In the private security sector, shift work, night work and work on holidays are common working conditions. Security guards often perform challenging work to ensure the safety of facilities, events and people. Unfortunately the Wages in this sector often in the low-wage sector for example, in the separate security service. If hours are unexpectedly lost, e.g. because the employer loses an important contract, and the monthly target working time is not reached because of this (or for other reasons), it can become financially dicey as a 34a security guard. This article looks at the reasons that lead to the cancellation of working days and shows the possibilities that one then has as a security employee.
What are possible reasons why my employer schedules me on fewer assignment days?
First of all, the security company’s point of view should also be briefly examined at this point. The fact that you are on the duty roster less often has in most cases (hopefully) nothing to do with you personally, but has operational reasons. If these are explained transparently by the employer and you can understand them, this offers a better starting point for a solution to the problem that can be supported by both sides. It is possible, however, that this will lead to a change of employment or to you starting to look for a new job. Or maybe the “lean period” is only short and you can compensate for the hours by working extra hours in the following month or the employer accommodates you in some other way.
Here are ten possible reasons why your employer might want to reduce your working hours:
Lower customer demand: There could be less demand for security services, leading to a reduction in the number of man-hours needed.
Economic slowdown: It is possible that the economic situation has deteriorated, leading to resource constraints and cost savings.
Changes in the business strategy: Your employer may have changed its business strategy, leading to an adjustment of human resources.
Staff rotation: Possibly rotate staff to give all staff the opportunity to work and to distribute working hours more equitably.
Seasonal fluctuations: Working hours could be subject to seasonal fluctuations, for example if less security staff is needed in certain months.
Changes in contracts with clients: It is possible that contracts with clients have changed and this leads to a reduction in the volume of work.
Legal restrictions: There could be (new) legal restrictions, such as maximum limits for working hours or rest periods between shifts. Or the existing requirements (e.g. from the Working Hours Act) are now better followed up.
Company holidays or seasonal company breaksYour employer may have decided to reduce working hours during certain periods, such as company holidays or seasonal breaks (from customers). Also, for example, the Covid pandemic had caused temporary dislocation within the industry.
Internal company restructuring: Your employer may carry out internal restructuring leading to a reassessment of working hours and resource allocation.
What options do I have if my employer assigns me to less work?
Of course, it is not worth arguing about one or two hours. However, a loss of 20, 30, 40 per cent or even more hours is a big deal, because you also have to make a living. If your boss removes you from the duty roster, assigns you to significantly fewer shifts than usual and you don’t work your hours — then you have the following options:
Check employment contract! That is the most important point. As a rule, what is decisive is what has been agreed in your employment contract. For example, if it says “full-time”, the employer is obliged to employ you accordingly. What is meant by full-time is usually regulated in the respective collective agreement. Often a specific number of hours is also agreed. If, for example, 170 hours per month are contractually stipulated in your employment contract, this number of hours must be adhered to (apart from minor fluctuations, e.g. due to sick cover).
Consult the duty roster! Duty scheduling in security services, e.g. in factory security, is often done on the basis of a fixed shift rhythm. In this way, it is possible to plan roughly in advance — of course with a certain degree of uncertainty (e.g. due to eternal outstanding holiday planning). However, the actual duty roster for the following month is decisive: If it states 20 shifts, for example, then you are entitled to work this number of shifts. Once a duty roster has been published, it may only be changed again after consultation with the employees.
Seek dialogue and actively offer work performance! Many things can be clarified through communication. Seek to talk to your supervisor and reach a consensus. Important: Communicate that you do not agree with the changes and explicitly offer your work performance! Your employer is obliged to give you the work according to the existing employment contract, you provide your work performance according to the contract.
Your employer does not react? Send a written reminder! Inform your employer in writing about the aspects mentioned above. The written form is important so that you have proof. Set a deadline for your boss, but continue to be polite and cooperative. After all, you usually want to continue working for your employer.
