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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 North Dakota
In North Dakota, armed security guards, also known as commissioned security guards, are required to register with the security board even as an employee of licensed security company. In addition, to carry a firearm a security guard must pass a security provider’s exam and meet basic requirements.
Basic requirements for an armed security guard in North Dakota
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen or resident alien
- Proof of high school diploma or equivalent
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors associated with violence (which includes domestic), drugs ( use or sale), theft or fraud
- Good moral character
- No mental disorders or defects that will prohibit performance of duties
- Employed by a private security company and under supervision from a licensed patrol officer
- North Dakota driver’s license
- Pass security provider’s exam
Exam
The exam is scheduled after all requirements and the complete application and fees are received. Once met, the applicant will be notified as to the time and location of the exam. The application process generally takes 30 days.
Special Note about a Concealed Weapon Permit
If you have a concealed weapon permit for North Dakota, you are not allowed to carry your firearm while on duty. You must successfully meet the above requirements and state weapons requirement before receiving certification to be an armed security guard.
Fees: All fees are non-refundable
Registration fee: $77
For more information, please see resources below or call 701-222-3063.
Resources:
Armed Security Guard Training in Oklahoma
You must be licensed as an armed security in Oklahoma. This license is administered by CLEET and is renewed every two years. Before becoming an armed guard, you must first meet certain criteria including a psych evaluation.
Requirements for armed security guards in Oklahoma:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be a citizen of the United States
- Must be mentally competent as determined by a psychological evaluation
- Have good moral Character
- Must pass a police or Sheriff record check
- Insurance letter from employer or surety bond
- No drug or alcohol use or dependence
- No felony convictions
- No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
- Passport photos (2) in color
- Submit CLEET fingerprint cards (2)
- Successful complete training requirements
- Complete all questions pertaining to armed security guard on application or it will be rejected
- Application must be signed and notarized
- Oklahoma driver’s license
- Good physical conditioning
Training Requirements
Must complete CLEET approved courses and pass the State exam within 180 days from the date of application.
Applicants with training, such as retired police officers, correctional officers, peace officers may be exempt from training requirements if they can so proof of previous training.
Note: Firearms training is also a requirement but cannot be taken until you have passed the psych evaluation.
Fees are nonrefundable:
- License: $91
- Psychological Evaluation: applicant can choose a licensed Psychologist and bear the cost of the evaluation
For more information, please see Security Guards New License Applicants also Applicant Checklist for Completed Application or call 405-239-5110.
Additional information may be found at the CLEET Training and Testing page.
Armed Security Guard Training in Ohio
In the state of Ohio, armed security guards are required to be licensed guard and an employee of a licensed security company. It is the responsibility of the licensed company to ensure that all employees are registered within seven business days of hire. A firearms permit is required and certain training requirements.
Basic requirements for armed security guard in Ohio:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen or resident alien
- May require proof of high school diploma or equivalent
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors associated with violence (which includes domestic), drugs ( use or sale), theft or fraud
- Good moral character
- Successfully pass a background check
- No mental disorders or defects that will prohibit performance of duties
- Employed by a private security company and under supervision from a licensed patrol officer
- Fingerprint card
- Ohio state driver’s License
- Good physical conditioning
Ohio Firearms Training Requirements
Applicant must notify the superintendent of the arm security guard’s duties and firearm requirements. In addition, each armed security guard must successfully complete a basic firearms training course approved by the Ohio training commission. Such training must be at least 24 hours of handgun training and shall include five additional hours for any additional firearms. Yearly qualifying is also required. After all requirements are met, a certificate will be issued and a permit to carry a firearm is granted. Once granted, all armed security guards in Ohio must carry firearm identification card when on duty.
Fees: All fees are non-refundable
- Registration fee: $25
- Identification card to carry firearm: $15
Ohio State Resources
For more information, please see Ohio Dept of Public Safety Laws & Rules or call (614) 466-4130. Application and other information can be found on the Dept. of Public Safety website.
Armed Security Guard Training in North Carolina
In North Carolina, registration is required for all armed security guards. An armed security guard can only carry a firearm once granted a firearms permit by the Board.
Basic requirements for an armed security guard in North Carolina:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen or resident alien
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors associated with violence (which includes domestic), drugs ( use or sale), theft or fraud in the last 5 years
- Good moral character
- Submit (2) recent passport type photo (one inch by one inch)
- Submit fingerprint cards (2)
- Certified copy of criminal background history for the last 48 months
- Successfully complete department approved training within 30 days of hire
- Employee of a private security company and under supervision from a licensed patrol officer
- North Carolina driver’s license
- Good physical conditioning
- Must complete 16 hours of training for unarmed security guard
Additional Training
In addition to the basic security guard training listed above, an armed security in North Carolina must successfully complete four hours of additional classroom training.
