Security Guard Training HQ

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 Minnesota

In Minnesota, the armed security guard falls under the Protective agency. The Protective agency is the company that is offering security services. The contracting security agent must be licensed. However, an armed security guard hired by this Protective Agent doesn’t have to be licensed. However, there are certain criteria that must be met including firearms training.

Basic Requirements for an Armed Security Guard in Minnesota

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • United States citizen or registered resident alien
  • Successfully passing a background check which include drug testing
  • Minnesota state driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • No mental instability
  • No drug use or dependency
  • No acts of fraud or convictions

Minnesota Basic Training

Training consistent of 12 hours of reassignment training, which may include but is not limited to the following:

  • Private Security Role and duties
  • Legal Affairs
  • Patrol and Observation
  • Incident Response
  • Surveillance operation and documentation
  • Working with and addressing the public
  • First Aid & CPR

MN Weapons Training

In addition to the 12 hours of initial training, armed security guards in Minnesota must to complete an additional 12 hours of armed training. Additionally, all armed guards must complete six hours continuing training annually.

For more information, please read Minnesota Licensing Information or call (651)793-2666.

Resources

  1. Minnesota Private Detective Board
  2. Minnesota Security Training Information
  3. Private Detective/Investigator and Protective Agent Core Training Content Objectives Armed Persons

Armed Security Guard Training in Michigan

Although there is no certification required to become a security guard in Michigan, license to carry a firearm is required. Aside from the basic requirements to become an armed security guard there may be certain firearm training hours that must be completed before a weapon permit is issued.

Basic Requirements for an Armed Security Guard in Michigan:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • United States citizen or registered resident alien
  • Successfully passing a background check which include drug testing
  • Michigan state driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • No mental instability
  • No drug use or dependency
  • No acts of fraud or convictions

Training Standards

Training courses are not required by state for security guards in Michigan; however, certain training may be required by the company that hires you. Useful training would include:

  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

Weapons Training & Permit

Depending on the area that you are applying, the requirements may vary. To determine if that refers to armed security guards in Michigan you should contact the hiring security agency or your local county or city police department. However, basic requirement may be as follows:

  • Weapons permit
  • Proof of firearms training and safety from certified instructor

For more information, please visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or call 517-241-8205.

The full Michigan license requirements are available here.

Armed Security Guard Training in Massachusetts

Although there is no certification required to become a security guard in Massachusetts, license to carry a firearm is required. Aside from the basic requirements to become an armed security guard there are also firearm training that must be met under the Watch Guard Patrol Agency.

Basic Requirements for an Armed Security Guard in Massachusetts:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • United States citizen or registered resident alien
  • Successfully passing a background check which include drug testing
  • Massachusetts state driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • No mental instability
  • No drug use or dependency
  • No acts of fraud or convictions

Training

Training courses are not required by state for security guards in Massachusetts; however, certain training may be required by the company that hires you. Useful training would include:

  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

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 Massachusetts you should contact the hiring Watch Guard Patrol Agency 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, please visit the website of the Massachusetts State Police or call 617-727-3200.

Resources:

Armed Security Guard Training in Maryland

To qualify as an armed security guard in Maryland you must be certified. The certification is handled by the hiring company. Your application will go through that company and forwarded to the Secretary of State.

Basic Requirements for armed security guards in Maryland

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • United States citizen or registered resident alien
  • Drug testing (which may be ongoing)
  • Pass criminal background check
  • Must have good moral character
  • Have not committed any acts of fraud
  • Submit to fingerprinting
  • Maryland driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • No mental instability

Training Curriculum

The hiring company is responsible for training. A basic training conducted 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

Maryland Weapons Training & Permit

Depending on the city that you are applying, the requirements will vary. To determine if that refers to armed security guards in Maryland you should contact your hiring agency 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

Licensing Fees

Certain fees for the application or finger printing may be required and forwarded with your application, if hired.

For more information, please read TITLE 19. SECURITY GUARD AGENCIES AND SECURITY GUARD CERTIFICATION or call the Maryland State Police Licensing Division at 410- 653-4500.

BUSINESS OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS
TITLE 19. SECURITY GUARD AGENCIES AND SECURITY GUARD CERTIFICATION
SUBTITLE 3. SECURITY GUARD AGENCY LICENSES
Md. BUSINESS OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS Code Ann. § 19-304 (2014)
§ 19-304. Applications for licenses

Armed Security Guard Training in Maine

In Maine, an armed security guard does not need to be licensed as long as a licensed security company employs him or her. However, there may be requirements for a weapon permit. In addition, the company may request that certain criteria be met.

Basic Requirements for armed security guards in Maine

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must be a United States citizen or registered resident alien
  • No convictions punishable by jail time of one year or more in the last 5 years
  • Must not be a fugitive of the law
  • No drug use or dependency
  • May be asked to submit to drug testing (which may be ongoing)
  • Complete and pass a criminal background check
  • Good moral character
  • Have not committed any acts of fraud
  • Maine driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • No mental instability

Training Curriculum

If training is provided or required: A basic training conducted 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

Weapons Training & Permit

Depending on the area that you are applying, the requirements will vary. To determine if that refers to armed security guards you should contact your hiring agency 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, please consult the Maine State Police Licensing Division at 207-624-8775.