If nothing helps: complain! If all else fails, the employer does not react and talks (possibly also with the works council) have not led to success, the only option is to take legal action before the labour court.
The expert knowledge examination in the guarding trade according to § 34a of the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung) is an important prerequisite for entering the profession in this field. It is intended to ensure that applicants have the necessary knowledge to guarantee the safety of people and the protection of property. In this context, the question arises whether it makes sense to just learn all possible exam questions and answers by heart without delving deeper into the content of the exam.
Exam questions: Theory and practice
No question — learning with 34a exam questions offers many advantages. Pure memorisation of exam questions and answers is not a suitable preparation method in this context, as the exam may also include situational questions. This is especially the case in the oral part of the exam. In addition, it is important to understand the connections between different subject areas and to be able to apply them to concrete practical cases. Superficial preparation may lead to some candidates passing the exam but not being able to apply their knowledge in practice. As a rule, however, passing the exam also becomes a challenge if one only learns by heart and has not gained a real understanding of the contents.
Challenges
Furthermore, it is important not only to know the legal basics and the relevant regulations, but also to understand the psychological and communicative aspects of the profession. After all, private security guards must not only recognise and ward off dangers, but also be able to apply de-escalation techniques and deal with difficult situations. This also includes communicating effectively and resolving conflicts. Of course, it is not only the learning content that plays a role here, but above all professional experience and the passing on of experience, e.g. within the framework of a preparatory course or in exchange with experienced colleagues. Incidentally, there is a focus on the legal topics of the 34a professional qualification examination. Topics such as criminal law or civil law are Weighted twice in the written examination. One should not leave any points lying around lightly by understanding the legal matter here, not to mention the risks of legal ignorance when later working in the security service.
Understanding the contents of the examination
Exam candidates should engage intensively with the content of the exam and try to gain a deeper understanding. They should not only deal with the facts, but also with the contexts and the meaning of what they have learned. One way to do this is to talk to other people who are also preparing for the exam or are already working in the industry. Practical experience can also help to deepen understanding and apply what has been learned. Generally recommended are Books, online courses and classroom trainingThe course is designed to provide a context and not to work exclusively with test questions and solutions. Explanations based on case studies can make a significant contribution to understanding, especially legal topics.
Conclusion
In summary, it does not make sense to just memorise all possible exam questions and answers without delving deeper into the content of the exam. Instead, candidates should deal intensively with the contents of the exam and try to gain a deeper understanding. This can help them not only to pass the exam but also to be able to apply their knowledge in practice and to work successfully in the private security industry.
Learning with exam questions is a proven method used by many students to improve their understanding and knowledge of certain topics.
Why 34a preparation with exam questions makes sense
When answering exam questions, you get feedback on how well you have understood the material and can work specifically on the difficult parts to improve your knowledge. You can identify gaps in your understanding and target them. Through regular feedback, you can ensure that you are continuously improving and track your progress. Another advantage of learning with exam questions is the deeper engagement with the learning content. When answering exam questions, one has to deal with the content more intensively and make connections between different topics. By delving deeper into the information, one can gain a deeper understanding of the topic. By repeating and applying the information, memory is improved. When you study a topic intensively and actively apply what you have learned, it sticks better in your memory. Exam questions also focus attention on the most important aspects of the learning material and help to eliminate irrelevant information. By focusing on relevant information, the brain is better able to absorb and process it. This leads to a better understanding of the learning material. One of the most important benefits of learning with exam questions is the simulation of an exam situation. This can also help to reduce exam anxiety. Exam anxiety can be a significant barrier to learning, as it can cause you to perform worse than you actually could. By practising exam questions, you can become more attuned to the type of questions and the exam process. This can help reduce exam anxiety and boost confidence.
Other advantages of learning with exam questions
More effective time management: By practising exam questions, you can better estimate how much time you need for certain questions. This helps you to manage your time more effectively during an exam.
Increased motivation: Practising exam questions regularly and noticing that you are making progress can increase your motivation. You feel better prepared and motivated to apply what you have learned.