- Powers and authority for the use of handguns
- Legal Limitations
- Hand gun safety and maintenance
- Firing range and Procedure
Additional Requirements:
- Must receive a passing score for firing your weapon
- Continuing Education courses annually
Firearm Registration
An armed security guard in North Carolina received a pocket card issued by the Board, which identifies the armed guard and the security company that he or she works for. This registration card is good for one year and must be renewed annually as long as you are still employed.
For more information, please see the North Carolina General Statues 74C-13 or call 919 431-300. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety also has information on Unarmed Guard Trainer Courses and Firearms Trainer Courses.
Armed Security Guard Training in New Mexico
In New Mexico, a license is required for armed security guards. An armed security guard in New Mexico is considered a level three. Level three guards are required to meet the requirement of level one and two with additional hours of training.
Basic requirements for an armed security guard in New Mexico (All Levels):
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States resident
- High school diploma or equivalent
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors associated with violence (which includes domestic), drugs ( use or sale), theft or fraud
- Good moral character
- Submit (2) passport photos
- Submit fingerprint cards (2) obtained from the board office and certificate form
- Copy of background history from employer
- Successfully complete department approved training and examination
- Signed and notarized release of information form
- New Mexico state driver’s license
Training and experience:
Completion of Level one and two training for New Mexico security guards, which consists of:
Level 1:
- Your role as a security guard (1 hour)
- First aid & CPR (8 hours)
- Investigations (3 hours)
- Interview skills (2 hours)
- Evidence Preservation (2 hours)
- Protecting Assets (1 hour)
- Chain of command (1 hour)
- Writing reports (2 hours)
- Courting testimony (1 hour)
- Ethics and professionalism (3 hours)
Level 2:
- Use of force (3 hours)
- Weapons techniques (8 hours)
- Baton handling (4 hours)
- Handcuffing (4 hours)
- Tasers (5 hours)
Additional Training:
- Safety and Fire protection (4 hours)
- Threat assessment (2 hours)
- Safety awareness (1 hours)
- Environment/hazardous materials (4 hours)
- Firearms training (24 hours)
Fees:
All fees are non-refundable.
Application: $15
Background: $29.95
For more information, please call 505-476-4650.
Resources:
Armed Security Guard Training in New Hampshire
To become an armed security guard in New Hampshire, you must be licensed to carry a firearm. You can be hired by a company and be on their payroll, or you can decide to work for yourself and solicit business as a sole proprietor; either way there are certain criteria that you must meet.
Basic requirements for an armed security guard in New Hampshire:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen
- No felony convictions or misdemeanors associated with violence (which includes domestic), drugs ( use or sale), theft or fraud
- Provide three references to vouch for your good character
- Submit (2) photos taken at the state police office
- Must complete all paperwork required by the Division of Licensing at Permits and submit in person
- Must complete the firearms section in addition to the rest of the application
- New Hampshire state driver’s license
- Good physical conditioning
Must apply in person at:
Division of Licenses and Permits
New Hampshire Department of Safety
33 Hazen Dr.
Concord, NH
Must call for an appointment for fingerprinting before applying in person (603) 271-3575.
Firearms Training
You must obtain a firearms proficiency certification. This certification is granted once an approved firearms training course of 4 hours is completed.
Fees:
License: $100 (must be renewed every two years)
For more information, please see the New Hampshire Department of Safety Support Services Bureau Permits and Licensing Unit Security/Detectives or call 603-223-3873.
Resources:
- State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of State Police – Firearms Proficiency Certification Form
- Individual Application for Private Investigator, Security Guard and Bail Bondsman (DSSP 259)
- Individual and Employee Renewal Application for Private Investigator, Security Guard and Bail Bondsman (DSSP 157)
- Bond for Private Investigator, Security Guard and Bail Bondsman Services (DSSP 55)
- Firearms Proficiency Certification for Private Investigator, Security Guard and Bail Bondsman (DSSP 158)
Armed Security Guard Training in Nebraska
In Nebraska, there are no requirements in place to become an armed security guard on the state level. However, there are some restrictions to carry a firearm at county levels. There is a great deal of information on the Nebraska State Patrol’s website that licensed security companies can use to determine what is required for armed security guards.
