Online Security Guard Training and Career Center

Security Guard Requirements in Alaska (Unarmed)

In order to earn your security guard license in the State of Alaska, you must:

• Be a United States citizen or resident alien
• Be at least 18 years old
• Neither addicted to or dependent on alcohol or drugs
• Be without a conviction of a felony within 10 years before the date of application
• Be emotionally and mentally stable
• Complete an 8-hour pre-assignment security guard training course
• Complete an additional 40 hours of in-service training within 180 days of employment

After you complete your 8-hour pre-assignment course, you then can fill out an application to become a guard. Applications are available online at the Public & Safety Statewide Services Permits and Licensing Unit website. (See New Guard Application)

The application will require the following information:

• Full name;
• Residence address;
• Social security number;
• Residence telephone number;
• Present or prospective employer and address;
• Age;
• Sex;
• Date of birth;
• Place of birth;
• Height and weight;
• Hair and eye color;
• Residence addresses for the past five years;
• Employment for the past five years;
• Three character references;
• Military discharge record, if any;
• Criminal arrest and conviction record;
• An affirmation that the applicant is neither addicted to nor dependent on alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs;
• An affirmation that the applicant is not suffering from any psychopathic condition or mental illness impairing the powers of memory, reason, judgment, or perception.

The application must be signed by the applicant and the signature must be notarized.

The following items must also accompany the application:

1. One frontal view photograph of the applicant; the photograph must include the upper part of the body from the waist up; it must have been taken within the 30 days before submission; and be of a size, color, and condition that will allow the photograph to be processed in the department’s identification production equipment;
2. Two sets of classifiable fingerprints;
3. Proof of bonding or insurance; and
4. A non-refundable application fee of $50 and the fees required for fingerprint processing, which as of 2010 are $54.25.

Again, you can access the actual application here.

Security Guard Training

As mentioned earlier, you will be required to take an 8-hour pre-assignment (before you get hired) training course, before you can even apply. An additional 40 hours are required within 180 days after employment (after you get hired) as well.

The training must include, but is not limited to:

• Law of arrest;
• Law of search and seizure;
• Duties and responsibilities to the employer and client;
• Fire prevention;
• First aid; and
• Patrol techniques.

Finally, realize that all security guards must pass an annual refresher course of at least 8 hours on the above topics. Failure to pass the refresher course may be grounds for removal and dismissal of a security guard license.

Security Guard Career Information Videos

Below are a series of videos done by Bill Richey, veteran security guard officer, who shares with us valuable information about how to become a security guard, and what it takes.

Bill Richey has degrees in criminal justice and political science, which he earned from Lane Community College. If you’d like to find a similar program in criminal justice and law enforcement, check out our free school security training search tool here.

Security Officer Job Description

Security Officer Tools

Security Guard Qualifications

How to Become an Armed Security Guard in New York

To apply for a Special Armed Guard Security Card in the State of New York (which enables you to carry a firearm while on duty as a security guard), you must complete all of the following before you can apply:

• Possess a valid New York State pistol license.
• Take an 8-hour “pre-assignment” training course. If you already possess your Security Guard Registration Card (unarmed), then you have already met this particular requirement.
• Complete an additional 47 hours firearms training course.

Again, all of the above must be completed before applying.

Additionally, every year after you are given a valid Armed Security Guard Card, you will need to complete 8 hours of additional “maintenance” training to keep your registration valid.

For your training, you can contact any of these approved security guard schools in New York (PDF file). The schools on this approved list can be used for the 8 hour pre-assignment training course, as well as your 47 hour firearms training course. You will see which schools have firearm training available in the PDF file above.

The Application Process

The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services is where you will actually apply for your Armed Security Guard Card after you’ve met all of the requirements.

Along with your application, you will need to submit your fingerprint for your background check. This is done through something called L-1 Enrollment Services, which help you electronically scan your fingerprint, and they’ll give you receipts for proof that you include in your application.

Then, you can use the Employee Statement and Security Guard Employer Application to apply. Be sure to check the “armed security guard” box when you are applying (see below):

New York State Pistol License

You can visit the State of New York Police Firearms – Pistol Permit Bureau website for information about obtaining a New York State Pistol License. The application for the pistol license can be seen on the right hand side of the page.

References:

• New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
• New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services
• State of New York Police Firearms – Pistol Permit Bureau

Security Guard Requirements in New York

In order to become a security guard in the State of New York, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a citizen or resident alien of the U.S.
• Pass an FBI background check (with no serious convictions or felonies)
• Submit your fingerprint through L-1 Enrollment Services (more on this below)
• Take an 8-hour “pre-assignment” training course, which you must complete and pass prior to applying to the Department of State for a Security Guard Registration Card.