Improved error analysis: When you answer exam questions, you learn to analyse your mistakes more closely, to understand what concepts or subject areas you did not fully understand. This can help you to work on these areas more specifically.
Improved exam results: By studying with exam questions, you can go into an exam better prepared. You already know the type of questions and the exam process, so you are less stressed. This can help you achieve better exam results.
Conclusion
Overall, learning with exam questions offers many advantages. It helps to improve the understanding of learning content, strengthen memory and reduce the fear of exams. Through regular feedback and targeted practice, you can work specifically on the difficult parts and track your progress. Learning with exam questions is an effective way to prepare for exams and succeed. Preparing for the exam with exam questions is therefore an important factor in successfully passing the IHK exam. Why memorising alone is not necessarily enough to pass the 34a exam, learn more in this blog post.
Security guards play an important role in the private security industry and are often the first point of contact for customers and visitors. If you are a security guard looking for a new job, a successful application can make the difference between success and failure. The chances are quite good due to the situation on the labour market. It is also called an employee market — meaning: there are hardly enough qualified applicants for the current vacancies. You have — depending of course on some factors like your education and the desired place of work — in principle a good choice!
In this article we will give you tips and advice on how to successfully apply and find your dream job in the private security industry.
10 application tips for security guards in the private security sector
Create a meaningful cover letter
The cover letter is the first impression you make on a potential employer. It is important that you take time to create a strong cover letter that highlights your experience, skills and motivation. Make sure you tailor the cover letter to the company and the security job advertised and that you find out about the company and its activities.
Update your CV
Your CV is your most important application document and should showcase your work experience, skills and qualifications. Update your CV before you apply and make sure it is clear and easy to read. Use bullet points and clear formatting to highlight important information. Also include what training and certifications you have completed and what experience you have had in the security industry. Provide your certificates of competency, references and any training certificates. Do not include Fake documents and convince you with a professional correct expression.
Emphasise your skills and experience
As a security guard, you should be able to quickly recognise dangerous situations and react to them appropriately. In your application, emphasise your skills and experience in the field of security and make sure to highlight your competences in the areas of communication, conflict resolution and de-escalation. However, do not exaggerate, e.g. by eccentrically sprawling narratives of your past exploits as a security employee!
Be prepared for the interview
An interview is your chance to present your best side and convince the employer of your skills. Prepare for the interview by reading up on the company, preparing questions and thinking about the answers you would give. Make sure you are on time and well prepared for the interview and that you clearly present your qualifications and experience.
Stay positive and confident
As a security guard, it is important that you appear positive and confident. Be confident in your skills and experience and convey to your potential employer that you are the best choice for the job. Remain professional and polite throughout the application process and make sure you leave a positive impression. At this point, please do not badmouth your old or previous employer. This does not make a good impression and the management staff in the private security industry are often better connected than you think!
Use your network
Use your professional network to find potential employers and learn about job openings. Talk to former colleagues, supervisors and other contacts in the security industry and ask for recommendations or information about vacancies. Online platforms such as LinkedIn or XING can also help you find potential employers and make contacts. You can also indicate there that you are open to offers. Sometimes headhunters also get in touch who can be helpful in finding jobs.
Be flexible and open to new challenges
In the private security industry, there are a variety of tasks and positions that require different skills and experience. Be flexible and open to new challenges and check whether you are suitable for other positions or tasks. You may be able to contribute your skills and experience better in another position or be interested in a new challenge.
Present yourself professionally
As a security guard, you are the company’s figurehead and should therefore present yourself in a professional manner. Make sure that you wear appropriate clothing and make a well-groomed impression at job interviews or other professional occasions. Also pay attention to your body language and appearance and make sure you communicate politely and professionally.
