State-approved · 100% online
Online Security Guard Training & Certification School
Get licensed with self-paced, state-approved security guard courses. Meet your state's requirements and start working fast.
Please choose your state to continue.
Credits from the previous site
If you have credits that have not been redeemed from the previous site, contact us at support@securityguardschool.com or 888-778-6334.
Why choose us
Why Security Guards Train with Security Guard School
We are more than just a training provider; we are a career partner for the modern security professional.
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100% Online & Flexible
No classrooms required. Pause and resume your training whenever it fits your schedule.
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State-Approved Curriculum
Accredited programs approved in 11 states, built to meet each state’s licensing standards.
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Career-Focused Skills
40+ specialized electives that help you stand out to employers and win better roles.
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Fast Certification Processing
Get certified quickly so you can start working sooner.
State-Approved Training
Select your state to start security guard training
State-required licensing courses are available in 11 states, with elective courses open to guards nationwide. Click your state on the map to start security guard training.
Choose your state
- AlabamaSecurity Guard SchoolAlabama security guard training
- ArizonaSecurity Guard SchoolArizona security guard training
- CaliforniaSecurity Guard SchoolCalifornia guard card training
- ColoradoSecurity Guard SchoolColorado security guard training
- DelawareSecurity Guard SchoolDelaware security guard training
- GeorgiaSecurity Guard SchoolGeorgia security guard training
- IllinoisSecurity Guard SchoolIllinois PERC card training
- MinnesotaSecurity Guard SchoolMinnesota security guard training
- TennesseeSecurity Guard SchoolTennessee security guard training
- TexasSecurity Guard SchoolTexas security guard training
- UtahSecurity Guard SchoolUtah security guard training
Not in one of these states? Our security elective courses are open to guards nationwide.
Your future role
What Does Security Guard Training Include?
Not just the license. The training prepares you for what the job actually asks of you once you are on site.
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Protect People & Property
Know your legal authority, and its limits, before the moment you need it.
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Respond to Emergencies
Fire, medical and threat situations, handled with a trained first response.
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Patrol & Stay Alert
Read a site, tell normal from abnormal, and deter trouble before it starts.
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Communicate with Confidence
De-escalate face to face, then write the report that holds up afterwards.
From our graduates
Hear From Security Guards Who Started Here
Thousands of working guards took their first course on this page. Here are a few of them, in their own words.
What it is worth
Better training equals higher hourly rates
Companies pay more for certain specializations in your training, and that is exactly what electives qualify you for. Guards who take electives earn 23% more per hour.
$7,176 more in your pocket this year, for the same shifts and the same hours.
Choose your electivesThe company behind the school
Who we are
SecurityGuardSchool.com is owned and operated by City Security Services, a licensed security company in Houston TX with hands-on field experience and a proven training division. Every course is developed from real site expectations and operational standards, helping guards build practical skills that lead to better assignments and greater career opportunities.
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Owned and operated by City Security Services
A licensed security company based in Houston, Texas.
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Built from real site expectations
Every course follows the operational standards guards are held to on shift.
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A proven training division
Practical skills that lead to better assignments and greater career opportunities.
Two ways in
Security guard training for individuals and companies
Whether you are earning your first guard card or certifying a full team, our online security guard courses are built for both paths.
For Individuals
Become a security guard
Take the state-required course for your license, then add electives to earn more. New guards start with the basics, while working officers use our courses to renew and specialize. See how to get a California guard card or whether you need a PERC card in Illinois before you enroll.
- State-required licensing courses
- 40+ career-enhancement electives
- Certificates issued on completion
For Security Companies
Security guard training for companies
Enroll guards in bulk, assign courses to employees, track completion, and manage certificates from one dashboard. Keep your whole team compliant without pulling officers off the schedule for classroom sessions.
- Bulk enrollment and credits
- Employee assignment and progress tracking
- Central certificate management
Curious what the job pays? Read our guide on how much security guards make.
Before you enroll
Frequently Asked Questions
What does security guard training include?
Security guard training includes instruction on emergency response, patrol techniques, surveillance, effective communication, and report writing. It provides the foundational knowledge required to protect property and ensure public safety.
Is security guard training required to get licensed?
Yes, most states require mandatory training before you can apply for a guard card or license. Specific hour requirements vary by state, but completion of an approved course is standard.
Can security guard training be completed online?
Yes, online security guard training is a widely accepted method for certification. It allows you to complete the required coursework at your own pace, providing the same accreditation as in-person classes.
Do security guards need ongoing or annual training?
Many states require ongoing or annual continuing education to keep a license active. Courses like our Annual Refresher ensure you remain compliant with state regulations.
How does security guard certification help with employment?
Certification increases your employability by proving to hiring managers that you are trained, compliant, and ready to work. Employers often prefer candidates who have already completed their initial training and possess advanced skills like Situational Response.
What is the difference between armed and unarmed security training?
Unarmed security training focuses on observation, reporting, and de-escalation. Armed security guards must meet additional, stricter licensing requirements, including specific firearms training which is distinct from standard unarmed coursework.
What questions are asked in a security interview?
In a security interview, hiring managers typically ask a range of questions to assess candidates' qualifications,
experience, and suitability for the security guard position. Here are some common questions you might encounter in a security interview:
1. Tell me about your previous experience in security or related fields.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career in security?
3. How do you stay vigilant and alert during long shifts?
4. Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult or confrontational situation. How did you handle it?
5. What procedures do you follow to ensure the safety and security of the premises you are guarding?
6. How do you prioritize tasks when dealing with multiple security issues simultaneously?
7. Can you describe a time when you noticed a security vulnerability and took proactive steps to address it?
8. What would you do if you witnessed a coworker or colleague violating security protocols?
9. How do you handle interactions with the public, especially in sensitive or potentially confrontational situations?
10. What techniques do you use to de-escalate conflicts or diffuse tense situations?
11. Are you comfortable working alone or as part of a team? Can you give examples?
12. How do you ensure compliance with company policies and regulations while on duty?
13. Can you describe your experience with using security equipment such as CCTV cameras, access control systems, or alarm systems?
14. What do you think are the most important qualities for a security guard to possess?
15. How do you handle high-stress situations or emergencies? Can you provide examples?
These questions are designed to evaluate your knowledge, experience, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and suitability for the security guard role. Be prepared to provide specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills and capabilities. Additionally, demonstrate your understanding of security protocols, procedures, and best practices during the interview.
From the field
Expert Advice for Security Professionals
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Do You Still Need WMD Training for a California Guard Card?
Key Takeaways WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) training is no longer a mandatory pre-assignment requirement for a California Guard Card as of late 2023/early...
Read the guide -
BSIS Power to Arrest & Use of Force Training Requirements (2026 Guide)
Key Takeaways California's BSIS Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force (8-hour) training requires a mandatory 50% in-person component. The 5-hour "Appropriate Use...
Read the guide -
California SB 652 Guard Card Training Requirements for 2026
Key Takeaways California's SB 652, effective January 1, 2026, significantly changes guard card training, mandating a single BSIS-approved provider for the initial 8-hour course....
Read the guide
