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.



New Jersey Security Guard Training

Registration with the State of New Jersey through the Superintendent is required before you can be employed as, or perform the functions and activities of a security officer.

An application can be filled out and filed on this security guard application form, where you will be then required to, under oath, provide:

  • Your name, residence and age which must be at least 18 years
  • Previous employers for the last 5 years
  • Confirmation that you have not been convicted of any disqualifying crimes or offenses through a routine background check via fingerprints.

Apply for Security Officer Certification:

Click here to start your application. View the Security Officer Application in the yellow box to the right.

After your application is approved by the Superintendent, you will have to complete the required training program for the state of New Jersey. This training is mandatory and again you cannot be employed until it is completed.

Please note that there is a non-refundable $75.00 fee, which can be paid online via Visa or Mastercard. There will be additional fingerprinting fees as outlined later in this article.

Getting Your Fingerprints

In order to properly get your fingerprints processed for your criminal background check, you must print the SAGEM MORPHO fingerprint form and 30 Day Temporary Certificate from your online application.

After you print this information, you will have to make an appointment to get your fingerprints taken. You can make this appointment online at www.bioapplicant.com/nj.

Security Officer Training

Currently, you must complete an approved 24-hour course of classroom instruction taught by a certified security officer instructor.

To give you an idea of what will be covered in the course, below are the topics covered:

  • Homeland security and counter-terrorism
  • Communications/emergency response
  • Theft prevention
  • Limits on the use of force
  • Detention of suspects
  • Ethics and professional conduct
  • First aid/CPR/AED
  • There may be other topics covered.

To find an instructor, after you print out your forms in your online application, click on the link to browse the Security Officer Instructor Registry.

Security Officer Official Rules and Regulations for New Jersey

SORA FAQs – https://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/pdet/sora-faq.pdf

What You Learn in Security Guard Training

Before applying for a security guard post, you should have gone through some basic training. This page can help you with finding training centers in New Jersey. Before you begin, though, it might be helpful to have an idea of what to expect during the course.

Overview

Different states have different laws regarding the particulars of training and licensing. In New Jersey, all security officers are required to undergo SORA (Security Officer Registration Act) Training which consists of a total of 24 hours.

Power to Arrest

The introduction goes into an overview of the roles and responsibilities of security guards, and the mandate and authority given them, which includes the power to question, search and even arrest. Most programs go right into the serious stuff and go into the legal responsibilities and liabilities that they have, and inculcating ethics and conduct. There may be slight differences between state laws so they would have to learn the particularities of the state they would work in.

Public Relations

There usually is a module on PR and probably some social graces, which make a lot of sense since security guards are usually at the front lines and represent their employer to the public. They are the face of the company that they work for, and thus make a lot of first impressions, so they would have to learn tread that line between firmness and pleasantness, remaining calm and courteous but authoritative at all times when relating customers, especially the difficult ones.

Internal Communication

It is rare that a security guard works alone. Bigger companies with more ground to cover need more guards in their security team to provide them what they require. And any team, whether a sports team, a marketing team, or a security team, needs an efficient channel of communication. A module of communication teaches guards how to communicate with each other, using standard gestures, radio or more sophisticated technology.

Reporting

Would-be security guards would also be trained in reporting, documentation and other procedures, as the job does involve some paperwork, although most that would now normally not involve much paper at all and would be filed and stored electronically.

Crowd Control

Even when the job is at a remote warehouse with very little traffic, situations could change and escalate very quickly, and security guards must be prepared to be able to handle big groups of people.

Use of Force

Though not all security guard jobs require carrying a gun, there must be some sort of weapon included in the uniform. Every guard must be able to handle one, and use it with a modicum of skill. Guards are trained on the legal aspects of carrying a weapon, safety procedures, and weapon maintenance.

There are a lot of things to learn about becoming a security guard. Basic training, though far from comprehensive, actually covers a lot of ground. The company that hires them would train them further on the particularities of their security needs.

Top 10 Cities for Security Guard Training in New Jersey:New Jersey Security Guard Training

  1. Newark, Essex, NJ
  2. Jersey City, Hudson, NJ
  3. Paterson, Passaic, NJ
  4. Elizabeth, Union, NJ
  5. Edison, Middlesex, NJ
  6. Woodbridge Township, Middlesex, NJ
  7. Lakewood Township, Ocean, NJ
  8. Toms River, Ocean, NJ
  9. Hamilton Township, Mercer, NJ
  10. Trenton, Mercer, NJ

More security training courses and cities coming soon!