However, the basic requirements statewide are as follows:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen or registered resident alien
- Valid social security card
- Successfully passing a background check which may include drug testing
- Nebraska state driver’s License
- Good physical conditioning
- No mental instability
- No drug use or dependency
- No acts of fraud or convictions
Training
Conducted by the hiring agency in Nebraska, training may include but is not limited to the following:
- The role of private security
- Legal Aspects
- Patrol and Observation
- Incident Response
- Surveillance operation and documentation
- Working with and addressing the public
- First Aid Overview & CPR
Weapons Training & Permit
Nebraska has a concealed weapons law in place in which it does allow security personnel to carry a firearm in certain situations. To determine if that refers to armed security guards in Nebraska you should contact the hiring security company or your local county police department. However, basic requirements may be as follows:
- Complete an approved CHP training course
- Complete the Nebraska State Patrol Concealed Handgun Permit Application
- Proof of firearms training and safety from certified instructor, presented to a Nebraska State Patrol Headquarters location office
For more information, please call your local Nebraska State Patrol or visit their Nebraska State Patrol CHP FAQ of their website.
Resources:
Armed Security Guard Training in Montana
To become an armed security guard in Montana, you must first pass all requirements as a security guard. A license is required. In addition, a firearms training course is also required.
Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Montana:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must be a licensed and in good standings as a security guard
- Verified employment with a licensed security or proprietary company
- Must successfully pass a FBI and Montana Dept. of Justice background check
- Provide proof of firearms certification
- Passport photo showing full face, head and shoulders
- Submit application with all required information and fees
- Montana state driver’s license
- Good physical conditioning
Training & Certification
An armed security guard in Montana is required to complete and pass a board approved firearms course. After which, a certificate is issued by the instructor. You will need to provide a copy of this certification with your application.
Continuing Education
Annual re-qualification firearms course is required
Fees are nonrefundable:
Application fee: $30.00
For more information, please see Application for Firearm Endorsement or call (406) 841-2348.
Resources:
- Montana Board of Private Security
- Montana Board of Private Security – Application For Firearm Endorsement
Armed Security Guard Training in Missouri
In Missouri, there are no requirements in place to become an armed security guard on the state level. However, there may be some requirements to carry a firearm on the city and county levels in which case you must contact the local City Clerk’s office. The hiring company may also have criteria that you must meet.
Basic Requirements for an Armed Security Guard in Missouri:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen or registered resident alien
- Successfully passing a background check which may include drug testing
- Missouri state driver’s License
- Good physical conditioning
- No mental instability
- No drug use or dependency
- No acts of fraud or convictions
Training
Conducted by the hiring agency, training may include but is not limited to the following:
- The role of private security
- Legal Aspects
- Patrol and Observation
- Incident Response
- Surveillance operation and documentation
- Working with and addressing the public
- First Aid Overview & CPR
Weapons Training & Permit
Depending on the area that you are applying, the requirements will vary. To determine if that refers to armed security guards in Missouri you should contact the hiring security company or your local county or city police department. However, basic requirements may be as follows:
- Weapon permit
- Proof of firearms training and safety from certified instructor
For more information see the Metropolitan Police Department – City of St. Louis, Missouri – Private Security licensing requirements, licensing categories, and FAQ about private security here.
In addition, the city of Columbia, Missouri, has it’s own Armed Guard and Security Guard Licenses available through their official website.
Armed Security Guard Training in Mississippi
In Mississippi, there are no requirements set forth to become an armed security guard on the state level. However, there may be some requirements to carry a firearm on the city and county levels in which case you must contact the local City Clerk’s office. The hiring company may also have criteria that you must meet.
Basic Requirements for an Armed Security Guard in Mississippi:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- United States citizen or registered resident alien
- Successfully passing a background check which include drug testing
- Mississippi state driver’s License
- Good physical conditioning
- No mental instability
- No drug use or dependency
- No acts of fraud or convictions
Training
Training may be conducted by the hiring agency and may include but is not limited to the following:
- The role of private security
- Legal Aspects
- Patrol and Observation
- Incident Response
- Surveillance operation and documentation
- Working with and addressing the public
- First Aid Overview & CPR
Weapons Training & Permit
Depending on the area that you are applying, the requirements will vary. To determine if that refers to armed security guards in Mississippi you should contact the hiring security company or your local county or city police department. However, basic requirements may be as follows:
- Weapon permit
- Proof of firearms training and safety from certified instructor
For more information, visit the Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau’s website, which services security guard permits. The Firearm Permit Unit is located in Jackson, Mississippi.