Certified Protection Officer
This 80-hour program provides the skills and knowledge to perform the roles, duties and responsibilities of the protection officer. It will also significantly improve the job performance and job enjoyment of those presently working in the field, who strive for high levels of career achievement and who hope to gain a broader understanding of the principles of asset protection in the interest of the public, clients and employees. Successful students find that the program significantly improves job performance and job enjoyment by providing a broader understanding of the roles, duties and responsibilities of the protection officer.
Candidates will be administered and must pass a physical exam, drug screening, and background check before acceptance into this program.
As the content of this program is taken directly from our existing Criminal Justice curriculum, students successfully completing this program will also be eligible to be awarded three academic credit hours upon admittance into Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Criminal Justice AAS degree program. This allows for a seamless transition into the college program if students elect to continue their education beyond this short-term training program.
The Need
Some companies in our region have proprietary security departments. Other companies provide contracted security services to other firms. In each case, these companies indicate a great need for qualified personnel in this area. These firms have identified skill sets and qualifications that are needed for an entry-level employee.
Pierpont already has accredited and well-respected programs in Criminal Justice at both the Associate and Baccalaureate levels. However, many of the companies that hire security guards may not require a degree for entry-level positions, but still need employees with an identified skill set, especially for armed security guard positions. This short-term, focused training program has been developed to provide opportunities for this job classification.
Admission
A High School diploma or GED is a prerequisite for entrance into this program. Candidates must pass a physical exam, drug screening, and background check before acceptance into this program.
Benefits
The benefits gained by the employer or the prospective employee through completion of this program are significant. For the employer, the knowledge that they have an effective, well trained and skilled security force that, when needed, will be able to respond to challenging situations with competence and professionalism is a competitive advantage. The employee gains the benefits of a higher level of training at low cost, confidence in their skills and knowledge to assure adequate performance on the job, and an opportunity to gain an internationally recognized certification.
Security guard skills are applicable in many diverse employment settings. The training offered is useful in hospital, campus, and contract security as well as public law enforcement, private investigation, hotel, retail, industrial, or park security.
Costs
Tuition for this program is $1050.
Financial assistance is available, for those who meet income guidelines, through the West Virginia Higher Education Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program. Click the Financial Aid link below, print the HEAPS application (PDF), complete and submit to the address below.
Applications must be submitted to:
Pierpont Community & Technical College
Center for Workforce Education
320 Adams Street, Suite G01
Fairmont, WV 26554
Register Now! Paper Registration Financial Aid Location Course Schedules
Questions? 304-367-4920 or email
