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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.

Security Guard Training in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a license is required for unarmed security guards. The process is rather detailed. An applicant or hiring company must petition the court for the license. The County Clerk’s office is limited to the questions they can answer about this process and recommends that an attorney be retained for such matters.
Basic requirements to submit petition for unarmed security guards in Pennsylvania:
Must file a petition with the following attachments:
- Passport photos (2)
- Letters from character witnesses pointing out your good moral character
- Certified proof of criminal background check
- Fingerprint card with fee (this card must be submitted to the County Clerk’s office with a money order that will be mailed to the Pennsylvania State police)
Statewide requirements that may be helpful in getting Petition Approved:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Citizenship
- Mentally competent
- Have good moral character
- No drug or alcohol use or dependence
- No felony convictions
- No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
Training Requirements
In Pennsylvania, there are no set rules as to the type of training or experience required. It is ultimately up to the judge.
Fees are nonrefundable:
- Fingerprint card: $17.50 (money order must be made out to the Pennsylvania State Police)
- License: $200 (This fee is paid only if petition is approved)
For more information, please read Promulgation of Local Rules of Civil Procedure; No. 6513 CV 2005 or call the Pennsylvania County Clerk’s office at 570-517-3387.
Security Guard Training in Oregon
In Oregon, an unarmed security guard must be licensed. Training and application requirements must be met before license can be issued.
Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Oregon:
- 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 felony convictions
- No disabilities that would prevent performance of duty
- Fingerprint affidavit and fingerprint card (1) Click here for form
- Temporary work permit Click Here for form
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
Must complete 12 hours of training with a certified instructor (please verify current certification before paying for course)
Fees are nonrefundable:
- License: $130
- Training cost may vary depending on instructor.
For more information, please see the Oregon DPSST Private Security website or call 503-378-8531.
Security Guard Training in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, an unarmed security guard must be licensed. This license is administered by CLEET and is renewal every two years. Training and application requirements must be met before a license is issued.
Basic requirements for unarmed security guards in Oklahoma:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must show proof of citizenship
- Mentally competent
- Have good moral Character
- 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
- All questions on application must be completed or it will be rejected
- Application must be signed and notarized
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
Must complete CLEET approved courses and pass the State exam within 180 days from the date of application.
Fees are nonrefundable:
- License: $91
For more information, please see Security Guards New License Applicants also Applicant Checklist for Completed Application or call 405-239-5110.
Security Guard Training in Ohio
In the state of Ohio, unarmed security guards are required to registered but not licensed if guard is 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. Registration renewal required annually. The basic requirements that may be required from the hiring company is as follows:
Basic requirements for an unarmed security guard in Ohio:
- Must be at least 18 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
Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good Communication skills
- Good physical conditioning
- Be able to stand long periods of time
Fees: All fees are non-refundable
- Registration fee: $25
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.
Security Guard Training in North Dakota
In North Dakota, unarmed security guards are required to registered but not licensed if guard is an employee of licensed security company. However, there are basic requirements that must be met.
Basic requirements for an unarmed security guard in North Dakota:
- Must be at least 18 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
Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good Communication skills
- Good physical conditioning
- Be able to stand long periods of time
Fees: All fees are non-refundable
- Registration fee: $77
For more information, please see the North Dakota Eligibility & Licensing or call 701-222-3063.
Security Guard Training in North Carolina
In North Carolina, unarmed security guards are required to be licensed/registered. Certain basic criteria must be met first before applying.
Basic requirements for an unarmed security guard in North Carolina:
- Must be at least 18 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
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: Must complete 16 hours of classroom training
- The Security Officer in North Carolina — (minimum of one hour)
- Legal Issues for Security Officers — (minimum of three hours)
- Emergency Response — (minimum of three hours)
- Communications — (minimum of two hours)
- Patrol Procedures — (minimum of three hours)
- Note Taking and Report Writing — (minimum of three hours)
- Deportment — (minimum of one hour)
Fees: All fees are non-refundable
- Application: $30
For more information, please see the North Carolina Chapter 74C. Private Protective Services. Article 1. from the Private Protective Services Board or call (919) 733-4111 or contact the:
Private Protective Services Board
P.O. Box 29500
3320 Old Garner Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27626-050
Security Guard Training in New Mexico
In New Mexico, unarmed security guards are required to be licensed/registered. There are three levels of registration; level one, two or three. The same criteria must be met on all levels except for level three, which requires more hours of training.
