How to Become an Armed Security Guard: Steps & Requirements
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts over 160,000 new jobs per year in the security and surveillance sector over the next decade. This is partly due to an uptick in crimes like shoplifting, which reportedly increased 24% across the U.S. in the first half of 2024.
But brick-and-mortar businesses aren’t the only ones in need of security. Corporations must keep their assets and employees safe, while event venues must account for possible issues like crowd control and emergencies.
Some of these settings can be adequately protected by unarmed security professionals, whose mere presence and de-escalation training may be enough to deter potential threats. However, armed security guards are usually a better choice for higher-risk scenarios. This includes healthcare facilities and hospitals, organizations dealing with high-value assets (like banks or jewelers), facilities in regions with higher crime rates, or large-scale events.
With the need for security professionals rising, now is a great time to consider a career in this sector and learn how to become an armed security guard.
What is an armed security guard?
Armed security guards are highly trained professionals with the certifications and skills to carry and use weapons (including firearms and tasers) responsibly. Business owners, government agencies, event venues, and other organizations rely on armed guards to protect their property, assets, and people, ensuring a secure environment in even the most challenging situations.
For example, healthcare facilities such as emergency or psychiatric services might need armed security to help manage high-stress scenarios in which patients or family members behave in irrational and even violent ways. Corporate offices, industrial facilities, and government agencies may also need them to protect valuable assets, equipment, and critical infrastructure from theft or attack.
Once security professionals complete training, they are qualified to offer various services. Most guards perform critical duties like patrolling, surveilling, and using non-lethal means to deter crime. However, armed guards also complete firearms training and carry weapons to deal with the added dangers of high-risk situations.
Many types of businesses, including banks, healthcare facilities, schools, government offices, retailers, and private organizations, depend on armed guard services.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an armed security guard
There are several key steps involved in becoming an armed security guard. Once you meet the basic requirements, you must complete any specialized training and security guard registration required by your state before you can start applying for positions. Each state has its own requirements for training and licensing, though employers may require additional training and certifications.
Firearms training is essential, and you may need additional instruction for advanced positions like PalAmerican’s Master Security Officer. Here’s what the process entails.
Step 1: Meet basic requirements
The requirements to become a security guard vary by state. You must meet certain age and education requirements and prove U.S. citizenship or legal residency in all cases. You must also have a clean criminal record and be willing to submit to a background check.
If you’re a former police officer or military veteran, you might be a good candidate for a security position. Physical capability is also desirable, as security professionals often need moderate strength and endurance to perform their job duties. These positions can also present high-stress situations, so psychological readiness is indispensable.
Step 2: Complete security guard training
Security guards may be expected to complete multiple levels of training to advance, including various testing, certifications, or degrees—depending on the type of training.
Initial training could include pre-employment courses designed to teach the basics of patrolling, legal regulations, fire safety, emergency response procedures, and physical security tactics. Armed guards must also complete state-approved firearms training courses.
Training, such as that offered at PalAmerican, can include arrest control and de-escalation techniques, lethal best practices, the Use-of-Force continuum, and conducting a private citizen arrest.
Further training may include programs specific to industries like healthcare and on-site training for particular clients. Security employers committed to ongoing training offer various courses—like pre-assignment industry training, site training, management training, and others—to help employees advance.
Some accredited academies and institutions focus on security training, such as the AXON, Police Science Institute, the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), and Goodwill of California. Before you choose, it’s important to understand that different states have different requirements.
California’s requirements, for example, include “power to arrest” training. In Florida, armed guards must complete an additional 8 hours of firearms-focused training, while Colorado requires 80 hours in this category.
Step 3: Obtain necessary licenses and certifications
Each state has its own rules regarding licensure. Many require state-approved training to obtain a security guard registration card. Certain jobs may demand specific training and credentialing, and you may or may not need a firearms permit to carry a gun as an armed guard.
Obtaining a license typically requires you to complete mandated training, submit an application and fees, and undergo a background check. A drug test may also be required. Many states also have guidelines for license renewal, including continuing education.
How can armed security guard hopefuls enhance their qualifications to stand out in this field?
Marc Brooks, a tactical trainer for PalAmerican in Colorado, says they should start by reading course materials and policies to better understand the role and learn how they can stand out from the competition. They can also hone their skills by scheduling sessions at shooting ranges.