Security Guard Training in Connecticut

The Connecticut’s Department of Public Safety is in charge of registering and overseeing security guards in the state of Connecticut.

Your first step is to apply to become a security guard at the company of your choice. Before you can begin work as a security guard, however, you must first obtain a Security Officer Certification Identification Card.

To get your card, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Never have been previously convicted of a felony
  • Be of good moral character
  • Complete an 8-hour training course by an approved instructor

As mentioned on the Department of Public Safety website, Applicants for Security Officer Certification Identification Card must complete a course of instruction approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety, at their expense. The course is offered by private instructors and involves classroom criminal justice training. Upon completion of the course, the instructor signs off on the reverse side of the application form DPS 135-C. The application form and fingerprints are then submitted to the Special License and Firearms Unit. The Security Officer card is good for 2 years unless suspended or revoked.”

After you finish your security guard training and get the proper forms from your instructor, your employer is responsible for making sure that you become registered. Here is a list of instructors who are approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety:

Approved Security Officer Certification Instructors

The cost of obtaining the certification card is $100.00.

There is an additional cost for fingerprint cards (State & FBI) which are required to do a background check. Two Cashiers Checks or Money Orders in the amount of $ 50.00 and $19.25 shall be made payable to the Department of Public Safety.

Your employer should have a form to fill out for registration, however if they do not have a copy (they really should), you can download it from the Department of Public Safety website.

Further Information and Resources for Connecticut Security Guards

  • See Chapter 534 of the Private Detectives And Security Services found here.
  • If you wish to become an Armed Security Officer, see the Connecticut State Pistol Permit.

Basic Security Guard Training Course Curriculum

Whether or not your state requires you to take a security guard training course before you apply for a position, you will eventually be trained in basic security guard knowledge and procedures.

The following will outline a curriculum or syllabus for a basic security guard training course:

Powers to Arrest

This covers the complete requirements and duties of a security guard associated to the arrest of someone. It will teach trainees how to successfully deal with an arrest situation, addressing matters which include escalation and de-escalation of force , legal ramifications in trespass and restraint procedures.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

This course familiarizes trainees with approaches for correctly looking for and reporting possible terrorist activities. Terrorism is researched, and various weapon types are talked about in order to equip security officers with the capacity to aid and take care of others in the case of a terrorist event.

Public Relations

Security guards are explained procedures to prevent stereotyping that borders on discrimination. This course instructs trainees appropriate behavior in reply to to discriminatory thinking in the job. They learn to recognize indications associated with aggression, substance mistreatment and psychological illness.

Observation and Documentation

Applicants master techniques of observation and patrol, yielding detailed report writing. They’re presented tips on how to ask relevant questions and determine symptoms of dubious activity.

Communication

This vital study course covers internal and external ways of communication for security officers. Trainees discover the appropriate application of radios and monitors for internal communications. When and just how to reach external support, such as the authorities, the fire department or paramedics and also various government services.

Liability and Legal

Students understand the legal implications of being employed as a security officer. Themes which include personal and employer liabilities are discussed. Individuals also analyze many different criminal, civil and administrative laws as they pertain to the job.

Security Guard Training in Arizona

Security guard training is not required before you apply for an unarmed security guard position in the state of Arizona. However, if you are offered employment and you require a license, you will need to complete an 8-hour pre-assignment training course.

Depending on where you are offered a position, you may or may not need to get license.

You must be licensed if you will be working for a security guard agency that pays you to provide security guard services to other companies.

You do not need to be licensed if you will be working for a proprietary company, meaning, the company pays you directly to be their own security guard.

If you require a license, know that you are not allowed to wear a security guard uniform or stand post as a Security Guard until you get your license from the Arizona Department of Public Safety-Licensing Unit.

