Becoming a security guard is not like most occupations because depending on where you live you may need to get a license from the state in order to be legally employed. Getting your security guard license is not a standard process across all states in America, so its important to know how and where to obtain one. The process will be different depending on the type of security guard that you are looking to get a job as. An unarmed security guard like the traditional retail security guards, corporate guards, mall security officers, and similar positions will have a different set of requirements for a license than an armed security guard would have.
Who Issues a Security Guard License?
Guard licenses are issued by various state government offices or not at all depending on the state that you live and will work in. Each state has a different set of rules and government office that handles the issuance of licenses for guards and security officers. The most common government departments that will handle the requests for licenses are the state's department of public service, department of public safety, department of criminal justice, the department of professional licensing, or some other similar government agency. An easy and great way to research which state office handles the licensing that you will need is to go to your state's online website. From their website you can browse the various departments or search for licensing. If this still does not prove useful for your questions you can usually find a phone number or email address under the "Contact Us" section of the website to ask someone your specific question.
Can I Use a Security Guard School or Training Center?
Ultimately a non-government school or training center will not be able to issue you a license but they can help you meet training requirements as well as help with the application process. In some cases these third party schools or training centers will actually be responsible for getting you licensed if you end up working for them, which makes your job even easier. This is not acceptable or practiced in every state though.
How do I Apply For My License?
Depending on the state you plan to work in, in order to successfully be issued a license, you must first apply to the department that handles the registration and licensing. Today, security guard applications can be filled out and submitted in multiple ways. Almost all departments will accept completed paper applications for your license in person at the departmental office. Many offices will also accept completed applications delivered via U.S. Mail. An even more convenient way to send your application for licensing is to fill it out and send it through the agencies online portal or licensing center.
Are There Any Requirements for Licenses?
Each state makes their own requirements so its important to follow the directions from the licensing department. The requirements will vary but generally you can expect to have to be able to meet the following:
Be 18 years or olderHave a clean criminal historySuccessfully completed any mandatory state trainingSubmit a recent picture and set of fingerprintsFor more details on where to get security guard license for where you live, visit Guard Training HQ which has detailed write ups for all of the different state requirements and processes.