How to Become a Bodyguard

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 21, 2023 Approved

Bodyguards are trained security escorts who offer protection to people including celebrities, entertainers, and athletes. They protect their clients from a variety of concerns, including kidnapping, stalking, bodily harm, harassment, and assassination. To become a bodyguard, there are some basic requirements to meet, which vary based on your location. In addition, you must master tactical skills, be in great physical shape, and be extremely trustworthy. With some training and dedication, you can become a bodyguard and protect other people.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Meeting the Basic Requirements

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Be over the age of 18. In order to take bodyguard training classes or certification courses, you must be a legal adult and possess valid identification.
- If you are under 18, that's okay! Take this time to research the job of a bodyguard and find courses to take when you turn 18.
2
Obtain a high school diploma or GED. If you don't have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, you cannot be a bodyguard.^{[1]
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- College is not required to become a bodyguard, though taking a 2 or 4-year degree program helps build your tactical skills.
- Military training is also advantageous when becoming a bodyguard. You must be in great shape to be in the military, and you are also trained on safety protocol.
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3
Complete first-aid and CPR certification programs. You must know basic CPR and first-aid to be a bodyguard, as these things are fundamental components of the job. You likely have to prove your knowledge in the form of a test or showing certification whether interviewing with a client or preparing for a certification.
- To get CPR certified, search online for certification courses in your area. Then, complete the training lessons and examination. You'll receive a certification card valid for 1 year.
- There are also first-aid courses available both online and in person. Search online to find options in your area, and go with 1 that works for your schedule.
- Basic first aid includes things like checking breathing, treating a wound, making a splint and sling, assisting a choking victim, and treating a burn.
4
Learn the tactical skills needed to protect your clients. To learn these skills, take a bodyguard training program. Search online for a program in your area, and review your options based on your availability. There are some online courses available, while others require weekly classes and demonstrations.^{[2]
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- Many bodyguard training courses focus on skills including first-aid, risk assessment, disarming, weapons, unarmed combat, counter surveillance, dispute resolution, advanced driving techniques, conflict avoidance, and anti-terrorism techniques.
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Earn a degree in a security major if you'd like formal education. While this isn't a requirement per se, going for a 2-year or 4-year security education can help you be a great bodyguard. You can major in things like police science, law enforcement, or criminal justice. ^{[3]
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- Take courses that future employers will value, including emergency services, security strategies, first aid, and public safety.
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Obtain your bodyguard certification if required in your state. First, research the requirements to get certified in your location. Not every state will require a bodyguard certification, though it is mandatory in some states. Then, sign up for the certification and review the instructions. Each test is slightly different, but in general, you must schedule a physical test and complete an online examination.^{[4]
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- The aptitude test covers things like weapon handling, giving first aid, and driving defensively.
- In addition, some countries require basic military training as part of their certification process. Typically, you must serve 1 year in the military on active duty.^{[5]
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- If your state does not require certification, then you do not need to go through the testing process. However, taking additional courses on being a bodyguard is a good idea.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding Clients

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Consult a bodyguard staffing agency to pair you with clients. To find a bodyguard staffing agency in your area, search online. Review the staffing agency's open positions, and upload your resume. The staffing agency will contact you to set up an interview and discuss the next steps.^{[6]
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- Staffing agencies pair you with job openings with local companies or clients.
2
Take the freelance route to find clients yourself. While staffing agencies are helpful, you can absolutely find clients on your own. If you have any friends, family members, or acquaintances that need a bodyguard, give them your information. In addition, you can market your own protection business by getting business cards, designing a website, and sharing on social media.^{[7]
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- It is helpful to write an employment contract before you start, outlining your hours and rate of service.
3
Network through bodyguard classes to book your clients. A great way to expand your network is to meet people at bodyguard courses. The instructors and other students can help expand your business circle. Ask others if they know of any clients looking for protection, and inquire about the best ways to grow your own business.^{[8]
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- You can also ask your peers if they've had luck with any staffing agency in particular.
- To find a bodyguard class, search online and review options near your location.
4
Complete a background check before you take on the job. Before a client hires you, they often require a background check to ensure you are a credible professional. To get a background check, search the Internet for online background checks or background report companies. Some are free, while others require a small fee.^{[9]
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- Most clients do not care what particular background check service you use. Basic background checks usually provide enough insight to your criminal history.
- If you are applying for high-profile jobs, they may require specific background checking services.
- If using a staffing agency, they will check your background for you.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Being a Great Bodyguard

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Be ready to serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most commonly, bodyguards work with 1-2 other people and complete 6-8 hour shifts at a time. However, you never know when your service is needed. Some positions require long, irregular hours.^{[10]
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- Ultimately, your job is to protect your client, no matter what time or day it is.
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Be flexible, adaptable, and ready for anything. Your job title will change often as a bodyguard. Be prepared for something new every day! You never know what you may have to protect your client from on a daily basis, and each client will be completely different.^{[11]
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- One day you may be a personal assistant, while the next you may be a driver. Sometimes you may have to defend your client from a stalker.
- For example, you may protect a famous movie star as he walks to and from sets.
- You may watch over a recent widow to protect her from a long-time stalker.
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Be trustworthy and loyal. You are protecting your client's life, and that duty requires an incredible amount of trust. To be trustworthy, always tell the truth, communicate honestly, and keep your focus on your client. In addition, always be on time, and keep a warm and optimistic attitude. Be sure to complete all of your responsibilities as well.^{[12]
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- If your client cannot trust you, you will not maintain a healthy work relationship.
4
Manage your time wisely. If you show up for work late, your clients will lose their trust and faith in you, and you cannot adequately protect them. Since you will likely work sporadic hours, having time management is very important in maintaining a work-life balance.^{[13]
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- For example, you must manage your time so you can still get groceries, clean the house, and spend time with family and friends.
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Maintain your composure under pressure and stress. Keeping your cool may take some practice and dedication, you must respond calmly to stressful stimuli. Keep a straight face, avoid panicking, and always look like you have the situation under control. With persistent practice, you'll be composed in any situation.^{[14]
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- In some instances, you want to blend into your background and not cause attention to yourself.
- For example, if someone pulls a gun out and you let out a shriek, you will look like a target. In this case, your focus should be on calmly removing your client from the situation as quickly as possible.

Community Q&A

Question

How much money does a bodyguard make?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

It depends on your experience and where you work as a bodyguard. On average, a bodyguard ears about $55,000 USD a year. But some jobs may be by contract. For instance, you could get paid $500 a day for a limited time. For higher end clients, such as diplomats or athletes, some bodyguards earn up to $180,000 per year. Professional bodyguards are often on call and are working constantly.
Question

How do bodyguards train?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Being a bodyguard is a physical job that demands strength and skills to protect and defend your clients. Many bodyguards lift weights, exercise, and train in martial arts so they're able to fight well to protect their clients. Additionally, many bodyguards are proficient with different weapons and may have to be certified regularly to keep up their firearms and weapons training. A lot of bodyguards have military or police experience as well.
Question

Do celebrity bodyguards carry guns?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Outside of the US, many celebrity bodyguards travel unarmed with their clients. However, in the US, most bodyguards protecting celebrities or high profile clients are armed and carry guns. Most bodyguards are trained and proficient with firearms and many carry certifications and licenses that allow them to carry guns in many places.