Security Guard Training

Welcome to Security Guard Training 4U! Find out how to get a job as a security guard as well as specific training requirments by state, the hiring process, resume writing, interviews and potential employers.

Job Description for Security Guard Position 

There are two basic types of positions; armed and unarmed. Armed guards are the ones who carry certain types of weapons with them while performing their duties. Unarmed guards do not require weapons or special training programs. There is still training which needs to be completed but it doesn’t consist of gun training and is usually cheaper.  

Applicants interested in becoming an armed guard are required to pass training courses which covers carrying and proper use of firearms. These include weapon handling and shooting fundamentals, emergency procedures and range training.  

Individuals with guard cards are qualified to be employed in many areas covered by the security sector such as office buildings, schools, malls, hotels, airports, bus and train stations and other private facilities. 

Security Guard Training License Information 

Almost all of the States require the applicants to undergo training before obtaining a license. The State itself or other private agencies within the State provide these training courses and other programs to ensure that the applicants are fit for the position. 

Both positions, whether armed or unarmed, require for the applicants to be trained with the basics but the actual requirements depend upon the regulations of the particular State the candidates intend to apply in. Basic training includes legal and ethical issues, how to deal with medical emergencies, how to deal with fire emergencies along with the detainment of suspects. 

Education, Classes and other Requirements to become a Licensed Security Guard 

Requirements for licensing varies among States. Listed below are the common requirements needed in obtaining a license. 

Age Requirements 

• For the unarmed position, the applicant should be at least 18 years of age.  
• For the armed position, the applicant should be at least 21 years of age.  

Educational Attainment 

• Applicants should be able to show a high school diploma or any equivalent documents and certification such as a GED.  

Background Check 

• Applicants are required to undergo specific background checks. If any of the candidates is found with criminal charges or has been convicted with felony, the State will not allow issuance of license.  

Security Guard Training 

• Applicants should be able to complete intensive training courses as required by the State. Training differs among armed and unarmed guards. For armed, training includes professionalism in the field of security, laws involving the use of force, weapons training and types of arrests.  
• For unarmed security personnel, training covers the use of limited force, how to properly report to the authorities and crowd control.  
• Both positions are required to do basic training as mentioned in the security guard training license information.  
• Most licensing bureaus require an 8-hour classroom training for the applicants to be fully prepared by the time they get the job.  

Fingerprints 

         The Federal Bureau of Investigation requires every applicant to submit their fingerprints. This is used to ensure that the applicants have not committed any crime in the past. There are two methods of fingerprinting which are commonly used today. The first method requires applicants to ink-print their finger on a piece of card. This card is submitted to the FBI through mail. The other method however is more efficient and convenient. The fingerprints are captured electronically and are sent directly to the FBI through digital networks. As it may take weeks before you get the result, this step should be processed as soon as possible to prevent delays. 

How much does it Cost to become a Licensed Security Guard? 

Different States require different fees associated in getting a security guard license. Here are the list of selected States along with the amount required for fees including license, application, fingerprint processing and payments for background check. 

License Fee 

Application Fee 

Fingerprint Processing Fee 

Background Check Fee 

Other states have a standard amount of fees when it comes to acquiring security guard license and training applications.  

What States require a Security Guard License? 

Although it is true that almost all States in the U.S. requires all applicants to acquire a license, there are also certain States to which licenses do not apply, just as long as the candidates are able to pass significant training. To know which States require such license, here is the list of some of them in alphabetical order. You should also know that every state has their own licensing board that oversees these matters with different requirements and conditions. 

How long is the Security Guard License Valid for? 

Not all of the States have the same validity period for their guard license. Some states only allows for a two year validation. After this period, the license should be renewed in order to get back on the job. However, there are certain States which offers four years of validity period. In this case, the security guards should be able to take refresher courses every year to prove that they are still fit for the job. Listed below are the States requiring license for security personnel, categorized according to the number of years in which the license is valid. 

2 Years Validity  

• Arizona 
• California 
• Connecticut 
• Delaware 
• Georgia 
• Illinois 
• Iowa 
• Kansas 
• Louisiana 
• Maryland 
• New Jersey 
• New York 
• Pennsylvania 
• Tennessee 
• Texas  

4 Years Validity 

• Alabama 
• Arkansas 

Disqualifications from Obtaining Security Guard License 

There are certain factors that will prevent an applicant from obtaining a license. The State provides standards to be sure that they employ only those people who are fit and credible for the job. Here are the two of the most common misdemeanor that can cause disqualification. 

 Criminal Records 

If the applicant has a criminal record or has been charged with felony prior to the application, the state will not allow him or her to get a guard license. However, this depends upon the weight of the crime and the time which passed since the crime was made. 

 Drug Test Failure 

It is a common protocol for applicants to undergo drug screening or drug tests. If the candidate was not able to pass the test and was caught with evidences and traces of drugs, this will definitely disqualify him or her from acquiring a security guard license. 

Security Guard License Transfer Rules by State 

As it was explained from the beginning, licensing procedures, standards and requirements vary from state to stare. Therefore, licenses are not transferrable. If a current graduate wishes to apply for the same job in another state, he or she will have to re-apply for a license as required, in order to be able to get a job in the same field. 

Related Links:

Security Guard 

Department of Homeland Security