Resources

Armed Security Guard Training in Louisiana

To become licensed as an armed security guard in Louisiana, you must successfully complete the training requirements for a security guard and additional firearms training, according to the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiners. That license is only good for the security company that hires you, and cannot be carried to another company. However, your training will transfer to another company but you will have to go through the licensing process again if changing companies.

Minimum Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • State issued driver’s license
  • Valid social security card
  • Submit to finger printing
  • Submit passport photo
  • Complete (2) 8-hour trainings

Basic Training Curriculum

A basic training conducted 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

Firearms Training Requirements:

Firearms training must be conducted by a state licensed instructor and must be completed before assigned a post. In addition, you must train with the weapon you will be armed with at your post. If your weapon changes at any time, you must retrain for that particular weapon.

Fees:

  • Application fee $40
  • Fingerprinting $55.25 (This includes state and FBI check)

For more information, please read the Louisiana State Board of Private Security Examiner’s FAQ or call (888) 446-9436.

Armed Security Guard Training in Washington

In the state of Washington, an armed security guard needs to be licensed. The licensing process is governed by the Washington State Department of Licensing. In order to be approved for a license there are certain criteria that must be met first.

Basic Requirements for armed security guards in Washington:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • No felony convictions in the past 10 years
  • May be asked to submit to drug testing (which may be ongoing
  • Submit fingerprint card
  • Must have good moral character
  • Have not committed any acts of fraud
  • Hired or have an offer of hire from a licensed company
  • Must be licensed as an unarmed security guard
  • State issued driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning

Training Curriculum:

The pre-assignment training required topics must include the following:

  • Role of Private Security
  • Legal Aspects
  • Patrol and Observation
  • Incident Response
  • Security Resources: Surveillance operation and documentation
  • Customer Service Issues: Working with and addressing the public
  • First Aid Overview
  • Report Writing

Note: You must be licensed as an unarmed security guard, in which case you have already met the above training requirements. Additionally, you must have a commission issued firearms certificate that is current.

Additional training:

Must complete four-hours of refresher training every year (Please see training requirements)

  • Customer service training (1 hour)
  • Emergency response and post related training (3 hours)

For more information, please read the armed private security license requirements and Chapter 18.170 RCW Security Guards.

Armed Security Guard Training in Oregon

In Oregon, an armed security guard license is required. Training and basic requirements are extremely rigid. In fact, you train with police candidates. Application and training requirements must be met before your license can be issued.

Basic requirements for armed security guards in Oregon:

  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Must show proof of citizenship
  • State Driver’s License
  • Mentally competent
  • Good moral character
  • No drug or alcohol use or dependence
  • No felony convictions
  • No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
  • Fingerprint affidavit and fingerprint card
  • Temporary work permit Click Here for form
  • Good Communication skills
  • Good physical conditioning
  • Be able to stand long periods of time
  • Good form of transportation may be required when hired

Training Requirements

  • Must complete 24 hours of basic armed training with an Oregon certified instructor
  • In addition, you must pass a firearms test

Fees are nonrefundable:

  • License: $130
  • Training cost may vary depending on instructor.

For more information, please see the Oregon DPSST approved private security instructor resources below:

Armed Security Guard Training in Kentucky

The requirements to become an armed security guard in Kentucky may vary based on the city. There isn’t presently any licensing policy in place for armed security guards at the state level. However, you must contact the local City Clerk’s office. In addition, the company that is hiring you will have the basic requirements that must be met in regards to firearms.

Standard requirements across state lines:

  1. Must be at least 21 years old to have a weapon permit
  2. High School diploma or equivalent
  3. No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons
  4. Must have a Kentucky state driver’s License
  5. Mentally Stable and able to perform your security duties
  6. Good physical conditioning

Weapon Permit and Additional Training

Depending on the city that you are applying, the requirement will vary. Kentucky State does allow a weapon permit for concealed weapons; however, to determine if that refers to armed security guards you should contact your hiring agency or your local county or city police department. 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 Kentucky State Police at 502-782-1800.

Resources:

Armed Security Guard Training in Kansas

In the state of Kansas, the licensing requirements for armed security guards are governed by the city. These requirements can vary from city to city and you must go through the local City Hall of your particular city. There are however statewide requirements that must be met.

Basic Requirements for Armed Security Guard Kansas

  • 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
  • Kansas state driver’s License
  • Good physical conditioning
  • Attend and pass a Kansas state certified training course
  • Must have additional 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. In Kansas it is best to contact your local City Hall 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 your local Kansas City Hall for more specific requirements.

« Previous Page — Next Page »
Security Guard Topics
Most Popular Articles

Recent Posts




© 2010-2024 Security Guard Training Headquarters. All Rights Reserved.
THE ORIGINAL AND #1 WEBSITE FOR SECURITY GUARD TRAINING