Do not shy away from high demands
A maximum of 20 years and 10 years of professional experience — of course that’s not possible. Employers often write quite a few requirements in the job advertisements. Don’t be afraid of this, but be honest if you don’t (yet) meet a requirement. You can still gain experience in your new job, you can improve your foreign language skills by taking courses on the side (e.g. at the adult education centre) and you can make up for missing additional training. Employers are often more flexible than you think, especially if it is otherwise a good (human) fit!
Keep your eye on the ball and don’t be afraid of setbacks!
Landing a direct hit on your first application and getting your dream job is the exception rather than the rule. Don’t be afraid if you don’t succeed with your first application, but try again somewhere else. Often it is helpful to ask for open feedback about why you did not make it to the shortlist or to have professional application training, where your application documents are also reviewed and optimised. Just stay on the ball here, subscribe to relevant job offers on job portals. You will then be automatically notified when new vacancies arise in your search radius.
Conclusion
A successful application in the private security industry requires time, effort and commitment. Use the tips above to optimise your application and find your dream job. Stay on the ball and continue your education. Compare job offers and try to sell yourself in the best possible way. Be confident, flexible and professional and show your potential employer that you are the perfect choice for the job.
The private security industry is an important economic sector in Germany and employs many people. In 2022, there were a total of just under 260,000 employees in the private security sector in Germany, working in around 5,700 guard and security companies. These are considerable figures. Private security is increasingly taking over formerly purely sovereign tasks in certain areas and has thus become an important player — partly also in the area of public safety and order.
But how will private security develop in the future? Will human security guards increasingly be replaced by machines? Or will humans continue to play an important role in the security industry in the future? In this article we take a look at the future of the private security industry in Germany.
The role of people in the private security industry
Human security personnel have many advantages over machines. They can assign human actions more unerringly and react adequately. They can better assess dangerous situations and act appropriately. They have the ability to react to unforeseen events and act flexibly. Especially in situations where empathy, understanding and interpersonal communication are important, human security personnel are irreplaceable.
Furthermore, there are certain activities in the security industry that are difficult to automate. For example, monitoring people and checking identification documents requires a high level of expertise, experience and empathy. These activities also require cognitive skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making, which currently cannot be fully taken over by machines.
The role of machines in the private security industry
However, there are also activities in the security sector that can be supported by machines. For example, cameras and other technical devices can be used to monitor buildings and public places. The recordings can be analysed by human security guards in order to recognise and react to dangerous situations. However, systems that evaluate the recorded image material directly with the help of a computer and sound the alarm if necessary are faster and more reliable in the masses.
The first automated systems, for example in the area of access control, already existed many years ago. Guard robots that are equipped with detectors and, for example, patrol warehouses fully automatically have also been used for some time. Drone technology is also becoming increasingly popular for applications in the private security sector — for example, when it comes to alarm tracking or verification. Here, however, the legal hurdles are still quite high and often prevent its use in practice.
In addition, technologies such as AI and machine learning can be used to detect patterns and anomalies in large amounts of data. In this way, security forces can be alerted to potential threats at an early stage and react accordingly.
The future of the private security industry
It is unlikely that machines will completely replace human security guards. Humans will continue to play an important role in the security industry. However, machines will play an increasingly important role and support human security guards in certain activities. Private security companies must adapt to these changes and train and develop their staff accordingly to meet the demands of the future.
Conclusion
The future of the private security industry in Germany will be shaped by a combination of human labour and the capabilities of machines. Humans will not be replaced, but will develop further and take on other activities. This means that there will be a shift in tasks. While perception tasks can largely be taken over by machines, private security forces will increasingly take on other, more demanding tasks.
The learning platform Sachkun.de is one of the best-known online offers for 34a preparation. The platform with e‑learning, test questions, mock exams and online help has been around since 2005, and more than 10,000 people have used it to prepare online for the 34a examination.