After you have your registration card in hand, you can then begin work as a security guard. Within the first 90 days after employment, you must complete an additional 16 hours of on-the-job training.

Lastly, every year after that you need to complete 8 hours of additional “maintenance” training to keep your registration valid.

Additionally, for your security guard training, you can contact any of these approved security guard schools in New York (PDF file). The schools on this approved list can be used for the 8 hour pre-assignment training, your 16 hours of additional on-the-job-training, as well as your annual maintenance training. School fees will apply.

Please note that all classes must be attended live. There are no approved online training schools available in New York, and taking an online course approved for another state does not qualify as well.

The Application Process

The New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services is where you will actually apply for your security guard registration card after your initial 8-hours of training.

Along with your application, you will need to submit your fingerprint for your background check. This is done through something called L-1 Enrollment Services, which help you electronically scan your fingerprint, and they’ll give you receipts for proof that you include in your application.

Then, you can use the Employee Statement and Security Guard Employer Application (PDF) to apply.

Registration fees will cost:

• $36.00 for Security Guard Registration ($25 for renewal, every two years)

Must be paid via money order, company check, or cashier’s check. No personal checks or credit cards. Checks payable to NYS Department of State.

Fingerprinting fees will cost:

• Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Fee: $75.00
• FBI Fee: $19.25
• Fingerprint Vendor Fee: $11.50
• Total: $105.75

Check, money order or credit card. Checks payable to L-1 Enrollment Services.

Again, after you receive your registration card, you can then begin work as a security guard. Within the first 90 days, you’ll need to complete an additional 16 hours of training.

References

• New York State Department of State

How to Become an Armed Guard in California – Firearm Permit Application Process

To apply for a firearm permit in the State of California, you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent legal alien status.
2. Pass a 14 hour training course in the carrying and use of firearms.
3. Submit a firearm permit application, pay the $80 application fee, and submit a Security Guard Registration w/Firearm Permit Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan site operator. A $38 Firearm Eligibility application, $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.

The firearm training course is 8 hours of classroom training, and 6 hours on the firing range.

The training course covers the following subjects:

• Moral and Legal Aspects
• Firearms Terminology
• Weapon Handling and Shooting Fundamentals
• Emergency Procedures
• Range Training

The course must be given by a Bureau-certified firearms training instructor at a Bureau-certified training facility, and you will complete a written and range exam at the end of the course.

Please note that you are allowed to apply for guard registration and a firearm permit at the same time, for a total fee of $219.

You may not carry a gun on duty without having been issued a firearm permit by the Bureau. Also, a firearm permit issued by the Bureau does not authorize you to carry a concealed weapon. You may not carry a concealed weapon on duty without a Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW) issued by local authorities, nor carry a caliber handgun not listed on your firearm permit.

Note: A firearms qualification card expires two years from the date it was issued. An applicant must requalify four times during the life of the permit: twice during the first year after the date of issuance, and twice during the second year. Requalifications must be at least four months apart.

Reference: Security Guard Fact Sheet – Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

Security Guard Requirements in California

In order to apply for security guard registration in the State of California and work as an unarmed security guard, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Undergo a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and
• Complete a 40-hour course of required training. The training and exam may be administered by any private patrol operator or by a certified training facility.

40 Hour Security Guard Training Requirement

EXPEDITE PROCESSING ONLINE

In order to speed up the security guard application and fingerprinting process, the following steps should be followed:

STEP 1

The security guard must have received the eight (8) hour “Power to Arrest ” training and passed the examination.

STEP 2

The security guard applicant, private patrol operator or the training facility must submit the security guard application online here. The online application is sent electronically to the Bureau.

Breakdown of fees paid online:

• Security Guard Application Fee: $50.00
• Online Convenience Fee: $1.00
• TOTAL: $51.00

STEP 3

The security guard applicant must 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.

Breakdown of fees paid at Live Scan site:

• Department of Justice Fingerprint Fee: $32.00
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Fee: $19.00
• TOTAL: $51.00

Live Scan site locations and forms are available at https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/livescan/index.shtml

Note: Live Scan sites may charge a Live Scan submission processing fee. The Bureau does not set the fee amount.

STEP 4

Once the Bureau has received the online application and criminal history clearances, the cleared security guard will appear on the Bureau’s Web site. The security guard, private patrol operator or training facility can verify the Bureau’s approval by checking the Bureau’s DCA License Search.

Once the security guard registration has been cleared and appears on the Bureau’s Web site, a screen-print from the Web site may be made and used as an interim security guard registration. The security guard can then be placed on assignment. The actual security guard registration will be mailed to the applicant and should be received in 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

NORMAL PROCESSING

You may also submit your application to the Bureau the traditional way:

• Submit your completed security guard application, a $50 registration fee and a Security Guard Live Scan form signed by the Live Scan operator (see above). A $32 DOJ fingerprint processing fee and a $19 FBI fingerprint processing fee must be paid at the Live Scan site.
• Send your application package to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, P.O. Box 989002, West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002.

