Starting unarmed
Understand the unarmed training path.
Start with the work you plan to do. Training, application paperwork, and licensing are related steps, but they are not interchangeable. Use this guide to organize your questions before choosing a course.
START HERE
Choose the right path.
Considering armed duties
Check the separate training and qualification questions.
Renewing credentials
Plan refresher training and the state renewal process.
KNOW THE DISTINCTION
Training comes before a separate state decision.
The current training rule specifies at least eight hours for a security-officer applicant, subject to applicable exemptions and qualifications. Armed work adds firearms training and qualification requirements. Read the complete official training rule rather than treating this summary as an individual eligibility decision.
Armed-training hours need clarification
The rule states 14 hours for armed applicants; the current application lists eight basic hours plus four initial armed hours. These official sources do not express the requirement consistently. Confirm the complete requirement with the Board and certified trainer before enrolling; do not assume the form’s blocks establish a total. Compare the rule with the current application, training section.
BEFORE YOU ENROLL
Check the course—not just the course title.
- Match the purpose. Tell the academy whether you need initial unarmed, armed, or renewal training. Ask which requirements its course is intended to meet.
- Identify the trainer. Ask for the instructor’s name and certification number, then use the Board’s Certified Trainers Search.
- Confirm the components. Ask which instruction, assessments and practical qualification are included—and what must be completed separately.
- Keep the record. Ask how the completion date, contact hours and trainer details will be recorded for your application.
Use the official starting points. Board training directory · Official verification links · Complete training rule. These checks help you compare a course; they are not an individual eligibility decision.
- Choose your pathMatch training to your intended role
- Prepare your packetUse current official instructions
- Confirm your statusThe Board handles licensing
Prepare for the application
Use the application checklist to organize documents, releases, fingerprints, signatures, and payment. Follow the actual Board forms and instructions for your category. Keep course tuition separate from Board fees.
Keep the boundaries clear
A course certificate is not a government-issued license. The Board decides applications. For temporary-license questions, status, exemptions, or permission to work, use the Board contact page and current application instructions.
Before choosing an academy, ask about delivery format, total cost, assessment rules, completion documentation, accessibility, and cancellation terms. These are practical comparison questions, not additional legal requirements. Compare training providers or explore the guides.
Sources checked October 25, 2026. Requirements and course availability can change; recheck the linked official instructions before acting.
Optional educational guide.
This educational guide does not issue a license or replace official Board requirements. Do not enter Social Security numbers, fingerprints, identification documents, criminal-history details, or completed state applications.
Training rule, Board training/verification pages and linked personal application refreshed October 26, 2026. Use the current official instructions and ask the Board to resolve individual questions or conflicting requirements.