New: Sachkun.de 2.0
Recently, eLearning at www.sachkun.de was completely redesigned. More than 1,000 exam-related test questions, goal-oriented learning texts, instructional videos and even weekly live online seminars now await learners. The 34a preparation is available in three different versions: Classic, Pro and VIP. Those who book VIP also have access to a WhatsApp group in which they can ask questions and exchange information with other Sachkunde learners. What is new is that the preparation now runs completely via a convenient mobile phone app in which you can learn with 34a questions around the clock, i.e. 24/7 — depending on the tariff for 30, 60 or even 100 days.
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About Sachkun.de expertise preparation
Sachkun.de is certainly not the cheapest provider on the market, but it has proven itself for years. The positive reviews on the net speak for the quality of the platform. This is also ensured by the qualifications of the operators of the 34a learning platform around Jörg Zitzmann. It should also be noted that the exam-related questions and condensed learning texts make it possible to prepare for the IHK exam very efficiently, i.e. in a particularly time-saving manner. If questions of understanding remain unanswered, a lecturer is available — depending on the tariff — in the weekly video session or additionally also in the WhatsApp 34a learning group. This ensures that participants’ questions are always answered — as in a face-to-face course — and that all content is understood. With prices roughly between 1.80 and 3.00 euros per day (as of 5 March 2023), the price-performance ratio is very reasonable. The money-back guarantee, which takes effect if you fail the 34a exam several times despite preparation, also contributes to security.
Wir werden hier im Blog nach und nach weitere Anbieter vorstellen. Wir freuen uns über Ihre Meinungen und Erfahrungen zur 34a-Prüfungsvorbereitung! Hinterlassen Sie gerne einen Kommentar 🙂
You don’t feel like taking the exam and preparing for it, you’ve already failed the Chamber of Industry and Commerce’s expert knowledge exam several times or you just want to save time and money — all of these can be reasons why people keep looking for “buy a 34a licence”. This article explains why this is not a particularly good idea.
Can you actually buy the “34a note”?
A short Google search it shows: Yes, you can buy a piece of paper that looks like it is an official document of a chamber of commerce and industry. But be careful! If you use such fake examination certificates, you are liable to prosecution. What you are allowed to do is hang such a piece of fantasy paper in your own hallway for amusement or use it as a lighter for the next barbecue party. However, if you use such a piece of paper in legal transactions, i.e. in the context of a job application or to register your security company, you commit forgery according to Section 267 of the Criminal Code:
(1) Any person who, for the purpose of deceiving in legal transactions, produces a false document, falsifies a genuine document or uses a false or falsified document shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. (2) The attempt is punishable. (3) In particularly serious cases, the penalty shall be imprisonment for a term of six months to ten years. […]
The providers of such dubious services also know that offering IHK examination certificates, school-leaving certificates and other certificates, including doctorates, is legally questionable. They are mainly interested in making money quickly. The providers are usually based abroad or are not available and thus avoid legal disputes. This is because sellers may also be liable to prosecution because they use trademarks and thus legally protected identifying features (e.g. the logo) of the issuing organisations. In addition, some sellers even deliberately create the impression that it is a legally issued document and at the same time advertise that one may use these fake documents in legal transactions. Thus, the sellers often also pretend false facts and thus partly also call, at least indirectly, to use the sold fake like a real document. As a buyer, you can always be prosecuted and make yourself liable to prosecution if you actually use such a fantasy document professionally.
Where can I buy the certificate of competence?
The only legal way to obtain the “certificate of successful completion of a specialist knowledge examination” (this is the correct term) is to successfully complete the IHK specialist knowledge examination. You can find many free Tips for exam preparation, Test questions and a Help forum on this website. By the way, taking the real exam can even be cheaper than some of the illegal fake certificate offers. Honesty is the best policy! Don’t get involved in fake offers with fake proofs! It’s not worth it, because you will be exposed. And for the price you then pay, you could have prepared properly for the exam and passed it quite regularly.
What does a forged certificate of competence cost?
Prices start at just under 10 euros for a personalised fake certificate for direct PDF download.
Fake 34a certificate as PDF download
This “low-cost provider” of fake proofs emphasises that you are not allowed to use the purchased documents, but for his own security he has nevertheless indicated a company headquarters in the USA. He knows why.
