Should You Need A Qualification To Work In Security Consultancy

To what level should you be academically trained to work in security management or consultancy?

Having worked in security consultancy for a large UK company without an academic qualification, it didn't seem necessary to have had an industry qualification but instead experience on which to draw upon in providing advice and guidance. However although security is quite straight forward, it's not until you do an academic security industry qualification that you realise to conduct security consultancy you really need an a academic background to complement your experience and ensure the highest level of service.

How is a Security Consultant difined? Would it include someone who advises on home security, how to avoid surveillance, how to keep safe on-line or is it more specialised than that?

I think the definition may be the problem as its open to such interpratation but the term consultant I think implies a higher level of experience and qualifications.

Both are very valid. If someone Is asking about security for advice that is consulting? 

Good day to you all.

Many years ago I might have answered this question with a simple, 'No'.  My military background was one based on risk assessment, analysis, knowledge of physical security measures and counter-measures, security surveying etc....however;  having attended (when still in business) the CSC course by Anubis I soon changed my mind and that 'No' became a resounding, 'Yes'.  Whilst on the course it was apparent (thankfully) that I had a firm grasp on my tools to do the job.  What the course allowed me to do however was use different tools, different methods of surveying or constructing that survey which then in turn made me more profficient, professional and competent.   It gave me the methodology to adapt my consultancy approach to different environments.

The role of a consultant is so vast;  how many people call themselves 'consultants' within the industry because they are looking after an individual?  If their client then asks them to conduct a report or survey on their business, properties and all other assets both tangible and  intangible....could they?  Maybe they could?....but one thing is for sure....a qualification....or at least having attended a reputable course would make them more proficient.