High School

Education and training requirements vary from job to job. Classes in English, writing, computer science, psychology, sociology, computer science, social studies, and foreign language will be useful.

Postsecondary Training

Directors of casino security typically have gone through in-house training programs as they moved through the ranks in the security department. This program generally covers areas such as protection, public relations, report writing, deterring crises, first aid, etc.

While a college degree is not always required, it may be preferred and helpful for career advancement. Those interested in pursuing an associate's or bachelor’s degree might look into programs in criminal justice, law, or a related field. It should be noted that on-the-job experience can generally be substituted for educational requirements.

Some colleges offer associate’s and bachelor's degree programs in casino management, gaming operations management, or hospitality with a specialty in gaming. These programs are generally located in states that have a large number of casinos. Courses in these programs include those in a basic liberal arts and business, plus classes that are specific to the gaming industry including casino management, casino marketing, gaming information system, gaming law, casino security, business communications, and human resources.

Courses, seminars, or workshops in casino operations, games protection, fraud detection and prevention, and security will be helpful. These are often offered at gaming academies or colleges that offer degrees in gaming or casino management or hospitality. Industry non-specific courses in security might also be available in community colleges.

Other Education and Training

Individuals aspiring to careers as directors of casino security might attend in-house management training programs at gaming schools, academies, or institutes located throughout the country in areas hosting gaming. Classes in basic casino operations, surveillance, security, floor management, gaming regulations, marketing, and customer services will be helpful.

Some states require all members of the security department including the director to complete a specified training program as well as an annual in-service course to stay abreast of changes in the security field and gaming regulations.

Certification or Licensing

Directors of casino security must be licensed in the state in which they work. This license is generally issued by a regulatory agency such as the state's casino control board or commission. For specific licensing requirements, visit your state’s gaming commission Web site.

Depending on the specific state, individuals may also need a certificate indicating they have completed an alcohol awareness program or have the TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certificate (http://gettips.com).

Other Requirements

Employers generally conduct extensive background checks for prospective directors of casino security. They require that individuals have no criminal record and pass a drug test. Applicants for all casino jobs must also meet the minimum age requirement set by the state.

Extensive experience working in the gaming industry is necessary for this position. Depending on the specific job, applicants are generally required to have a minimum of five to 10 years working in casino security.

According to Salary.com in 2015 (the most recent year for which data was available), 35 percent of all employed directors of casino security had 15 plus years experience working in casino security, 28 percent had five to 10 years, 24 percent had 10 to 15 years, 11 percent had two to five years, and 2 percent had less than one year.

Individuals need a wide array of skills to be successful in this job. Strong leadership and written and verbal communication skills are essential. Customer service skills, and the ability to deal with guests, employees, corporate management, and law enforcement agencies is critical. Directors must be organized, detail oriented, have good problem solving skills, and have excellent judgment. Tact and diplomacy are imperative. The ability to speak a second language, while not required, may give an applicant an edge over another.