Applications for registration as a security guard are available from private patrol operators or training facilities certified by BSIS.

Armed Security Guard Training Requirements

In order to become an armed security guard and carry a firearm with you while on duty, you must complete additional hours of training that specializes in firearm handling and safety. When you complete your training, you will be given a card that allows you to legally carry a firearm while on duty.

These training hours are in addition to the training needed in order to become a basic security guard. They will include hours spent learning how to handle and fire a weapon.

The training programs to become an armed security guard vary from state to state, as well as the number of hours required during that training, but all involve a rigorous, multi-point background check to make sure you are qualified to carry a firearm.

Applications to become an armed security guard must be done through your state’s Department of Justice or Bureau of Security.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming an Armed Security Guard?

There are a number of good reasons why you should consider going through with the intensive training required to carry a firearm while on duty.

First and foremost, you will get paid more. This simple reason alone is why many unarmed security guards go through the additional training.

Secondly, you will have more opportunities for career advancement. There are many other types of security jobs available (again, that pay more) that are only open to those who are qualified to carry a firearm.

Thirdly, you will be more protected. Hopefully, you will not have to ever use your firearm while on duty, but the truth is that you may be put in a dangerous situation that a gun may help resolve. Sometimes, just having a firearm present with you can minimize dangerous situations while you’re on duty, even if it just stays in your holster.

What Will Firearms Training Teach Me?

Formal firearms training will teach you about weapons retention, self defense, and certain laws regarding the use of your firearm.

Weapons retention is all about how to keep your gun safe during an attack. It’s scary to think about, but your gun can be taken from you and used against you. The training will help you learn how to retain your gun in dangerous situations, as well as how to make sure it’s secure and locked properly while you carry it.

Self defense is self explanatory, but essentially you’ll learn techniques that will help you defend yourself, both with and without your firearm. Many of you have no prior experience with a firearm, so you will be shooting at the firing range so you can at least get comfortable with how it feels. Some people find that when they get to this point, carrying a gun is just too much for them and not something they want to get involved with.

Lastly, there are a lot of laws involved with how you carry your gun, and how and when you can use it. The exact laws vary from state to state, but they are all important to know, not only because knowing them will help you pass the firearms training test and earn your card, but because they are in place to help save lives and keep you and everyone else around you safe.

Where Do I Get Armed Security Guard Training?

If you are a former police officer, licensed private investigator, peace officer or military personnel, you are exempt from the training hours that are required to become an armed security guard. You will still have to register through the State, however, to obtain your card to hold a firearm.

If you are not one of the above, you will again have to complete the hours of training required by your State.

To understand what’s required in the state that you reside, please click on your state from the list below.

Armed Security Guard Jobs

Once training is complete, the next step for licensed armed guards is to find a job. As stated above, once the license to work as an armed guard is obtained, there are jobs out there for people who are licensed to work in this capacity. It is simply a matter of finding, applying for and interviewing for these positions. There are companies who hire armed guards, there are also individuals or businesses who are looking for properly licensed guards. Most businesses and even individuals go through major security guard companies to locate a guard, however,some armed guards are able to hire themselves out without the need to a large company back them. Sometimes these freelance armed guards are able to find higher paying jobs, however it may be more difficult than simply applying to work for a security company. Job sites like indeed, simply hired and monster are great sites to look for armed guard jobs.These sites allow you to look for job openings and/or upload your resume for those seeking an armed guard to find. These sites are a great asset to those who have already achieved their license and are simply looking for work.

Armed Security Guard Companies

There are many different security companies out there. Some security companies (like ADT) are looking to hire guards to work directly for them in the capacity in which their business lends. Other companies, like G4S, hire security guards and then hire those guards out to other businesses (like nuclear power plants, fortune 500 companies etc.), these guards work at a business or location under the umbrella of the company that hired them.