Step 4: Undergo firearms training
Completing state-regulated firearms training is crucial to becoming an armed security professional. In addition to learning marksmanship, these courses typically touch on safe weapons handling and de-escalation techniques. In some cases, psychological evaluations may be compulsory. Firearms training will vary by state, with some states requiring annual or bi-annual shooting tests.
According to Brooks, firearms handling is a depreciative skill that requires frequent testing (such as bi-annually). He also emphasizes the difference between controlled training and real-world application: “Going to the range, loading your gun, and shooting cold with no warm-up — this can more accurately simulate a real-life scenario.”
Brooks says training for an armed security guard should include de-escalation skills, such as talking, mechanical skills, and taser use before reaching for a gun. Soft hand techniques like MOAB (management of aggressive behavior) can also be helpful. Organizations like PalAmerican look for the right demeanor in security guards and offer training in-house.
Step 5: Apply for armed security jobs
Armed security guards may apply for various jobs with firms or private employers. You can start by looking on job boards like Indeed, checking private security companies’ careers pages, or attending job fairs to network and meet prospective employers.
Applying with a private security company like PalAmerican is a great way to enter the industry. These dedicated security firms provide employees with opportunities for training to improve essential skills and advance through internal promotion.
You could also research specific employers you’re interested in and tailor your resume to their requirements, highlighting the skills and experience that meet their criteria. You can often find job information by visiting the careers page of a particular company’s website.
Is being an armed guard worth it?
Becoming an armed guard may be ideal for retired police officers or military veterans who already hold some of the necessary skills and experience. It is also an opportunity for candidates looking toward a career in law enforcement to gain valuable experience in a related field. Showing that you have a background in providing safety and protective services while dedicating yourself to others can help you stand out when eventually interviewing for a law enforcement position. It can also be an exciting career path for those who feel a strong calling to protect others, provided they understand the potential challenges.
What are some common challenges in obtaining firearms certifications for armed security guards?
According to Brooks, early roadblocks could include an inability to pass background checks or find training courses that work with your schedule. In addition, passing a firearms course might not be as easy as you think, and language barriers or cultural differences could be an issue for some candidates.
Financial demands might also be problematic. Armed guards usually have to purchase their own firearm to ensure they’re comfortable with it and legally register it to their name. This could set you back several hundred dollars or more between the gun, its holster, a support belt, extra magazines, and so on.
How much is a security license?
Costs for training programs and fees to obtain security guard licenses vary from one state to the next. You can expect to pay a couple hundred dollars for training, depending on the course you choose, along with licensing fees. These fees can range from under $100 to a couple hundred dollars or more, and they may also include costs for applications, background checks, and fingerprinting.
How much do armed security guards make in the U.S.?
On average, armed security guards in the U.S. earn about $48,000 per year. The estimated salary range is between $35,000 and $67,000, depending on location, training, and experience.
Where do security guards carry guns?
According to Brooks, the presence of firearms can vary depending on the type of contract agreement between clients and security vendors. Armed requirements are typically determined by the property or facility being guarded, based on a history of criminal activity, insurance, or other regulations.
The presence of armed security guards also varies according to the industry in which security officers work—such as healthcare and government—as certain sectors are considered at higher risk for mass casualty events or active shooters.
Tracking changing laws
Laws and regulations on firearms are constantly changing, especially as the political climate shifts. Because of this, Brooks says it’s important to pay attention to revised statutes that govern what armed security officers can and can’t do within a given jurisdiction.
For example, Massachusetts is a state that requires a license to carry a firearm for security purposes. However, if you work in Boston, you are required to attend an additional certification course by the Boston Police to work as an armed security officer within city limits.
We recommend keeping up to date on changing gun laws in your state. Here are a few state sites you can visit to gather more information:
Plotting your career path
Becoming an armed security officer could be exciting and fulfilling if you have the right disposition, are prepared to complete the required training, and continue learning to advance in your career.
When you train with PalAmerican, you’ll get access to top-notch AXON International-certified instructors, led by our National Director of Training & Development, Robert Kelly, an AXON-certified master instructor.
Firearms qualification occurs semi-annually by our in-house P.O.S.T and NRA Certified Pistol Instructor, and certifications are tracked internally so you never miss a requalification date.
You’ll also get access to promotion-from-within opportunities to propel your security career beyond patrol.
Visit the PalAmerican Armed Guard Services page to learn more about our standards and distinctions, then head to our Careers page to apply to work with us.
