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How to Get Your Arizona Guard Card Online

In Arizona, an unarmed security officer works under an agency-issued registration and the state DPS unarmed guard card. The 8-hour pre-assignment course is the training piece you complete before you can be registered, and you can finish the whole course here online at your own pace.

Our Arizona program is built around the DPS 8-hour unarmed curriculum, covering legal authority, use of force, report writing, patrol procedures, and public interaction. When you pass, you download your certificate the same day, so you can move straight to registration with your employer.

For a full walkthrough of the state process, from the application to fingerprinting, read our guide on how to get your Arizona DPS unarmed guard card.

State Approved Training Programs

Advance Your Career with
Certified Training

Choose the package that fits your professional development goals. The first 3 packages include state required certification.

State Required Certificate

$65 $85
  • ✓ State Required Guard Card Included
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ No career enhancement electives
  • ✓ Redeem with 1 certificate credit  
MOST POPULAR

State Required Certificate + 1 Elective

$95 $125
  • ✓ State Required Guard Card Included
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ Redeem with 1 State credit and 1 Elective credit
Advanced

State Required Certificate + 3 Electives

$140 $205
  • ✓ State Required Certificate Included
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 3 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ Redeem with 1 certificate credit and 3 elective credits   

Career Enhancement Electives are optional training courses taken in addition to your state required certification. Guards who complete electives earn approximately 23% more per hour than those who don’t. Examples include De-escalation Training, Power to Arrest, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Explore all electives

1 Elective

$35 $40
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 1 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ 1 elective credit   

3 Electives

$90 $120
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 3 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ 3 elective credits

5 Electives

$125 $200
  • ✓ State Approved Training
  • ✓ 5 Career Enhancement Elective
  • ✓ Boost Job Readiness
  • ✓ 5 Elective Credits   

Three Simple Steps to Get Started

  • Step 1
    Choose Your Package

    Start with the State-required certification, or bundle in 1–3 career enhancement elective to grow your skills and earning potential.

  • Step 2
    Complete Checkout

    Complete checkout in seconds. Your account instantly shows your available certification and career enhancement elective credits.

  • Step 3
    Redeem Your Credits

    Begin your state-required certification immediately. Use your career enhancement elective credits anytime to choose the specialty courses that help you qualify for better-paying posts.
Get Started

Courses Available in Arizona Security Guard Training

Explore Our Complete Library of Career Enhancement Electives

Your career path is unique, and your training should be too. With access to over 60 state-approved career enhancement electives, our package system puts you in control. After your purchase, you can redeem your credits for any course in our library—whether you’re fulfilling site requirements like Fire Safety or advancing into high-paying Executive Protection roles, all at your own pace.

Administrative
SPECIALTY CERT: PUBLIC RELATIONS - COMMUNITY & CUSTOMER (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: ID VERIFICATION TRAINING (1 HOUR) SPECIALTY CERT: LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND USE OF FORCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE, RESPONDING TO & DOCUMENTING CRITICAL EVENTS (4 HOURS)
De-escalation / Use of Force
SPECIALTY CERT: DE-ESCALATION OF FORCE SPECIALTY CERT: LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND USE OF FORCE (4 HOURS)
Emergency / Crisis Response
SPECIALTY CERT: DEFENSIVE DRIVING – DRIVER AND VEHICLE SAFETY (2 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: BASIC AND EMERGENCY FIRST AID (2 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: FIRE SAFETY AND FIRE WATCH TRAINING (1 HOUR) SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE II (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: SITUATIONAL RESPONSE, RESPONDING TO & DOCUMENTING CRITICAL EVENTS (4 HOURS)
Specialized / Advanced Skills
SPECIALTY CERT: DEFENSIVE DRIVING – DRIVER AND VEHICLE SAFETY (2 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: COMMUNICATION AND ITS IMPORTANCE (4 HOURS) SPECIALTY CERT: GENERAL DUTIES, WRITING REPORTS, & CONDUCTING PATROLS (6 HOURS)

Better training equals higher hourly rates

We Offer State-Required Certification

Get all the mandatory security training you need to qualify for work. Our certification courses meet state requirements and give you the foundational knowledge every guard must have to get licensed and hired.

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Career-Enhancement Electives

Take your skills beyond the basics. Add optional career enhancement electives that strengthen your professionalism, expand your capabilities, and help you earn higher hourly rates than the average guard.

