Does this course count as my state's guard training?

No. Only training from a provider your state approves counts. For example, California's guard card is issued by BSIS after approved Power to Arrest training, and Florida's Class D license needs 40 hours at a licensed school. This course is background knowledge only.

Can I use my guard license in another state?

Each state runs its own licensing system with its own rules. Before you work in a new state, check with that state's regulator what you need.

What extra steps are needed to work as an armed guard?

Armed work needs a separate permit or license and firearms training, such as a Class G license in Florida, a 47-hour course in New York or Level III training in Texas.

Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?

No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace any licence, certification or training required by law.

US Security Guard Licensing Course 2026

Question 1 of 25

Is there one national security guard license that is valid in every US state?

Yes, it is issued by the FBI after a background check
No, because no state requires guards to be licensed
Yes, but only for guards who carry a firearm on duty
No, each state sets its own rules, and they vary

Show answer

Answer: D. No, each state sets its own rules, and they vary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says most states require guards to be licensed by the state where they work. Each state sets its own rules.

Question 2 of 25

In California, which state bureau registers security guards and issues the guard card?

The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)
The Department of Motor Vehicles, Occupational Unit
The county sheriff's office in the county where they work
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), Licensing Section

Show answer

Answer: A. The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS)

BSIS, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, handles security guard registrations in California.

Question 3 of 25

Florida uses letter classes for its licenses. Which class is for an unarmed security officer?

Class K
Class G
Class D
Class M

Show answer

Answer: C. Class D

Florida Statutes 493.6303 sets the training for a Class D (security officer) license. Class G is the separate firearm license.

Question 4 of 25

Which Florida department licenses security officers under Chapter 493?

The Department of Law Enforcement only
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Show answer

Answer: B. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Section 493.6101 defines "Department" in Chapter 493 as the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Question 5 of 25

Which agency regulates private security officers in Texas?

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
The Texas Workforce Commission

Show answer

Answer: B. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The Texas DPS Private Security Program licenses security officers under Occupations Code Chapter 1702.

Question 6 of 25

In Virginia, which agency regulates unarmed security officers?

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)
The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
The Virginia State Police, Firearms Transaction Unit
The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Show answer

Answer: B. The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)

Virginia's Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) sets the training and registration rules for unarmed security officers.

Question 7 of 25

Which New York state department registers security guards?

The Division of State Police
The Department of Motor Vehicles
The Department of State
The Department of Labor

Show answer

Answer: C. The Department of State

New York security guards apply to the Department of State, through its Division of Licensing Services.

Question 8 of 25

What is the minimum age for a security guard license or registration in California, Florida and New York?

16
19
18
21

Show answer

Answer: C. 18

All three states set 18 as the minimum age (BSIS fact sheet, Florida Statutes 493.6106 and New York GBL 89-h).

Question 9 of 25

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where might the minimum age be 21 instead of 18?

Only at airports, seaports and large train stations
Only for guards who work at public schools and colleges
In some states and gaming facilities, for casino work
In every state, for any guard who works night shifts

Show answer

Answer: C. In some states and gaming facilities, for casino work

The BLS notes that some states and gaming facilities require a minimum age of 21 to work in a casino.

Question 10 of 25

How does California check the criminal history of a guard applicant?

By a written form that the applicant signs at home and mails
By a short interview with an officer at the local police station
By Live Scan fingerprints checked by the state DOJ and the FBI
By asking two former employers to send reference letters

Show answer

Answer: C. By Live Scan fingerprints checked by the state DOJ and the FBI

BSIS requires a criminal history check through the California Department of Justice and the FBI, done with Live Scan fingerprinting.

Question 11 of 25

A new California applicant wants a guard card. Which course must come before the registration is issued?

A first aid and CPR course
Power to Arrest training
A 16-hour on-the-job course
A 40-hour firearms course

Show answer

Answer: B. Power to Arrest training

BSIS requires Power to Arrest training, which includes appropriate use of force, before a guard registration is issued.

Question 12 of 25

How many hours of security officer skills training must a California guard finish within six months of registration?

8 hours
16 hours
32 hours
40 hours

Show answer

Answer: C. 32 hours

BSIS requires 32 hours of skills training within six months, including four mandatory 4-hour courses.

Question 13 of 25

How much professional training does a Florida Class D applicant need, and where?

40 hours, at a school or facility licensed by the department
16 hours, on the job with the employer who has hired them
24 hours, at any community college in the state of Florida only
8 hours, online from any training provider in the country

Show answer

Answer: A. 40 hours, at a school or facility licensed by the department

Florida Statutes 493.6303 requires at least 40 hours of professional training at a school or training facility licensed by the department.

Question 14 of 25

In New York, which course must a guard complete before their first assignment?

