The Original and #1 Website for Security Guard Training

Online Security Guard Training and Career Center

Welcome to Security Guard Training Headquarters! We have everything you need to make your life easier as you begin your career as a security guard officer. State specific training requirements, a step-by-step hiring process, potential employers and interviews to help you get hired are just some of the helpful things you'll find here.

Armed Security Guard Training in Florida

Unlike the Class D license for unarmed security guards, in Florida requirement is that armed security guards have a Class G security guard license. In addition, you must have a certain level of training, which includes firearms training. After all requirements are met your license is issued by the State Department of Agriculture.

Basic requirements for Armed Security guards in Florida:

  • You must be at least 21 years old
  • United States citizen or legal alien
  • Valid social security number
  • No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check
  • Fingerprinting
  • Passport photo
  • Pass drug testing may be required
  • Never diagnosed with medical illness
  • No illegal substance or alcohol abuse or use
  • Never had a firearms license revoked
  • Health certificate
  • Good moral character
  • Florida driver’s license
  • Class D security guard license

Class G License Training Requirements

You must successful complete 28 hours of training by a Class K instructor. This training must include both classroom and fire range training. Training has to be conducted within 12 months prior to submitting your application. You will be given a certificate of completion, which you need to provide a copy with your application.

Fees:

Application: $112.00

Fingerprinting $42

For more information, please call 850-245-5691.

Resources

Armed Security Guard Training in Connecticut

A license certification card is a requirement for armed security guards in Connecticut. In addition, you must be offered an armed security position with licensed security agency. It is the hiring security agency’s responsibility to submit your paperwork to the License and Firearms Unite. The license is good for five years. The Connecticut Department of Public Safety is responsible for issuing your license once all requirements are met.

Basic requirements for Armed Security guards in Connecticut:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • United States citizen or legal alien
  • No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons
  • Never disqualified from owning a firearm
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check
  • Fingerprinting
  • Passport photo
  • Must not have been denied a security license before
  • Pass drug testing may be required
  • Good moral character
  • Connecticut driver’s license
  • Firearms permit endorsement permit from Connecticut State

Application

You must call to have the application mailed to you because it isn’t available to download online. Please call 860-685-8160.

Fees:

Application: $50
Fingerprinting: $19.25

Firearms Permit Endorsement:

You must complete a firearms training approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety. You are responsible for the fees associated with taking this training. In addition, there is a $62 application fee that must be included when you request your firearms permit. An annual refresher course is also required.

For more information, please call 860-685-8160.

Resources

Armed Security Guard Training in Arizona

A license for armed security guards in Arizona is a requirement. In addition, you must be offered an armed security position with licensed security agency. License issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Other basic requirements that must be met are as follows:

Basic requirements for Armed Security guards in Arizona:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • United States citizen or legal alien
  • No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons
  • Never disqualified from owning a firearm
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check
  • Fingerprinting
  • Front facing color photo (recent)
  • Pass drug testing may be required
  • Good moral character
  • Arizona driver’s license
  • Weapon permit from Arizona State
  • Submit training verification that you’ve completed 8-hours of a security guard training

Application

Application must be completed by both the applicant and the employer and it must be signed by all parties.

Fees:

Application and fingerprinting $124

Firearm Requirements

  • Successful completion of 16-hours of firearms training and safety by a certified instructor
  • Demonstrate the ability to handle your weapon
  • Annual refresher training

For more information, please call 602-223-2000.

