Arizona Security Guard Requirements

Licensing qualifications include:

  • Being 18 years of age or older.
  • Be a US citizen or legal resident.
  • Criminal history check.
  • Completing the correct paperwork.
  • Complete the eight-hour pre-assignment unarmed training course.

You must submit your security guard license application before doing your criminal history check to avoid processing delays. Your criminal history background check is conducted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Guard cards are issued for a period of 2 years, and guards should start the renewal process 60 days before expiration to ensure there is no gap in time.

ARMED SECURITY GUARD REQUIREMENTS IN ARIZONA

To become an armed security guard in Arizona, you must complete state-required security training. Applicants must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Submit fingerprints.
  • Submit two passport-style photos.
  • Submit proof of identification such as a copy of your driver’s license or passport
  • Former military personnel must submit a copy of their DD-214 to be armed.
  • Not have been convicted of a felony, sexual offense, or crime that questions the honesty and integrity of the person.
  • Take and pass the required test for being armed.

ARIZONA SECURITY GUARD TRAINING

Arizona requires unarmed security guards to attend eight hours of training with a state certified instructor. The training will educate the applicant in the security procedures that will allow them to perform the duties of an unarmed security guard and provide state-certified training needed to be issued the two-year unarmed security guard license. The training will include:

  • Orientation (guard industry)
  • Criminal Law & Laws of Arrest
  • Uniform & Grooming
  • Communications
  • Use of Force
  • General Security Guard Procedures
  • Ethics
  • Crime Scene Preservations & First Response
  • Emergency Response Procedures

For those looking to become an armed security guard, an additional class must be taken. This is the 16-hour armed security guard course. It’s two, eight-hour days and includes a live fire range qualification and written test. The training course will cover force laws, firearm marksmanship, legal issues, liability, and more.

Further, unarmed training must be completed first before taking the armed course. You do not need to have your paperwork submitted, but you must have completed the unarmed training and have your training verification form to show it. All armed guards are required to take the annual refresher training course each calendar year. It includes written tests and range qualifications.