A 4-hour first aid and CPR course
A 47-hour firearms training course
An 8-hour pre-assignment course
A 16-hour on-the-job training course

Show answer

Answer: C. An 8-hour pre-assignment course

New York General Business Law 89-n requires an eight-hour pre-assignment training course before a guard starts work.

Question 15 of 25

When must a New York guard complete the on-the-job training course?

Within two years of getting their registration
Within one week of the day they are hired
Within 90 working days of starting work
Before they take the 8-hour pre-assignment course

Show answer

Answer: C. Within 90 working days of starting work

GBL 89-n requires on-the-job training of 16 to 40 hours within 90 working days of employment.

Question 16 of 25

In Texas, which officers must complete Level II training?

Only the officers who carry a firearm while on duty
Only the managers and owners of security companies
Every security officer, whether armed or unarmed
Only personal protection officers (bodyguards)

Show answer

Answer: C. Every security officer, whether armed or unarmed

Texas DPS requires Level II for all noncommissioned officers, commissioned officers and personal protection officers.

Question 17 of 25

Texas commissioned (armed) security officers need Level III training. How long is it at minimum?

45 hours, with a test that includes a course of fire
15 hours, with a written test only and no shooting
100 hours, taken at a state police training academy in Austin
8 hours, with no test at the end of the course

Show answer

Answer: A. 45 hours, with a test that includes a course of fire

Texas DPS sets Level III at a minimum of 45 hours plus a test that includes a course of fire.

Question 18 of 25

How many hours of entry-level training does a Virginia unarmed security officer need?

40 hours of course 01A
4 hours of course 01S
18 hours of course 01E
8 hours of course 01I

Show answer

Answer: C. 18 hours of course 01E

DCJS requires 18 hours of entry-level training in course 01E, Security Officer Core Subjects. In-service training is 4 hours of course 01I.

Question 19 of 25

A new Virginia officer is working on a 90-day authorization before registration. What must they carry on duty?

The authorization document and a photo ID
A copy of their job contract with the employer
A copy of their high school diploma or GED
A signed letter from a local police officer

Show answer

Answer: A. The authorization document and a photo ID

DCJS says the 90-day authorization document and a photo ID must be carried on duty until a temporary or permanent registration is issued.

Question 20 of 25

In New York, how long is the firearms course for a special armed guard registration card?

47 hours
90 hours
16 hours
8 hours

Show answer

Answer: A. 47 hours

GBL 89-n requires a 47-hour firearms course, plus an extra 8-hour in-service course each year for armed guards.

Question 21 of 25

A Florida security officer wants to carry a firearm on duty. Which extra license do they need?

A Class D license only, with no other license needed
A hunting license issued by the state wildlife agency
A Class G license, with its own firearms training
A concealed carry permit issued by another state

Show answer

Answer: C. A Class G license, with its own firearms training

Florida's Class G license is needed to carry a firearm as a licensee, and it has its own firearms training requirements. Class D is the unarmed security officer license.

Question 22 of 25

A California guard's registration is approved, but the card has not come in the mail. How can they work?

With a printout of the BSIS approval and a valid photo ID
With a letter from their employer saying they were hired
They must stay home and wait for the card to arrive
With their training certificate and a copy of the application

Show answer

Answer: A. With a printout of the BSIS approval and a valid photo ID

BSIS lets a guard work with a printout of the Bureau's approval from its website plus valid photo ID while waiting for the card.

Question 23 of 25

A California guard forgets to renew and is now more than 60 days past the expiration date. What happens?

They get one more year to renew, as long as they keep working
The card renews by itself, and nothing else needs to be done
The registration is canceled and they must apply as new
They pay a small fee and keep working while it is processed

Show answer

Answer: C. The registration is canceled and they must apply as new

BSIS cancels a registration that is not renewed within 60 days after it expires. It cannot be renewed, so the person must apply again.

Question 24 of 25

A Florida Class D license has been expired for more than one year. What does the officer need to do to work again?

Take a 4-hour refresher course online and send in the form
Only pay a late fee to the department, then keep working
Apply as a new applicant and complete the 40 hours again
Nothing, as long as their employer agrees to keep them on

Show answer

Answer: C. Apply as a new applicant and complete the 40 hours again

Florida Statutes 493.6303 treats a license expired for 1 year or more as a new application, and the 40-hour training must be completed again.

Question 25 of 25

Under Texas Occupations Code 1702.130, a security company's employees may not wear a uniform that does what?

Uses dark blue or black fabric
Includes a name tag or a shoulder patch
Contains the designation "police"
Shows the company's name or logo

Show answer

Answer: C. Contains the designation "police"

Section 1702.130 bars uniforms, titles and ID cards containing the word "police," and anything meant to give the impression of a link to a government.

US Security Guard Licensing Course 2026

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