Resources

Armed Security Guard Training in Alaska

A license for armed security guards in Alaska is a requirement. In addition, you must obtain firearms certification before your license is issued by the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Other basic requirements that must be met are as follows:

Basic requirements for Armed Security guards in Alaska:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • United States citizen or legal alien
  • No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons
  • Never disqualified from owning a firearm
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check, which may include fingerprinting
  • Pass drug testing may be required
  • Good moral character
  • Alaska driver’s license
  • Pistol permit from Alaska State
  • Complete basic 8-hours of a security guard training course and 40 hours of in house training

In-house Training

  • Laws regarding an arrest
  • Search and Seizure laws
  • Duties and Responsibilities
  • Prevention of fire
  • First Aid
  • Techniques of patrol

Firearm Requirements

  • Successful completion of 8-hours of firearms training and safety by a certified instructor
  • Demonstrate the ability to handle your weapon
  • Annual refresher training

For more information, please call 907-269-5511

Resources

Armed Security Guard Training in Alabama

Security guards in Alabama are classified under different areas, such as security, military security guards and youth services security officer. Each has their own particular requirements. However, there are basic requirements for non military armed security guards that much be met and being licensed is one of them.

Basic requirements for Armed Security guards in Alabama:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • High school diploma or GED
  • United States citizen or legal alien
  • No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons
  • Successfully pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting
  • Pass drug testing
  • Good moral character
  • Alabama driver’s license
  • Good physical conditioning
  • Pistol permit from Alabama State

Weapon Permit and Additional Training

Depending on the city or county these requirements will vary. It is best to contact your local Police department to find out the exact requirements to obtain a pistol permit in Alabama. However, basic requirements may be as follows:

  • Successful completion of firearms training and safety by a certified instructor.
  • Further background check conducted
  • Annual refresher training

For more information, please read State of Alabama Security Guard I visit or call 334-242-3389.

Resources

Armed Security Guard Training in South Dakota

In the state of South Dakota, there aren’t any regulations regarding security guards. However, there are requirements for carrying firearms. State officials are extremely careful about the information that they can tell you on such requirements, if any. The Attorney General’s office does recommend that the hiring company seek the advice of an attorney to get complete requirements. The county level may also have their own requirements and the County Clerk’s office would be the best point of contact for those requirements.  However, if you are applying to become an armed security in South Dakota then meeting these basic requirements may help you land the job.

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Must be a United States citizen or legal resident alien
  • No convictions or history of drug or alcohol use
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Have good moral character
  • Have not committed any acts of fraud
  • Submit to fingerprinting
  • South Dakota state driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • May require firearms training (the required amount varies per city)

Weapon Permit and Additional Training

Depending on the city that you are applying for your armed security license, the requirement will vary. It is best to contact your local County Clerk to find out the exact requirements. However, basic requirement may be as follows:

  • Weapons permit
  • Further background check conducted
  • Proof of firearms training and safety from certified instructor

For more information, please call Attorney General’s office 605-773-3215.

Armed Security Guard Training in Virginia

Registration is required for armed security guards in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice makes the regulations regarding licensing. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved. All paperwork and application is submitted by the hiring company.

Basic requirements for armed security guards in Virginia:

  • Be at least 18 years old (usually 21 in other states)
  • Finger print cards
  • Mentally competent
  • No drug or alcohol use or dependence
  • Must successfully pass a drug test
  • No felony convictions
  • No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
  • Submit to criminal background check
  • Successfully complete 18 hours of required training
  • Firearms Endorsement

Training Curriculum:

A basic training must be conducted by a board-approved instructor. Topics may include but is not limited to the following:

  1. Orientation – 2 hours
    • Laws and Regulations
    • Code of Ethics
    • Role and Responsibilities
  2. Law – 4 hours
  3. Security Patrol, Access Control, and Communications – 2 hours
  4. Writing reports – 4 hours
  5. Emergency Procedures – 4 hours
  6. Confrontation Management – 2 hours

    Firearms Training

    Armed security guard applicants must successfully complete ALL training requirements to receive a firearms endorsement. Please click here to view Training course outline and Firearms Endorsement form.

    Fees:

    For more information, please consult the Armed Security Guard Requirements in Virginia or call 804-786-4700.

    Armed Security Guard Training in Vermont

    As an armed security guard In Vermont, a license is required. The department that regulates this type of license is The Board of Private Investigative and Security Services. The hiring security agency is responsible for submitting the application. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved.

