Arizona, particularly Phoenix, is rapidly expanding, presenting an array of career opportunities for armed and unarmed security guards. Also, due to relatively nice weather and a large amount of active leisure, those who want to get a security guard job in Arizona must be ready to spend a long time in the heat during the summer months.
Arizona Security Guard Licensing Process
Obtaining a security guard license in Arizona is a relatively straightforward process. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Licensing Unit regulates security guards, security agencies, private investigators, and private investigative agencies across the state. Here, you’ll find links to application forms, fee schedules, qualifications, and disqualifications for earning a Guard Card.
In the state of Arizona, there are two kinds of security guard registration which include an unarmed security guard and an armed security guard. Minimum age of 18 years, as well as possession of an Arizona security guard license, are mandatory requirements before any applicant is deployed to a post.
To qualify to be a licensed unarmed security guard, a candidate will only need to take an 8-hour basic security guard training, pass a test, and file the training certification together with the application to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
The training covers basic information such as criminal law and arrest law, crime and where it happens, the power to search people and places, plausible use of violence, integrity, and sexual harassment training. You may take this class either on the internet or in a classroom.
Those interested in taking on the role of an armed security guard must complete an additional 16 hours of firearms training, which will include a live fire range qualification and a written test. Following the qualification of unarmed training, some of the firearms training must be completed in residency.
In Arizona, Guard Cards are valid for two years from the date of issuance. Unarmed guards need to retake the training every two years, while armed guards need to re-qualify every year.
The fees for obtaining a security guard license in Arizona are as follows: $72 for a new or renewed unarmed license, and $122 for an armed license when applying in person. For online applications, the fees increase slightly to $84 for unarmed licenses and $134 for armed licenses. Armed guards can re-qualify annually at no additional cost, whether they apply in person or online.
Requirements & Disqualifiers for Arizona Guard Cards
Applicants for the armed and unarmed security jobs must be 18 years and above plus have to be a US citizen or have work authorization in the US. These candidates cannot be on parole, probation, or a sex offender registry, other than general discharge honors from the armed forces, or declared incapacitated by a court of law. Full details of disqualifiers are also stated on the Arizona DPS website.
Those with a history of violent felonies in the past five years like domestic violence, arson, larceny, weapon violations, or illegal drugs will be disqualified from consideration. Yet, offenses of lesser degrees will not disqualify.
Each applicant must have their fingerprints taken and checked against the FBI records.
In addition, there are uniform regulations related to security guard personnel, their badges, and markings on vehicles so as not to be mistaken for law enforcement. Yes, most security companies will provide uniforms that comply.
Start Your Arizona Security Guard Career with Security Guard School
Security Guard School is a registered training institution that offers unarmed security guard training and renewal of license for the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). (It is worth noting that training for guards with arms involves practical handling of firearms training which cannot be done over the Internet.)
Security Guard School provides simple, affordable training for security guards that can be taken online without delay. All the pilots are mobile friendly hence the training is not time bound. Courses can be taken in the morning at large therefore you can register and finish on that day.
Self-paced, online training you receive from Security Guard School as an unarmed security officer, is sure to fulfill the requirements for security guard licensing in Arizona.
Course content is developed in counsel with its designers and is sanctioned by the Arizona DPS appropriately to meet the state training requirements. Subjects are arranged in interesting, interactive forms to assist the learners in getting the information and sitting for their exams.
An application for a security guard license in Arizona must be made through a registered security agency. After the course, there will be an application form completed by a qualified trainer that you will be able to file with your ID, photograph, fingerprints, and fees.
Ready to start your security guard career in Arizona? Visit Security Guard School’s website to learn more and get started.