To obtain your Arizona security license, you can easily follow the 7 steps outlined below:

  1. First, get offered employed by a Department of Public Safety Licensed Security Guard Agency. They will fill out and sign the Employer section (Part A) of the registration application, which you can download here.
  2. Complete and sign the Employee section (Part B) of the registration application.
  3. Submit your fingerprints for a criminal history check. For more information about fingerprint submission, you can visit the fingerprints section of the DPS Licensing Unit. They are always available at the Licensing Unit office and many be available at police stations or at other companies listed as “Fingerprinters” in a phone book or directory.
  4. Submit a color photograph of your face.
  5. Complete the 8 hour pre-assignment training course.
  6. Submit the training verification, signed and dated by the agency.
  7. Pay a $74 fee (cash, money order, company or cashier’s check only – payable to The Arizona Department of Public Safety). This covers both your $50 licensing fee, as well as the $24 fingerprint processing fee.

The Security Guard Training Program

The 8-hour pre-assignment training program will consist of training on the following material:

  • Criminal Law & Laws of Arrest
  • Uniform & Grooming
  • Communications
  • Use of Force
  • General Security Guard Procedures
  • Crime Scene Preservation & First Response
  • Ethics
  • Emergency Response Procedures

After you complete your training, you must have your agency (the company that you will be working for as a licensed security guard), complete the Security Guard Training Verification Form.

Arizona Department of Public Safety Security Guard Application Forms

  • Unarmed Security Guard Employee Registration Application – PDF Form
  • Armed Security Guard Employee Registration Application – PDF Form

Security Guard Training in Florida

To become an unarmed security guard in the state of Florida, you will first need to obtain your Class “D” Security Guard License.

Licensing is overseen by the The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing. Before you can apply, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Be a citizen or legal resident alien of the U.S. or have been granted authority to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • Complete the required security guard training.

Required Training Experience

Before you can apply, you must first complete a minimum of 40 hours of professional training by a Security Officer School or Training Facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The training may be obtained by one of the following methods:

  • Successful completion of 40 hours of training before you submit your initial application, or
  • Successful completion of 24 hours of training before you submit your initial application and successful completion of 16 hours of training within 180 days of the date your application was submitted to the Division of Licensing.

Also Required with Your Application

  • Proof of training.
  • A passport style photograph.
  • A legible set of fingerprints on a fingerprint card provided by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
  • Fees

Fees

There is a $45 licensing fee, as well as a $42 fingerprint car processing fee. They can only be paid by money order, cashier’s check or a company check payable to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Application

An application, which includes more detailed information about how to apply and what to include with your application, can be downloaded for free from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website.

Click here to get access to your application, and remember that for an unarmed security guard, you will be going for a Class “D” Security Officer License.

Security Guard Training in Nevada

In order to work as a security guard in the state of Nevada, you must first obtain your registration card from the State of Nevada’s Private Investigators Licensing Board.

No training is required before you apply for your registration card, however there is an exam that you must take and submit with your application. All of the training you will receive will be directly from the private security company or other establishment that you get hired to work for, once again, after you obtain your registration card.

You can obtain your registration card online, or via regular mail.

Your first step is to download the application from the Private Investigators Licensing Board site here. When you arrive on the website, click on Work Cards / Registered Employee Services at the top:

Security Guard Training in Nevada

To apply online, simply scroll down until you see Online Application:

Security Guard Online <div style=

You can also check the status of your application, and renew your registration here as well.

If you’d rather apply via traditional mail, you can download the application on the top of the left hand sidebar of the same page.

Other Items

Along with your application, you will have to submit a few more items in order to obtain your card. There is a very handy checklist (see Instructions / Checklist on the left hand sidebar), that  you can use to make sure you have everything in order. So you will know what to expect, this is what you need:

  • The completed application (online or printed out)
  • A 2 inch by 2 inch (2″ x 2″) passport photo.
  • If you were not born in the U.S., you must also provide a photo copy of one of the following:
    • Naturalization Certificate
    • U.S. Passport
    • U.S. Birth Certificate
    • Alien Card
  • Your U.S. Passport or a copy of both your driver’s license and social security card.
  • Receipt for Electronic Submission of Fingerprint Cards or a set of 2 fingerprint cards.
  • Registration fee of $85.00 if you have a fingerprint receipt, $95 if you are submitting the set of 2 fingerprint cards.
  • Your exam answer sheet with your application. (Unless you take the exam online on eht same website).