Here is a list of other companies that hire armed guards in the United States and what they are looking to do/who they are looking to hire:

• ACADEMI: this is a privately owned American security company that works all over the world. It is highly militarized in a sense, and is looking for individuals with military experience.These are in a sense paid privately run military personnel. They have been known to work with state and federal military, but also simply seek to offer: “stability and protection to people and locations experiencing turmoil.” The website is: www.academi.com
• Andrews International: this company started in Los Angeles, but has locations all over the US. It offers security to “national landmarks, major tourist attractions, industrial sites, educational and financial institutions, healthcare facilities, and other locations where security stakes and client expectations are high.” The website is: www.andrewsinternational.com
• Brink’s Company: Brink’s does more than home security, they provide airport security, cash management, etc. They have been around since 1859, providing protection for horse drawn carriages carrying money. They have come a long way since those days, and working for Brinks is a prestigious position in security. The website is: www.brinks.com
• AlliedBarton: is a private security department that has become very successful throughout the US. The Company provides guards for the protection of anything from schools to chemical industries and everything in between. The website is: www.aus.com
• ADT: arguably the largest home security company in the United States. They need and rely on armed guards as part of their security infrastructure. The website is: www.adt.com

In addition to these groups, and for those armed guards looking for more serious security work, there are companies that hire people for other private almost military type organizations that hire people to serve and protect the world. Some of the most well-known and successful groups are companies such as G4S,ICTS, GK Sierra, Triple Canopy etc. These companies are known for hiring the best armed guards. If you are looking to go into armed security to make a difference in the world, to serve and protect (but don’t want to work for the federal government by going into the military, or have already done that) these companies may be a great option for you.

How Do I Become a Security Guard?

To become a security guard, you must first meet the eligibility requirements required to become one. They are:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must have a clean record. A criminal history background profile check will be performed when you apply.
• You must complete the required training.

The required training to become a security guard varies from state to state.

For example, in California, before anything you must first complete an 8-hour “Power to Arrest” security guard training course and pass a related exam. At this point, you can then apply to become a security guard in the state of California, however additional training is required after you are hired in order to complete the security guard application process.

Within the first 30 days, you must complete 16 more hours of training, followed by another 16 hours within the first 6 months. In total, this is 40 hours of required training.

In the state of New York, the security guard training is structured just a little differently. Like in California, if you have no previous law enforcement training (in New York), then you are required to do an 8-hour pre-assignment training course before you can get hired as a security guard.

Then, within the first 90 days, you are required to take an additional 16 hours of training. And just to give you an idea, if you would like to hold a firearm as a security guard in the state of New York, you will need an additional 47 hours of training on top of everything else.

Where Do You Apply to Become a Security Guard?

Applications to become a security guard are usually located in a  Bureau of Security or Division of Criminal Justice for each respective state. Luckily, all of that information, including printable applications and more detailed, step by step instructions about how to proceed with your application are available online on those States’ websites.

Where Do You Find Training to Become a Security Guard?

The initial 8-hour training and exam can be performed offline at a certified training facility, or online on many of the certified training websites available to you. Training online may be the easiest and most convenient for you, since it can be done in the comfort of your own home.

On your State’s Department of Justice or Bureau of Security website, there will most likely be a list of the approved offline training facilities available to help you.

For the additional training that is required, you also have the option of fulfilling those requirements online or offline, however please check with your State as rules may vary for what is allowed.

Security guard training can be a nuisance because we know you want to get started with your career right away, however you will learn a great deal of information that you can apply to your future position as a security guard that you will be thankful for.

Keep at it, and use the following information below to find out more detailed information for your respective state.

Security Guard Training Job Description

There are many job descriptions for a security guard, but generally it lines up with the following:

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules.

A Security Guard is expected to circulate among visitors, patrons and employees to preserve order and protect property. They may be required to use force to apprehend or evict any violators from a premises if warnings are not taken seriously.

What You Must Know Before You Begin Security Guard Training

Some Security Guards must know how to operate detecting devices to screen individuals and prevent passage of prohibited articles into restricted areas. In some cases, Security Guards are expected to be able to drive motor vehicles to escort individuals to specified locations and to provide personal protection.

A Security Guard must inspect and adjust security systems, equipment, and machinery to ensure operational use and to detect evidence of tampering. Some Security Guards drive and guard armored vehicle to transport money and valuables to prevent theft and ensure safe delivery.

A Security Guard must be capable of writing reports about the daily activities and irregularities such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons or unusual occurrences. He or she must be well versed in the English Language, able to read and write with proper grammar and spelling.

In addition, many Security Guards are required to have Computer skills – using word processing and spreadsheet programs for database entries.

While on duty, a Security Guard must call the police or fire departments in cases of emergency. Usually, a guard cannot make an official arrest, which is why fast thinking and good communication skills are important when contacting the police or fire department.

A Security Guard is also expected to have knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

As mentioned earlier, the Security Guard must have good communication skills since they are working with all different types of people of different ethnic backgrounds, beliefs and understandings. The Security Guard must show great principles and show adequate processes for providing customer and personal services. The Security Guard must provide help for customer needs make assessment of situations, and above all – have a quality of standards for services that he/she provides.

Finally, a Security Guard must have full knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. These things are imperative for a Security Guard to understand, because these rules and regulations are the basis for all proper actions taken as the Security Guard.