The only online security guard school

Built by security guards for security guards

that you will need to maximize your hourly earning potential.

On-Demand Learning

On-Demand Learning

Train anytime and anywhere at your own pace. Access all courses 24/7 so you can study whenever it fits your schedule.

Fully Convenient

Fully Convenient

Works seamlessly on phone, tablet, or desktop. No classrooms, no appointments. Learn your way instantly.

Easy & Accessible

Easy & Accessible

Clear lessons, intuitive navigation, and instant progress tracking. Designed to make learning simple for every future guard.

Cost-Effective Pricing

Cost-Effective Pricing

Affordable training with no hidden fees. Only pay for the career enhancement electives you choose, nothing extra.

Built to Meet Professional Security Training Standards

Every course we offer has been crafted to reflect the real requirements of the security industry. From foundational state-mandated training to advanced elective courses, our programs follow clear quality criteria, ensuring your learning is consistent, up-to-date, and job-ready.Whether you're preparing for state licensing, upgrading your skills, or working toward higher-level roles, our training gives you a strong, credible foundation.

Why Security Guard School is Better

Guards we get certified make more.

Security guard training isn't just about meeting state compliance; it is about establishing a competitive advantage in the job market. In today's security landscape, top-tier employers are actively seeking candidates who possess specialized skills beyond the basic Guard Card. By completing our comprehensive certification packages—which include essential career enhancement electives like Power to Arrest and De-escalation—you position yourself for the highest-paying roles in the industry. Whether you are targeting high-traffic retail environments or specialized private protection, our curriculum is specifically designed to maximize your hourly earning potential immediately upon hire.

  • Healthcare & Hospital Security: Commands higher pay for patient restraint and crisis intervention skills.
  • Corporate Office Protection: Professional "Class-A" environments requiring advanced access control knowledge.
  • Retail Loss Prevention: Active theft deterrence roles that pay significantly more than passive observation.
  • Event & Venue Security: Lucrative contracts for guards certified in crowd management and bag checking.
  • Construction Site Patrol: High-liability zones requiring specific asset protection and fire watch training.
  • Educational Campus Safety: Specialized positions mandating training in student interaction and campus patrol.

Our guards who take advantage of career enhancement electives make on average 23% more per hour.

Kevin Turner

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Dylan Grant

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Deshawn Carter

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Tyrone Brooks

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Marcus Bell

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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Derrick Mason

Hear from Our Graduates: How Our Course Transformed Their Security Careers

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See How We Stack Up

Features Security Guard School ShieldForce Academy National GuardCert Network Sentinel Security Institute
Fully Online Courses ✓
Access from phone, tablet, and computer		 Limited Limited Limited
Nationwide Certification Coverage ✓
Coast-to-coast compliance		 X X X
Instant Certificate Download ✓
Download anytime, anywhere		 X X X
Specialty Certifications ✓
Expand your skills + pay		 Limited Limited Limited
Interactive Online Training ✓
Modern & mobile-friendly		 X Limited X
Real Human Support, 24/7 ✓
Chat, phone & email		 X Limited Limited
Built by Industry Pros ✓
Career-focused curriculum		 X ✓ X
Government-Sponsored Training ✓
Eligible for state programs		 Limited X Limited
Trusted by 100K+ Guards ✓
Proven results		 X Unknown Unknown

Arizona Guard Card Requirements at a Glance

Here is exactly what Arizona asks of unarmed applicants, and where our online course fits into the process.

Who Can Apply

You must be at least 18 for an unarmed card, be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no disqualifying criminal history. Armed officers must be 21.

Training You Complete

The DPS 8-hour unarmed pre-assignment course. That is the course on this page. Armed guards add 16 hours of firearms training on top of it.

Fingerprints & Background

Arizona requires fingerprinting and a state and FBI background check as part of the DPS application submitted through your employing agency.

Unarmed vs. Armed: Which Arizona Security Guard License Do You Need?

Most guards start unarmed. The unarmed card covers posts like access control, patrol, retail loss prevention, and event security, and it only requires the 8-hour course. If you plan to carry a firearm on duty, you need the armed Arizona security guard license, which adds 16 hours of firearms instruction, a shooting qualification, and the higher age minimum of 21.

