Whether you protect celebrities, VIPs, politicians (like the president) or business executives, being a bodyguard can be a fulfilling career. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to become a bodyguard.

A bodyguard holds a high-level security position, and therefore must be trustworthy, reliable and skilled in protection. He faces exciting, dangerous and even life-threatening situations. To protect his client, the bodyguard must be willing to risk his or her own well-being at a moment's notice.

Typical clients of bodyguards include bank managers, lawyers, celebrities, wealthy individuals and their families, politicians and executives. The amount a bodyguard makes per client will depend on the risk level, but often ranges from $50 to $2,500 an hour.

To become a bodyguard you must meet certain fitness, training and background requirements.

• To become a bodyguard you will likely need to have done one of the following:

1. Graduate from high school.
2. Complete a G.E.D.

• A bodyguard needs to be in good physical condition. You should be able to move quickly as well as run and stand for long periods of time. To maintain your fitness level, you should:

1. Exercise regularly.
2. Strength train.

• Knowing how to defend yourself and your client is one of the most important skills a bodyguard can have. A bodyguard should be able to protect his or her client from three to four unarmed assailants. To obtain the proper knowledge and skills, you may want to take professional bodyguard training courses, which can cost between $4,000 and $25,000. You should learn:

1. Self-defense.
2. Martial arts.
3. Close combat.
4. Advanced weapons disarming.
5. Anti-ambush procedures.
6. Anti-terrorism training.
7. Threat assessment.
8. Security procedures.
9. Defensive driving techniques.

• Although there are no concrete rules for what experience you must have to become a bodyguard, most bodyguards have a background in:

1. Military intelligence.
2. Law enforcement.
3. Government security or government intelligence.
4. Other high-level security positions.