Possibly the tip of the iceberg is a provider offering all kinds of examination certificates and degrees — including various professional qualifications, school-leaving certificates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from colleges, university diplomas and even doctorates. Such printed papers are available for a “ridiculous price” of several hundred euros — apparently a worthwhile business. He also promotes the offer commercially through an advertisement on Google, which appears at the top of the results page for the relevant search terms — see illustration below. This fraudulent trader even advertises that it is a legal offer and “100% genuine and registered documents, which can be checked by the university/training company, or even by your employer”. complete bullshit!
Google advertising for an “original proofLet’s talk turkey: If you buy a fake or make one yourself and print it out, you’ll be caught anyway — and then it will be really unpleasant and really expensive. You will learn why this is inevitable in the next section.
Why it’s really stupid to present a forged 34a certificate.…
Just a few years ago, one would have considered a factualunThe only way that a knowledgeable security employee could have been lucky is if the forged certificate had not been noticed during the application process, during a customs or police check or in the course of an enquiry with the examining Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). But since 1 June 2019, there is the central guard register, where all data converge. Your employer must report you there before you start employment and wait for clearance. Only then will you receive a guard ID as a security guard and be allowed to start. In the course of this check and data comparison, it quickly becomes apparent if you have submitted a false document. You bear the full consequences under criminal and civil law!
You don’t speak German, but another language?
Qualified workers are currently urgently needed in many areas in Germany. One of these areas is the private security industry. To be allowed to work for a security service in Germany, you need the following for many guarding activities Examination of expert knowledge according to § 34a of the Trade Regulation Act. You are then a qualified applicant with a 34a certificate of competence and have excellent Job prospects with corresponding pay!
Information on the German 34a-Sachkundeprüfung (Security) in your language
You will find a lot of free information on the German qualification examination for security staff here in the qualification info portal. Navigate via the main menu at the very top through our Information pages, browse the current blog posts or make targeted use of the Search. If you have an individual request, you can also contact us at any time. Post your question in the help forum.
Available languages in the Subject Guide Infoportal
Normally, the system automatically detects which language you are using and sets the 34a portal to this language. The following languages are currently supported:
German
Bulgarian
Czech
English
French
Italian
Polish
Romanian
Slovenian
Spanish
Russian
Turkish
Ukrainian
You can always adjust the website language via the selection menu at the top left (flag and language code). Or simply via the button below:
Your language is not available?
Feel free to write a comment on this page below this blog post. Tell us the language into which you would like our 34a information translated. We will gladly take up any suggestions for improvement and implement them if possible.
Free tests and exam questions to prepare for the expert knowledge examination (§ 34a GewO) are very useful for practising. However, tactical tips are almost as important. Because even if you don’t immediately know the answer to an exam question in the 34a test, you can pass the 34a exam with the help of a few tips & tricks.
No idea, no answer? Please don’t!
You can’t know everything. Even if you have prepared well for the 34a test with test questions, mock exams and other study material, you may simply not know what to do with some questions. Yes, you do: Even if you don’t know the answer to an exam question, you can still clear the hurdle of the expert knowledge exam!
10 simple tips on how to pass the examination of professional competence
If you take the following tips for the written IHK examination for expertise § 34a GewO into account, you can also score points for gaps in your knowledge:
It can a solution be correct, or it can two solutions be correct. Therefore, never give three or more solutions as correct!
Singular or plural? Pay attention to whether in the Questioning after one or more correct answers is asked! Example: In the case of a question that begins with “What prerequisiteen, a security guard must fulfil,…” begins, there is more than one correct solution.
Note the Context of the question (subject area)! If, for example, a question is asked about a fact in criminal law (StGB), an answer referring to civil law (BGB) cannot be correct.
Pay attention to Negative formulationsIf there is a negative in the question, so maybe the question is asking you to tick what exactly you want to tick. not applies? Then you need to rethink and choose exactly the opposite answer options!
