How To Get Guard Card In Washington

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So You Wanna Be Washington's Newest Watchdog? How to Snag that Security Guard Card

Ever dreamt of being the hero in a turquoise vest, keeping the peace at a museum or wrangling overzealous shoppers at the mall? Well, my friend, your journey to becoming a certified guardian of Washington's wacky world starts with a little plastic card – the security guard card.

But fear not, aspiring hero! Getting your guard card in Washington is easier than dodging a rogue pigeon on a windy Seattle day. Here's the lowdown on how to transform from average citizen to licensed guardian of the peace (or at least that overpriced parking lot).

How To Get Guard Card In Washington
How To Get Guard Card In Washington

Step 1: You Pass the Puberty Test (and a Few Others)

  • Age Ain't Nothin' But a Number (Except When It Is): You gotta be at least 18 for an unarmed guard card and 21 for the coveted "armed and dangerous" (though hopefully not too dangerous) status.
  • Friends Across the Border Welcome: U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien? You're good to go.
  • Clean Background? You Bet! No criminal convictions that would make folks question your ability to handle a squeaky balloon animal fight, let alone a real ruckus.
  • Employment? That Too! You'll need to be employed by or have a job offer from a licensed security guard company. Basically, gotta have someone to guard stuff for!

Step 2: Brush Up on Your Superhero Skills (Without the Cape)

  • Pre-assignment Training: Channel your inner Captain America and undergo 8 hours of pre-assignment training. Think of it as Security Guard Bootcamp Lite – learning the ropes of patrolling, conflict resolution (because sometimes talking it out is better than a throwing a punch), and the ever-important skill of writing a clear report (gotta document those rogue pigeon attacks!).

Step 3: Suit Up... But Not Literally (Although a Cool Vest is Optional)

  • Application Time! Download the application forms from the Department of Licensing website (don't worry, it's not a government conspiracy – it's legit). Fill it out, have your employer (or soon-to-be employer) sign it, and get ready to unleash your inner filing cabinet organizer.
  • Fingerprint Frenzy: Get your fingerprints taken electronically (so no messy ink!). This is for a background check, so no need to worry about your past life as a polka-playing clown coming back to haunt you (unless it involved, you know, crimes). There will be fees involved, so make sure you have your plastic friend (credit card) handy.

Step 4: The Waiting Game (Because Even Superheroes Need Patience)

  • The DOL Decides Your Fate: The Department of Licensing will review your application and fingerprints. Just imagine them placing your application on a giant scale of "responsible" versus "pigeon-wrestling menace." Hopefully, it tips towards responsible.

Step 5: Voila! Your Guard Card Awaits!

  • Card Shark or Security Shark? Once approved, you'll receive your official Washington security guard card. Now you can strut your stuff with pride, knowing you're a certified guardian of peace (and maybe a de-escalator of overzealous grocery shoppers).

Remember: This card is your golden ticket to a new career path. Treat it with respect, don't lose it (because replacing it is a pain), and maybe invest in a fancy cardholder to really show it off.

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FAQ - Become a Washington Guard Card Guru

How to find security guard training courses?

QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.Help reference icon

Security guard training courses are offered by various private companies. A quick web search for "Washington security guard training" should do the trick.

How long does the guard card last?

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Guard cards in Washington expire every two years. Renewal involves completing continuing education courses and submitting a renewal application.

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How much does it cost to get a guard card?

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There are various fees involved, including application fees, fingerprint processing fees, and training course costs. The total cost can vary, so it's best to check with security guard training providers for specific details.

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Can I carry a firearm as a security guard?

An additional permit is required to carry a firearm as a security guard. This involves additional training and qualifications.

Do I need a guard card to work as a security guard?

Yes, working as a security guard in Washington requires a valid guard card.

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Quick References
TitleDescription
wa.govhttps://www.wsdot.wa.gov
kxly.comhttps://www.kxly.com
wa.govhttps://www.tacoma.wa.gov
nps.govhttps://www.nps.gov/state/wa/index.htm
experiencewa.comhttps://www.experiencewa.com

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