Security Guard Training Requirements in Iowa (Unarmed)

Unarmed security guard applicants in the state of Iowa are required to have a license. To obtain a license, applicants should be able to provide the requirements and meet the standards set by the state. The code of Iowa Chapter 80 A, Iowa Administrative code 661 Chapter 2, affirms that the applicants should complete personal and training requirements to qualify.

Listed below are the basic criteria for license acquisition.  

• Unarmed security guard applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Applicants should be able to present a high school diploma or any equivalency certificate.
• Applicants should submit their application along with their current photo for identification.
• He or she must submit to a background check done by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
• He or she must submit fingerprints for investigation purposes.
• Applicants should be citizens of the United States, or if a legal alien, should provide a working permit.
• Applicants should not be found with records of crime involvement, misdemeanors and felony convictions.
• He or she must not have any history of drug and alcohol addiction.
• He or she must be emotionally and mentally sound.
• Applicants must be able to complete the state certified training course and pass all written examinations.

Application Information

All applicants will have to submit an application form which can be obtained from their hiring employers or downloaded from the Iowa Department of Public Safety website. Some can request the application through mail, given that they pay the required amount of mailing fee to the Department. This application will hold necessary information about the applicants such as personal history, contact information, and education.

For those applicants who are not under any agency or are self-employed, the Iowa Department of Public Safety requires them to pass a certification examination and obtain a $5,000 worth of security bond from any bonding company of their preference. The bonding proof must be attached to the applicants’ application.

Along with these requirements, applicants should be able to pay the necessary fees listed below.

-  $100 for licensing fee

-  $30 for fingerprint processing

-  $10 for application fee

-  $15 for application fee (via mail)

Security Guard Training Course

A training course certified by the state is required to be completed by every unarmed security guard applicants. This should be done in a facility accredited by the state.

Basic security guard training involves the following:

•  Legal and ethical issues
•  Proper and limited use of force
•  Detainment of criminal suspects
•  How to deal with medical emergencies (first aid and CPR)
•  How to deal with fire emergencies
•  Reporting to the authorities
•  Public dealings

After the training, applicants must pass a written examination. All issued license will be valid for two years and must be renewed 30 days prior to the set expiration date.