Online Security Guard Training and Career Center

Security Guard Training in West Virginia

In West Virginia, a registration is required for unarmed security guards. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s office makes the regulations regarding licensing. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in West Virginia:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Must be a United States citizen or legal alien
• Have good moral character
• Never been denied a license or had one revoked in West Virginia
• Mentally competent
• No drug or alcohol use or dependence or distribution
• Must successfully pass a drug test
• No felony convictions
• No history of assisting an inmate escape
• No history of buying or selling stolen property
• No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
• Submit to criminal background check
• Successfully complete 18 hours of required training

Training Curriculum:

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
8. Report Writing

For more information, please read the eligibility requirements for unarmed security guards in West Virginia. Private Investigator and Security Guard Licensing Information is available on the WV Secretary of State website. See also the West Virginia Code for Private Investigative and Security Services as found here.

Security Guard Training in Washington

In the state of Washington, an unarmed 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 unarmed security guards in Washington:

• Must be at least 18 year old
• Must be a United States citizen or registered resident alien
• 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
• Complete all pre-assignment training requirements

Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:

• Driver’s License
• Good physical conditioning
• Be able to stand long periods of time
• Good Communication skills

Training Curriculum:

The pre-assignment training required topics must include 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

For more information, please consult the Pre-training study guide .

Fees:

• License: $111

Training material may cost additional if training isn’t provided by hiring company.

Security Guard Training in Virginia

In Virginia, a registration is required for unarmed security guards. 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. The hiring company is responsible for submitting the application.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Virginia:

• Be at least 18 years old
• 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

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

Fees:

Registration: $25 Click here for application

Fingerprinting: $50 Click here for application

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

Security Guard Training in Vermont

In Vermont, a license is required for unarmed security guards. The Vermont Board of Private Investigative and Security Services makes the regulations regarding licensing. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved. The hiring company is responsible for submitting the application.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Vermont:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Valid Social Security number
• Driver’s License
• Finger print cards
• 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

For more information, please consult the Vermont Secretary of State Private Investigative and Security Services Forms & Instructions found here or call (802) 828-1505.

Security Guard Training in South Dakota

In the state of South Dakota, there aren’t any regulations regarding security guards. The only rules are for an entity wanting to start a security company. However, if you are applying to become an unarmed security in South Dakota then meeting these basic requirements may help you land the job.

• Be at least 18 years old
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Be able to legally work in the United States
• No convictions or history of drug or alcohol use
• Submit to a criminal background check if asked
• Have good moral character
• Have not committed any acts of fraud
• Good physical conditioning
• Be able to stand long periods of time
• Good Communication skills

If you wish to become an armed security guard in South Dakota, see the South Dakota Concealed Pistol Permits information here.

For more information, please visit the South Dakota Secretary of State website or call 605-773-3537.

Security Guard Training in Nebraska

In Nebraska there aren’t any state regulations in place for unarmed security guards. However, city or county levels may have their own requirements, in which case you should contact your local City Clerk’s office. In addition, the company that is hiring you may have basic criteria that you must meet as well.

Standard requirements across state lines:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be a United States citizen or legal alien
• High School diploma or equivalent
• No felony convictions or any crime involving the illegal use of weapons

Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:

• Driver’s License
• Good Communication skills
• Good physical conditioning
• Be able to stand long periods of time

Training Curriculum:

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
8. Report Writing

For more information, please call your local Nebraska City Clerk’s office or call the Nebraska Secretary of State office at 402-471-2554.

Security Guard Training in Utah

In Utah, a license is required for unarmed security guards. The Utah Division of Occupational and Prof Licensing (DOPL) administers licensing. License is renewed every two years. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Utah:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Valid Social Security number
• Driver’s License
• Finger print cards (2) or electronic fingerprinting is accepted
• Certificate of completion of 24-hours of classroom training with a score of at least 80%
• Mentally competent
• Have good moral character
• 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 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

Fees are nonrefundable:

• Application processing fee: $100

For more information, please read State of Utah Division of Occupational and Prof Licensing or call 801-530-6628.

Security Guard Training in Tennessee

Registration and license is required in Tennessee for an unarmed security guard. In order to be registered, there are certain criteria that you must meet. An unarmed guard registration is renewed every two years.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Tennessee:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must show proof of citizenship
• 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
• No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
• Submit fingerprint cards (3) for background check from bother TBI and FBI
• Successful complete training requirements

Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:

• Driver’s License
• Good Communication skills
• Good physical conditioning
• Be able to stand long periods of time

Training Requirements

Four-hour course, one hour training for each:

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

Note: If carrying a stun gun, mace, or nightstick, you must receive training from a certified instructor. Upon completion of training, a certificate card of completion must be carried at all times.

Fees are nonrefundable:

• Application fee: $50.00
• License: $20

For more information, please review the Tennessee Private Protective Services Suggested Training Curriculum Outline or call (615) 741-6382.

Security Guard Training in South Carolina

In South Carolina, a license is required for unarmed security guards. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) administers licensing. The hiring company must be licensed and will forward all information to SLED for approval. The individual does not do it. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in South Carolina:

• Be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a United States citizen or resident alien
• Mentally competent
• Have good moral character
• No drug or alcohol use or dependence
• Must successfully pass a drug test
• No felony convictions
• No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
• Finger print card
• Submit to criminal background check
• Complete required training by a SLED certified trainer

Training Curriculum:

The hiring company provides the required training. Four or more hours of training must be completed and a written exam passed and scored. The training must be material from the South Carolina Technical College Private Security Training School. 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

Fees are nonrefundable:

• Licensing: $65

For more information, please read SLED Regulations or call 803-737-9000.

Security Guard Training in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, a license is required for unarmed security guards. Licensing is administered by the Attorney General’s office. There are certain criteria that must be met before a license will be approved.

Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Rhode Island:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Must be a United States citizen or resident alien
• Mentally competent
• Have good moral character
• No drug or alcohol use or dependence
• No felony convictions
• No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
• Not have had a similar license or registration revoked
• Submit to criminal background check

Training Curriculum:

If training from the company 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

Fees are nonrefundable:

For more information, please read the Rhode Island Security Guard License Packet or call (401) 831-8099 x1.