How Do I Become a Security Supervisor?

If you would like to become a security supervisor, you typically must first have at least one year of experience as a security officer. Most companies prefer those candidates who want to be a security supervisor be experienced in lifesaving skills as well as some basic first-aid and firefighting skills. A high school diploma is usually required for the role, and although a college degree is not commonly required, it is often considered a plus in the hiring process. You must posses problem solving skills, courage and quick thinking if you want to be a security supervisor. A military service background is also often viewed as a plus when interviewing for the position.

Many individuals who enter the security field often find themselves wanting to move up the ladder to become a security supervisor. This is typically a natural step as the individual strives to improve herself. In order to become a security supervisor, the candidate usually needs to have, at a minimum, one year of experience as a security officer prior to applying for a supervisory position. This requirement can be waived depending on exemplary service, action above and beyond that required by a security officer and several other qualifications. If you have experience in the military prior to becoming a security officer, the time in service can often be applied to your seniority as time served.

As a supervisor, you will typically be the first called by any of your staff should a problem occur. For this reason, if you would like to become a security supervisor, you may wish to get training in lifesaving techniques such as bleeding control, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and even basic firefighting training. Due, in part, to the dangerous nature of the security field, any training in personal defense and take-down skills can usually be seen as a bonus on your resume.

Exemplary performance on the job as a security officer will aid in your quest to be a security supervisor. Commonly, you will be required to take a written test where your problem-solving skills and grasp of rules and regulations will be examined. Upon satisfactorily completing the written portion of the testing, you will be given an oral interview. This may involve one or several of your superiors asking scenario-based questions designed to test your quick-thinking abilities. Once you have successfully passed this portion of the process, you may be assigned to work with a supervisor for a period of time to allow you to experience some aspects of the job firsthand. Typically, you will be required to receive the approval of this supervisor in order to become a security supervisor.