Depending on the load of the licensing board, it may take up to 10 days to be able to be approved and begin working as a security guard, from the time they receive your application.

Security Guard Training in Texas

Texas Security Guard TrainingTo become a licensed security guard in the state of Texas, you must first complete the Level II Training Course and Test.

All commissioned and non-commissioned (armed and unarmed) security officers must go through this training. The training must be taken at a licensed school and taught by a licensed instructor.

To become a commissioned (armed) security officer, you must complete the Level II and Level III Training. If you are interested in becoming a Personal Protection Officer (bodyguard), this requires you to complete the Level IV Training courses. All of these courses and the next available training class can be found via this form.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Private Security Bureau (PSB) regulates the private security industry in the state of Texas.

The Licensing section of the PSB handles all applications for a registration.

You must first be employed or be in the process of being employed by a licensed Private Security Company before you can apply.

After you are employed, you have two options to submit your application to the PSB:

1. You can manually send in your application and all required supplemental documents by mailing your complete application package to the following address:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Private Security Bureau
5806 Guadalupe, Building I
Austin, Texas 78752

-OR-

2. You can visit the PSB website and apply for your application online. This will allow you to complete your basic application online, pay the associated fees online, and schedule an electronic fingerprint appointment, which is necessary to do a background check.

Please note that when you apply online, you will still need to manually send in any supplemental forms (such as your fingerprinting forms and forms from your employer), however after you fill out your online application there will be a list of supplemental documents that you can use as a checklist.

After all forms have been properly submitted, it will take approximately 4-6 weeks to get your individual registration.

Your registration expires every 2 years from the date of issue, in which case you’d have to renew, which can be done online as well.

For more information, please see this licensing FAQ.

Also see security guard training and testing information in Texas.

California Guard Card Training and Requirements

california guard card trainingThe Guard Card in California is the greatest door opener for security careers and opportunities on the entire West Coast. For some, it represents hope. A chance at the security jobs they’ve been dreaming about for years. And yet for others, it’s nothing but a major roadblock since it is required in order to work in the security industry. It won’t just be handed to you. And you certainly can’t buy your way in. Let’s take a look at some of the basic requirements to acquire this important little card, and learn a little about what’s involved in getting a guard card.

What is a guard card?

A California Guard Card is the license that is required to become a registered security guard in the state of California. And you might be surprised how close you may be to getting one.

In order to get your security certification in CA, you must first complete 8-hours of guard card training with a certified facility or online training center. After your 8 hours are completed and you have passed your initial exam, you are then able to get hired as a security guard.

At this point, you are still not a registered security guard. You must then finish another 16 hours of training within the first 30 days after you are hired, and then finally an additional 16 hours again within 6 months. In total, that’s 40 hours of training. So a full work week’s worth, not too out of reach for most individuals.

Guard Card Training

The initial 8-hour training required before one is allowed to apply for the California guard card application can be completed online or live. The course is a mandatory step, and is composed of two main sections or modules. The first one is Powers to Arrest, a four-hour training module designed to familiarize trainees on the topics to be covered on the training, including legal aspects, liability, techniques, and company requirements leading to the arrest of a person. It will use the training manual designed by the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Power to Arrest. The course includes lecture, exercises, discussion and role-playing.

The next 4 hours is dedicated to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Terrorism Awareness. This will educate interested security guards about the important subject matter, most especially about the observation skills needed to identify and report precursor activities that may lead to a terrorist activity. This is critical information that has to be coordinated accordingly.

You will need 30 days to complete another mandatory training after you have completed ca guard card coursesyour guard card courses. This training is again divided into four courses, namely the Public Relations, Observation and Documentation, Communication and its Significance, and the Liability and Legal Aspects. The Public Relations Course aims to familiarize students about the basic skills and body of knowledge in performing security guard work. The observation and documentation mandatory course reviews individuals on the different aspects of documentation that guards need on their job. They will be instructed about report writing, patrol techniques, proper asking of questions, etc. The course on communication will speak about the significance of communication in their job and in relation to the company they work for. They will be instructed on the right ways to contact people, procedures for radios and monitors, etc. The Liability and Legal Aspects enlighten future security guards over their liability and significant roles in performing their job. They will be taught on the BSIS code, and criminal, administrative and civil policies.