If you are unsure, get your unarmed card first. It is the fastest way onto a payroll, and you can upgrade to armed status later without repeating the 8-hour foundation.

Fingerprint Clearance Card and the DPS Background Check

Arizona runs every guard application through the Department of Public Safety. You will be fingerprinted and screened against both state and FBI records. People often confuse this with the Arizona fingerprint clearance card used for childcare and schools; the guard registration uses its own DPS check, though the fingerprinting step feels similar.

A past record does not automatically end your chances. Certain felonies and convictions involving violence or dishonesty are disqualifying, but many applicants with older or minor records still get approved. Our blog covers this in detail in the Arizona guard card resource hub.

Cost, Timeline, and Renewal

Our online 8-hour unarmed course starts at $65. On top of the course, budget for the DPS application and fingerprinting fees, which typically run in the $75 to $100 range. Because the course is self-paced, motivated students often finish in a single day and download the certificate immediately.

An Arizona guard card is valid for two years. Before it expires you complete the 8-hour renewal course to keep your registration active. You can handle that here too; see our AZ guard card renewal course to stay current without a lapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Will my guard certification cover all cities and towns in Arizona?

Yes, your security guard certification in Arizona is valid statewide, covering allcities and towns including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and more!

What qualifications do you need to become a security officer in Arizona?

To become a security officer in Arizona, you must be at least 18 years old, have ahigh school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check through theArizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). You must complete an 8-hour trainingcourse for unarmed security guards. If you wish to be armed, additionalfirearms training and certification are required. You also need to be employedby a licensed security company, which will sponsor your application for a guardcard issued by DPS.

What disqualifies you from becoming a security guard in Arizona?

In Arizona, you are disqualified from becoming a security guard if you have been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors involving violence or dishonesty, or if you have a history of substance abuse. Additionally, any pending criminal charges, dishonorable discharge from the military, or being found mentally incompetent may also disqualify you. The Arizona Department of Public Safety conducts thorough background checks to ensure applicants meet these standards.

How much does it cost to take a Level 2 training course to become a security officer in Arizona?

The cost of a Level 2 unarmed security officer training course in Arizona typically ranges from $50 to $150, depending on the training provider. Security Guard School provided this course for $49.00! This fee covers the required 8 hours of instruction, course materials, and certification. Additional fees for fingerprinting, background checks, and applying for a guard card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) may cost an additional $75 to $100. The total cost, including all fees, can range from $125 to $250.

What are the levels of security guards in Arizona?

In Arizona, there are two main levels of security guards: unarmed and armed.Unarmed security guards, also known as Level 1 guards, are responsible for basic security tasks and must complete an 8-hour training course. Armed security guards, or Level 2 guards, carry firearms and must complete additional firearms training, including range qualification and use-of-force instruction. Both levels require background checks and registration with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), but armed guards have stricter requirements due to the responsibility of carrying a weapon

Are Level 2 non-commissioned security guards allowed to carry a firearm in Arizona?

No, Level 2 non-commissioned security guards in Arizona are not allowed to carry a firearm; only armed guards with additional firearms training and certification are permitted to do so.

How do I get my security guard license in Arizona?

To get your security guard license in Arizona, you must first complete an 8-hourtraining course for unarmed security guards, pass a criminal background check, and submit fingerprints. After training, you apply for a "guard card" through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), either online or via a licensed security company. If you wish to become an armed guard, you must complete additional firearms training andcertification.

Do I qualify for an Arizona guard card?

If you are 18 or older (21 for armed), legally allowed to work in the U.S., and have no disqualifying convictions, you qualify to apply. Finishing the 8-hour unarmed course is the training requirement.

Can a felon get a guard card in Arizona?

Sometimes. A felony is not an automatic bar. Convictions involving violence, weapons, theft, or fraud are usually disqualifying, but older or non-violent records are often approved after the DPS background review. Each case is decided individually.

How long does an Arizona guard card last?

Two years. Before it expires, complete the 8-hour renewal course to keep your registration active and avoid re-doing the full application process.

Is this course available for guards in Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa?

Yes. The course is fully online, so guards anywhere in Arizona, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler, can complete it from any device.

How fast can I get my certificate?

The course is self-paced and takes about 8 hours. Many students finish in a single day and download the completion certificate right after passing the final test.

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