Basic requirements for an unarmed security guard in New Mexico (All Levels):
- Must be at least 18 years old (age 21 for level 3)
- United States resident
- High school diploma or equivalent (Level 2 and 3)
- 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 (Level 1, 2 and 3)
- Employee by a private security company and under supervision from a licensed patrol officer (Level 1 and 2)
- Signed and notarized release of information form
Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good Communication skills
- Good physical conditioning
- Be able to stand long periods of time
Training and experience: 24 hours of training is required for level 1, 2 and 3; however, levels 2 and 3 require an additional 24 hours of training as levels increase.
Level 1
- Role of the security guard – one (1) hour
- Basic first aid and CPR training – eight (8) hours
- Investigations – three (3) hours
- Interview skills – two (2) hours
- Preservation of evidence – two (2) hours
- Asset protection – one (1) hour
- Chain of command – one (1) hour
- Report writing – two (2) hours
- Testifying in court – one (1) hour
- Ethics and professionalism – three (3) hours
Level 2: In addition to level one requirements, 24 additional hours of training in the following must be completed within 12 months before applying for registration.
- Use of force – three (3) hours
- Self defense weapons and techniques – eight (8) hours
- Side handle batons – four (4) hours
- Handcuffing – four (4) hours
- Use of tasers – five (5) hours
Level 3: In addition to levels 1 and 2 requirements, 24 additional hours of training in the following must be completed within 12 months before applying for registration.
- Fire protection and life safety – four (4) hours
- Threat assessment – two (2) hours
- Safety awareness – one (1) hours
- Environment/hazardous materials – four (4) hours
- Firearms training – twenty four (24) hours
Fees: All fees are non-refundable
- Application: $15
- Background: $29.95
For more information, please see Instructions for Level 1, 2, and 3 Security Guard Registration, see the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department website, or call 505-476-4650.
Security Guard Training in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, an unarmed security guard can fall under different rules. For example, if you hired by a company and are on their payroll, there are no criteria for you to meet. However, if you decide to work for yourself and solicit business as a sole proprietor you do have to meet certain criteria.
Basic requirements for an unarmed security guard in New Hampshire:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- United States resident
- 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
- Submit fingerprint cards (2) taken at the state police office
- Must complete all paperwork required by the Division of Licensing at Permits and submit in person
Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good Communication skills
- Good physical conditioning
- Be able to stand long periods of time
Training and experience:
This area is questionable and may need further clarification once you start the application process. For example, if you are seeking a license to solicit your services as an unarmed security guard you may need to provide proof of at least 4 years experience of related experience.
Fees:
- License: $100 (must be renewed every two years)
- Other fees may be applicable
For more information, please see Support Services Bureau Permits and Licensing Unit Security/Detectives or call 603-223-3873 for application. Apply in person at:
Division of Licenses and Permits
New Hampshire Department of Safety
James H. Hayes Building
33 Hazen Dr.,
Concord, NH 03305
Security Guard Training in Kansas
In the state of Kansas, licensing in governed by the Kansas state Attorney General’s office. To become an unarmed security guard you must be licensed. You must meet a few criteria first before applying for your license.
Basic Requirements for Unarmed Security Guard Kansas
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Be able to work legally in the United States
- 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
- Attend and pass an Kansas state certified training course
Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good physical conditioning
- Be able to stand long periods of time
- Good Communication skills
Basic training curriculum may include but not limited to the following subjects:
- Role of Private Security
- Legal Aspects
- Patrol an: Surveillance operation and documentation
- Customer Service Issues: Working d Observation
- Incident Response
- Security Resources with and addressing the public
- First Aid Overview
For more information, please call (785) 296-2215 or visit the Kansas States Attorney General’s website. Applications for Private Security Guard Licenses within a specific county should be submitted to the local Police Department. See the City of Topeka Official Website for private security applications.
Security Guard Training in Iowa
To become an unarmed security guard in Iowa you must be licensed. You must meet a few criteria first before applying for your license.
Basic Requirements for Unarmed Security Guard Iowa
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Be able to work legally in the United States
- 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
- Attend and pass a Iowa state certified training course
Other Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good physical conditioning
- Be able to stand long periods of time
- Good Communication skills
Basic training curriculum may include but not limited to the following subjects:
- 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
For more information please call 515 7256230 or visit the Iowa Department of Public Safety.