    Basic requirements for armed security guards in Vermont:

    • Be at least 21 years old
    • Social Security card
    • Proper Identification (Vermont driver’s license, state id or passport)
    • Two (2)  sets of finger print cards
    • Passport size photo
    • Certificate of completion of 40-hours of classroom training
    • Mentally competent
    • Provide character references
    • No drug or alcohol use or dependence
    • Must successfully pass a drug test
    • No felony convictions
    • No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
    • Submit to criminal background check

    Training Curriculum:

    A basic training must be conducted by a board-approved instructor with at least two years experience in the subject matter. Topics may include but is not limited to the following:

    (1) Role of Private Security
    (2) Legal Aspects
    (3) Patrol and Observation
    (4) Incident Response
    (5) Security Resources: Surveillance operation and documentation
    (6) Customer Service Issues: Working with and addressing the public
    (7) First Aid Overview
    (8) Report Writing

    Firearms Training

    In addition to the 40 hour classroom training, firearms training must be successfully completed at least two years before application submission for all armed security guards in Vermont.

    • Basic firearm safety and  (12 hours)
    • Legal responsibility (included in the 12 hours)
    • Use and safety of your particular handgun (4 hours)
    • Firing Range
    • Successful pass exam

    For more information, please call (802) 828-1505.

    Resources:

    Board of Private Investigative and Security Services Rules
    Firearms Application

    Armed Security Guard Training in Utah

    As an armed security guard in Utah, a license is required. The Utah Division of Occupational and Prof Licensing (DOPL) handles the licensing of security guards. In addition to meeting the basic requirements of a security guard, additional firearms training must be completed.

    Basic requirements for armed security guards in Utah:

    • Be at least 21 years old
    • Valid Social Security number
    • Valid Identification (Utah driver’s license, passport
    • Finger print cards (2) or electronic fingerprinting is accepted
    • Mentally competent
    • Have good moral character
    • No drug or alcohol use or dependence
    • Must successfully pass a drug test
    • Never convicted of a felony
    • No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
    • Submit to criminal background check
    • Expected to know all the Laws and Rules pertaining to your service

    Classroom Training

    All applicants must complete 24 hours of basic training and pass a written test with a score of at least 80%.

    Courses Study should include:

    • Legal responsibilities
    • Writing reports
    • Use of proper force
    • Sexual harassment
    • Responding to a situation
    • Patrolling techniques
    • Community relations

    Firearms Training and Completion:

    You must sit and complete 24 hours of classroom training on your particular firearm in accordance with the rules of the licensing act. In addition, to these 24 hours, you must submit a Certification of Completion form showing that you have completed six hours of firearm instruction and an additional six hours at the range.

    Fees are nonrefundable:

    Application processing fee: $100
    For more information, please call 801-530-6628.

    Resource:

    State of Utah Division of Occupational and Prof Licensing

    Armed Security Guard Training in Tennessee

    In the state of Tennessee, a license is required for an armed security guard. It’s also a requirement that armed security guards be hired by a security company before a license is granted. License must be renewed every two years if you are still employed as an armed guard. Be prepared to answer personal information about any military discharge and criminal history.

    Basic requirements for armed security guards in Tennessee:

    • Must be at least 21 years old
    • Must be a United States citizen or alien resident or application is denied
    • Mentally competent
    • Have good moral Character
    • No drug or alcohol use or dependence
    • No convictions in the last 5 years and that includes being on probation
    • Proof of residency for the past 5 year
    • No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
    • Submit fingerprint cards (3) for background check from bother TBI and FBI
    • Successful complete training requirements
    • Submit completed application once notarized
    • Driver’s License

    Training Requirements

    Four-hour course:

    One hour training for each:

    1. Orientation
    2. Legal aspects and limitations
    3. Emergency procedures
    4. Duty requirements

    Note: Must receive and provide proof of appropriate firearms training and safety for the specific handgun that will be used on duty from a certified instructor. Upon completion of training, a certificate card of completion must be carried at all times.

    Fees are nonrefundable:

    • Application fee: $75.00
    • Registration: $30
    • Fingerprints: $60.00

    For more information, please call 615-741-6382.

    Resources:

    Security Guard/Officer Application