Bodyguards are trained executive protection professionals who offer protection to people and their property 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.

1. 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.
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.
   • 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.
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.
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.
   • 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.
5. 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. 
   • Take courses that future employers will value, including emergency services, security strategies, first aid, and public safety.
6. 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.
   • 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.
   • 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.