Key terms like “never” or “never or “always” or “always should be warning signs! It is rather rare that e.g. prohibitions or permissions always or never apply, i.e. are absolute. For many things there are exceptions or certain framework conditions and no strict black and white. Such key terms in an answer indicate that it is rather wrong.
Other terms that should set alarm bells ringing are those such as “exclusively” or “without exception”. The same applies here as in the previous tip. It is not often that something applies without any exception.
In the written examination you have enough time. Take your time and read the questions in detail and, if necessary, several times. If you cannot think of the answer, put the question back. Mark the question so that you do not forget to look at it again later.
You are unsure of the correct answer to a question. Work according to the Exclusion principle and sort out the possibilities that definitely cannot be true. This often helps.
If you don’t have a clue about a question, don’t leave it unanswered. Guess if you have to! Not answering a question definitely gets you 0 points. Even if your gut tells you one or two solutions, luck may be on your side.
Finally, the most important thing: Even if this article is about “tactics tips” in the narrower sense — it’s not about tactics. prepare yourself! Timely and purposeful learning is the essential factor for passing the examination.
Insider tips
You can get many more tips on how to successfully master the 34a professional qualification examination if you read our free newsletter subscribe. Directly afterwards we will send you our 34a PDF with a total of 25 tips for the expert examination to.
Talking around it is useless. One thing is clear: The traditional security industry is a low-wage sector!
Nevertheless: the security industry offers variety, responsible, exciting and also quiet jobs. And if you’re smart, you can make ends meet. But — what do you earn as a security guard with a certificate of competence?
What matters when it comes to earnings in the security industry…
If you decide to work in the private security sector or are looking for a new employer, the financial aspects certainly play a major role. There are several factors that contribute to a good hourly wage. The most important aspects for a more attractive salary are listed below.
Level of education and training
Obviously, the better trained you are, the higher your earning potential. As an unskilled security guard only with training according to § 34a GewO, you will very often not be paid much more than the minimum wage. With the expert knowledge examination, you can achieve a good bit more basic hourly wage with manageable effort.. You can go even further with further training to become a certified protection and security worker or with training to become a specialist for protection and security. Incidentally, the minimum wage nationwide has been 12.43 euros per hour since 1 January 2023. The increase to 13 euros per hour from 1 April 2023 has already been decided.
Additional qualifications
Additional qualifications, for example in first aid or fire protection (e.g. as a fire protection assistant), are very helpful and increase the market value of security staff. These do not always have a direct effect on the hourly wage, but they are always a plus point in job applications. Additional qualifications include the following:
Fire safety helper
Evacuation helper
Lift rescue (rescue of persons from lifts)
Intervention force
NSL specialist
Safety Officer (Occupational Safety)
Hygiene/Health Officer
Basic knowledge course in radiation protection and decontamination
Weapons expertise examination
Intercultural skills and knowledge of foreign languages, especially at least basic English, should also not be underestimated.
Activity
The security industry has many facets and therefore the activities that security workers perform are also very diverse. Accordingly, there are sometimes serious wage differences. Security activities such as separate guards and simple guarding activities are often rather poorly paid. Jobs that require special skills often pay well. For example in the Aviation security, in the range Cash and valuables transport, during the activity in nuclear facilities, in which Underground and suburban railway guarding or as an NSL specialist in Emergency call and service control centres the earnings are often significantly higher than the industry average. The exact amount of the wage for the job can be found in the Collective agreements take from them. If they have been declared generally binding, which is usually the case, they apply to all employees. (It is best to add the federal state to the Google search to narrow down the results).