This will be followed by another 16 hours of elective courses composed of Post Orders and Assignments, Officer Safety Handling Difficult People, and Preserving the Incident Scene. A total of 40 hours of training is required before one can become a registered security guard.

How to get a guard card – step by step

Here’s how to get a state guard card in CA, step-by-step:

STEP 1

Take the eight (8) hour “Power to Arrest” training and pass the examination. You can go in person or click here to get training and pass the exam online today!

STEP 2

You (the applicant), the private patrol operator or the training facility must submit a security guard application online at https://www.bsis.ca.gov/industries/guard.shtml The online application is sent electronically to the Bureau.

STEP 3

You must then submit fingerprints electronically using Live Scan. You must only use the security guard Live Scan forms downloaded from the Bureau’s Website or obtained from the Bureau. The Live Scan form from the Bureau contains the correct coding to ensure that the Bureau receives the FBI and DOJ responses.

https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/index.shtml

STEP 4

Once the Bureau has received your online application and criminal history clearances, you’ll be entered onto the Bureau’s Web site.You can verify the Bureau’s approval by checking the Bureau’s “Verify a License” at https://search.dca.ca.gov/

Once your registration has been cleared and appears on the Bureau’s Web site, a screen-print may be made and used as an interim security guard registration.

THEN YOU CAN GET HIRED.
The actual security guard registration will be mailed to you in about 10 to 15 business days.

STEP 5

Security guards placed on assignment must keep the following documents with them:

  1. A valid security guard registration or a screen print of the Bureau’s approval obtained from the Bureau’s Web site.
  2. A valid photo identification

And don’t forget, you’ll have 30 days to complete 16 hours of “on the job” training, as well as an additional 16 hours within the next 6 months.

Good luck! (And don’t forget, you can find security training online by filling out the form here)

Online Guard Card Training and Courses

Many individuals aspiring to become a security guard in California have the option to complete online security card certificationcourses online instead of a traditional classroom set-up. The advent of the Internet has made these things possible, and there are already so many private institutions offering training courses available in packages. Some combine the initial 8-hour training with the mandatory 16-hour course. Some combine the next 32 hours after the initial course. Others offer the entire 40-hour required training in one package and give discounts to students. Whichever package you choose, be sure to enroll from a reputable school that follows what is required by the BSIS, so you would not have any problem applying for and renewing your security guard card training.

The advantage of taking guard card classes online will allow you to train at your own pace. For instance, 8-hour initial guard card training can be taken for as long as three months. This means a student has access to the online course for 3 months until he completes the course. In case he does not have the time to allot one day to complete the 8 hours, he can simply stop and go back to where he ended. Most courses do not require downloading of software, but simply a Flash player to view the materials. The examination for the initial 8-hour training can be taken right at your computer and the results will be received immediately. The exam can be retaken in case one doesn’t pass the first time.

How Much Will A Guard Card Cost?

The cost of applying for guard card courses varies on the method of application. If you choose to apply online, the fee for security guard application is $50, while the online convenience fee is $1. Fingerprints must be submitted using LiveScan, and it costs $32 for the Department of Justice, while the FBI charges $19. That totals to $51. If you choose to apply the normal way, you will pay the same amount, but less the online convenience fee of $1, but this takes longer compared to the online processing, and you have to be prepared for the postal charges for you have to send the application form and other requirements by mail. When you apply for an online guard card, you should also allot a budget for the 8-hour class, this will cost about $44.95, but you can be assured it meets the BSIS requirements.

How to Renew Guard Cards

Renewal of the security guard certification is also done through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Service (BSIS). If it is due to expire soon, the Bureau will send a renewal form. The renewal fee is $35 for this, but if it is expired, the fee will be $60. If it has expired for 60 days or more, you can no longer renew it. Any guard card courses would have to be completed again, together with the steps for new application, which includes LiveScan and submission of form and requirements. In case you have not received a renewal form by mail, you can opt to pick it up in a SOTA location, or renew online, that is, if you do not have a firearms permit attached to the security license. The timeline to renew guard cards is typically about 2 weeks.

