How to Become a Physical Security Consultant in 6 Steps

Physical security is the protection of people, buildings, and objects. It may safeguard high-profile people, such as actors or politicians when attending events or traveling publicly. Similarly, it prevents attacks on critical locations like government offices, landmarks, and arenas. But how to become a Physical Security Consultant, what is it?

As a consultant, you’ll need several qualifications to appeal to clients and deliver expert advice. Organize your career trajectory by reviewing our detailed step guide on achieving this position.

What is Physical Security Consulting?

Physical security consultants don’t directly protect subjects. Instead, they use expert knowledge to consult clients on developing effective physical security strategies.

Their specialist understanding covers the following:

Access controls
Alarm systems
Camera surveillance
Business continuity planning
Security operations
Safety protocols
Door locks
Law enforcement

They perform comprehensive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities open to malicious attacks, data breaches, unauthorized access, and damages. Next, consultants implement preventative and reactive measures to mitigate danger and communicate an emergency response plan.

6 Steps on Becoming a Physical Security Consultant

How to Become a Physical Security Consultant? Physical security impacts safety, so consultants require specialist knowledge and qualifications. Find out which prerequisites you’ll need before applying:

Obtain Relevant Academic Achievements

General Education Diplomas (GEDs) are usually a prerequisite for entering college. Consider focusing on relevant subjects like English, physical education, information technology, psychology, and science to build strong skill foundations and increase your chances of getting into your preferred college.

The role’s entry requirement is typically a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in science, majoring in the following:

Security management: Teaches the development and implementation of security policies, including planning and logistics, mitigation strategies, risk assessment, and information analysis.

Criminology: Covers topics like incident response, crime patterns, law enforcement procedures, research methodologies, and prevention.

Criminal Justice: Delved into public policy, security, global and corporate trends, and communication strategies.

Related disciplines, like computer science, data communications, or information systems, will also teach transferable technical skills, like understanding digital security equipment and prioritizing vulnerabilities.

Although business administration also benefits the job’s consultancy elements, especially if you’d like to offer independent services in the future, you’ll find it easier to obtain physical security experience.

Get Relevant Certification

Establish your credibility in the industry by gaining physical security certification with relevant bodies, such as ASIS International or the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC).

Employers across the U.S. recognize ASIS’s Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP). These certificates prove your advanced understanding of planning and executing complex security systems and the ability to manage protocols. Obtaining this after college will elevate your application by highlighting your dedication to the industry.

The Certified Security Consultant by IAPSC will separate you from underqualified people selling advisory services. It includes a 100-question examination proving your adherence to professional business ethics and proficiency in security management. Consider this certificate after gaining some work experience.

Develop Practical Security Experience

Look for entry-level jobs or internships as an event security person, security officer, surveillance agent, business camera system installer, and security analyst.

These jobs will allow you to apply risk management, analytical thinking, and strategy implementation skills. You’ll better understand responding to emergencies, maintaining surveillance, reacting to alarms, and implementing counterintuitive measures.

Find these jobs at security firms, event venues, offices, and commercial stores. Online job boards will display multiple openings in your local area, along with accessible application features, such as pre-filled resumes.

Don’t forget to update your application materials to spotlight the strengths individual employers seek, portraying you as the ideal candidate for numerous opportunities.

Build a Strong Professional Network

When you’re ready for a consultancy position, connect with prominent industry members, such as leaders in physical security firms, on professional social media platforms, and at industry events.

Asking proactive questions about qualities they value in consultants, success stories, and opinions on developments in the industry will make you memorable. Holding meaningful conversations could persuade prospective employers to share opportunities with you, like vacancies or referrals.

If you plan to establish your practice, build a rapport with business owners who may seek future consultancy services so you’re well prepared to take on clients. Fostering positive professional relationships starts your services off on the right foot.

Join a Consultancy Practice or Start Your Own

Apply for consultancy positions online or by identifying open opportunities through your network. Ensure your resume outlines your highest academic achievements, naming any accreditations you have.

Write a cover letter to describe how you applied hard skills like risk management in real-life situations to show you understand how security measures function. This information indicates a genuine understanding of how security operations work.

Register your business name and log your entity’s structure, such as a limited liability company or corporation, with the state government to start your firm. Once the government legally recognizes your business, you’ll need public liability insurance, at minimum.

Start advertising your services through professional social media platforms and a dedicated website. Include an “About Me” page highlighting your credentials, such as your certificate, to build trust with prospective clients.

FAQs

Learn more about the role below:

What Is The Salary of a Security Consultant?

Glassdoor reports a national average salary for physical security consultants in the U.S. of $62,000 to $161,000 annually. Location, experience, and company size can all influence yearly income. Freelance or independent consultants may earn different salaries as they set their rates.

Are Physical Security Consultants in Demand?

Global Newswire predicts the market size for physical security will rise by more than 85% between 2022 and 2032. The figures show more people, businesses, and corporations investing in physical security measures like alarms and access controls. Physical security consultants will be vital in advising clients on applying security equipment and procedures to their businesses for effective and sustainable protection.

What Skills Do Physical Security Consultants Need?

Physical security consultants need analytical thinking, open communication, risk management, accuracy, surveillance, administration, and security operations management. Advanced knowledge of modern access controls like keypads and biometric scanning, data security, cameras, and alarms ensures their plans are equipped against current threats. Business acumen, marketing, and financing also help manage an independent consultancy business.

Conclusion

With this article on How to Become a Physical Security Consultant, we hope you understand the 6 steps and will work on them.

Kaushal Malkan

You can always find me playing the piano or playing FIFA when I’m not binge-watching TV Series with pizzas. Fountainhead of TechWhoop.

Life motto: The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.