot stricter than the rules for becoming a security guard working for another employer.


Federal security guards are more in demand than they ever have been. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the number of federal security professionals being employed has increased vastly. Many more federal security guards are employed especially in places that are deemed to be at risk of a terrorist attack. This means that the world of federal security provision is one of the best places to work if you are looking towards becoming a security guard.

Related Posts:

Leave your response!

You must be logged in to post a comment.