California Security Guard Jobs

California has many opportunities for hopeful security guards, both armed and unarmed. Obviously, licensed armed guards are in greater demand in California and receive higher pay. However, unarmed guards are also needed within the state of California. Just as in other states, California has opportunities for security guards in both the public and private sectors. Private security is also in high demand in California, more so than many other states. Some industries that are always looking to hire security are as follows:

  • Hospitals/Medical Buildings
  • Parking garages
  • Schools
  • Airports, hotels, resorts
  • Banks
  • Apartment complexes
  • Elder Care facilities
  • Government buildings
  • Libraries
  • Power plants
  • Event staff
  • Spectator Sports
  • Security Companies

Looking into major security companies is a great way to start your search for a security guard job in California. You can often apply for a job with a security company prior to completing any security guard licensing or training and some companies will help you in the process and even cover some of the costs of training that is needed. Many of the jobs in the list above do not hire security guards directly, but instead hire security companies to fill their needed security positions. If there is a specific security job you are interested in, you can often inquire as to which company they use and then apply to that respective company. This doesn’t guarantee a placement at the post you are wanting, but you can make your desired choice known and there will be a better chance of obtaining the placement you wish.

California Security Guard Reciprocity

California is one state that does not accept security guard licensing or cards from other states. Those seeking to become a security guard in California must go through the required training and testing process for the license to work as a guard. This means even if you have been working as a security guard for years somewhere else, if you are looking to get hired in California as a security guard you will need to get re-accredited. Your experience will still be a valuable resource in applying for jobs, however any licensing, training, or class time, won’t count towards your California training process.

That said, if you have acquired a California guard card and training, it may be accepted as valid training in other states. Some states allow those trained under California state requirements to easily obtain a comparable accreditation within their state. Also, there are some states where formal security guard training isn’t required, and the security guard works under the license of the security company itself. Until there is a national standard for security guard training, requirements will continue to differ from state to state.

5 Tips To Help You Get Hired as a Security Guard

Security Guard TipsHere are 5 quick tips that you can use to help you get hired as a security guard:

Tip #1: Showcase Your Customer Service Skills

Employers are looking for people who have excellent customer service skills, because a big part of being a security guard is dealing and helping people in your area. Many people will come up to you to ask you questions, or approach you with a problem that needs to be solved.

On your application, be sure to note any customer service experiences that you’ve had. Where have you talked to people while on the job, and how do you think that will help you become a better security guard?

During your interview, be sure to be friendly and show that your customer service skills aren’t just written on paper, but in your personality as well as you talk and converse with your interviewer.

Tip #2: Have All of Your Required Paperwork and Training Completed

Many States require a certain number of hours of security guard training before you can even apply for a position. Other States require that a certain amount of paperwork be finished too, such as fingerprint scans and other certifications.

Make sure you are up to date with your State’s laws for becoming a security guard.

Tip #3: Check Your References

On your application, you will be required to fill out information for other people who may be able to reveal your work ethic and how you are on the job. Your future employer will most likely contact one or two of the people you referenced, so be sure that they are informed that they may receive a call.

The best people to reference are people you have worked with, or even former bosses. Of course, you’ll want to list the people who like you and would be willing to put in a good word about who you are and the kind of work you do.

Tip #4: Know What’s Expected of You

There’s nothing you can do better than to let your interview know that you know exactly what the particular security guard job entails. If you understand what the job description and requirements are, you’ll be able to easily answer questions in a way that they want to hear.

Tip #5: Be Confident!

Like with any job you’re trying to get hired for, being confident is the best thing you can do. It shows during your interview and you’ll be able to leave a long lasting first impression that will get you to stand out from the rest and get hired.

Good luck!

Security Guard Requirements in Alabama

Security Guard Requirements in Alabama

Since late 2010, the State of Alabama Licensing Board has required that anyone seeking employment as a security officer or armed security officer shall complete 8 hours of Board Approved classroom training with a certified trainer before applying for a license.

You will have to pass a written exam related to the course subject matter that you learn during your 8 hours of classroom training.

Many security companies or employers will also include (and/or require additional training on top of the 8 hours that are required by the state to get your license.

Typically, at a minimum, you will usually be required to meet the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age;
  • No felonies or violent criminal convictions;
  • Must not have a disqualifying mental illness;
  • Must be physically fit for the position they are applying for;
  • A high school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent certificate.

Additional training is required in order to carry a firearm while on duty. For more information on Gun Laws, visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website.