Working hours
Anyone who is already active in the industry and works in shifts knows it: Often, biorhythms and private life suffer from the changing working hours. However, working night shifts, Sundays and public holidays often offers decisive financial advantages. Depending on the federal state/collective agreement, the following benefits can be earned Night, Sunday and public holiday surcharges that are well worth seeing. What’s more, these tax-free! On public holidays in many places 100% Surcharge possiblei.e. in addition to the actual daily wage, you receive the same amount again — but tax-free! Viewed over the month, depending of course on the amount of night, Sunday and public holiday hours, the following can be achieved Several hundred euros on top earn. Especially around the turn of the year or at Easter, this can be a lucrative affair.
Overtime/overtime
Overtime is, of course, a partial aspect of working hours. Nevertheless, I would like to devote a separate point to this aspect here. Why? Because experience shows that a lot of overtime is worked in the security sector, often much more than is legally permissible and with too few breaks between assignments. Think carefully about whether you want to go along with this and should actually work 200, 220, 240 or even more hours per month. My tip at this point would be to invest in further education and not to trade so much time for money: Memento Mori — your lifetime is also limited. Set priorities and make a good decision for you, also for your future.
State
As in other industries, there is a West-East divide in the private security sector. In the past, these wage differences were really glaring. Security workers in Berlin earned in some areas not even half of those who worked in Bavaria. As a rule, the best-paid federal states include Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. Among the lowest paid are still the new federal states, for example Brandenburg or Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Just a few years ago, one could barely keep one’s head above water with a job as a security guard in the East German states. However, the minimum wage and the gradual convergence of collective agreements are increasingly putting the differences into perspective. In addition, one should not forget that where people earn more, they usually earn less. Cost of living (especially rents) are higher. So think carefully — if you are toying with the idea — whether a move is really worth it for you.
Industry
Many people think of security service jobs in the classic way, as the security company that as a service provider external customers. Whereas in the past, veteran employees in factories came to the plant security service towards the end of their working lives to spend the last years of their careers doing less strenuous work, the situation has changed considerably nowadays. Professional, external security service providers look after a large number of companies from business and industry or the public sector as clients. But they still exist, despite the decades-long trend towards outsourcing. The Internal plant security. Especially in industry, property and plant protection activities are when you are directly employed by the manufacturing company, very well paid. Der Grund hierfür ist, dass Sie nach dem Branchentarif bezahlt werden, dem die Masse der Belegschaft angehört. Werfen Sie einen Blick in die Rate tables for the metal and electrical industry! These monthly salaries are in a different league.
Allowances
Allowances regulated by collective agreement are usually paid for guard/shift leaders, for dog handlers or in certain facilities such as military properties. Likewise, there are often allowances for on-call duties, e.g. for (additional) work in the plant fire brigade. These range from a few cents per hour up to over 10% more pay. In Bavaria, there is also slightly more money if you work in the greater Munich area.
Security companies or their clients also sometimes pay Voluntary (revocable) allowances. Manchmal gibt es auch Einmal-Prämien für besonders erfolgreiche Einsätze oder für herausragende Arbeitsleistungen. Leider sind diese Art Zulagen aber eher die Ausnahme. Immer häufiger vorzufinden ist aber eine Wechselprämie, also so eine Art „Begrüßungsgeld“. Das allein sollte aber aber nicht unbedingt der alleinige Grund für einen Arbeitgeberwechsel sein.
Concrete numbers
You would like to know concrete figures?
If you have read the article up to this point, you will realise that this is difficult, as it can depend on a number of factors such as the federal state, the job, the working hours and their (additional) qualifications. Nevertheless, a concrete example:
Monthly salary in the separate guard service with IHK specialist knowledge examination in 2023 in Bavaria:
14,00 Euro per hour
180 hours per month
thereof
12h holiday
16h Sunday
60h night
This results in approx. 2520 euros of taxable income (gross) and just under 420 euros of tax-free supplements.With income tax class 1 and no children, a single person thus receives approx. 2170 Euro net transferred. However, this calculation is for illustrative purposes only. Your actual salary paid out may depend on numerous factors!
Hint: This article was last updated in February 2023. As there are regular adjustments to both the minimum wage and collective agreement regulations, the framework conditions may have changed in the meantime! (All information without guarantee.)
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