Colorado Guard Card & Security Officer Training (Online)

Where You Work in Colorado Decides Your Course

Colorado has no statewide security guard license. Licensing happens city by city, so the place you plan to work is what decides which course you need. Denver runs its own guard card and asks for at least 16 hours of training before it is issued.

Everything below is online and self-paced, and your certificate is ready the day you finish — whether you are working in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, or Fort Collins.

Scroll down to pick your course — and to see exactly what to do after your training is complete.

State-approved training

Colorado Guard Card Courses (Denver & Statewide)

Explore our electives

Our guards who take advantage of career enhancement electives make on average 23% more per hour. Each elective is a short, state-approved course in a skill employers pay more.

Every elective is $35.00

How it works

Get Started in 4 steps

  1. Purchase the course

    Pick your state course, or a card renewal if your card is running out. (Electives are optional: de-escalation, first aid, report writing, and they qualify you for better-paid posts.)

  2. Complete the training

    Study online at your own pace, on any device. Start the minute checkout is done and pick up wherever you left off.

  3. Get your certificate

    Finish the course and download your certificate of completion, the proof your state board or your employer asks to see.

  4. Get licensed and hired

    In most states you then apply to the state agency for your guard card: certificate, fingerprints, background check and the state fee. Then start applying for posts.

Licensing is set state by state. A few states, Alabama and Colorado among them, issue no state guard licence at all, and some require the application to be filed through the security company that hires you. Each course page lists what your state asks for.

After your training

Denver Security Guard License: What to Do After Completing Your Training

Denver has its own security guard licensing requirements. If you completed security guard training for Denver, your next step is to complete the City and County of Denver licensing process.

  1. Step 1: Complete the Required Training

    Denver requires security guards to complete at least 16 hours of training before being licensed.

    Make sure your training satisfies the current Denver requirements.

  2. Step 2: Prepare Your Application

    Gather the information and documentation required for your Denver security guard license application.

    Denver provides information for new security guard licenses, renewals, and license amendments.

  3. Step 3: Submit Your Application

    Complete the Denver security guard license application through the city's current application process.

    Make sure all required information and supporting documentation are included before submitting.

  4. Step 4: Wait for Your License to Be Approved

    Denver will review your application and required information. Completing training does not automatically mean your license has been issued.

  5. Step 5: Maintain Your License

    Once licensed, make sure you remain compliant with Denver's continuing requirements. Denver currently requires eight hours of training for security guard license renewal.

Important: Security licensing requirements can change. The information on this page is provided as a general guide. Always verify current requirements, applications, fees, and deadlines with the official licensing authority for your state before submitting an application or beginning work.

From our graduates

Hear From Security Guards Who Started Here

Thousands of working guards took their first course with us. Here are a few of them, in their own words.

  • Kevin Turner

  • Dylan Grant

  • Deshawn Carter

  • Tyrone Brooks

  • Marcus Bell

  • Derrick Mason

The state standard

Built to Meet Professional Security Training Standards

Every course is built to what the job actually asks for, from the state-mandated basics to the advanced electives, and kept current as the rules change.

Before you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my guard certification cover all cities and towns in Colorado?
No, your security guard certification in Colorado does not automatically cover all cities and towns because Colorado does not have a statewide certification for security guards. Instead, each city or county sets its own licensing and certification requirements. For example, cities like Denver, Aurora, and Colorado Springs have regulations, and you may need to obtain a license in each jurisdiction where you plan to work. Security Guard School offers a Denver Certification for just $99.99!

What qualifications do you need to become a security officer in Colorado?
To become a security officer in Colorado, you must typically be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. Specific qualifications vary by city or county, as there is no statewide certification. You may need to complete security training, depending on local requirements, and if you plan to carry a firearm, additional firearms training and a permit are required. Many cities, suchas Denver and Aurora, require you to apply for a security guard license through local law enforcement or regulatory agencies.

What disqualifies you from becoming a security guard in Colorado?
In Colorado, disqualifications for becoming a security guard vary by city or county but generally include having felony convictions, certain misdemeanor convictions (especially those involving violence, theft, or moral turpitude), or a history of substance abuse. Failing a criminal background check, being on probation or parole, or having a history of mental health issues that impair judgment can also disqualify you. Each local jurisdiction may have additional specific criteria for disqualification.

How much does it cost to take a Level 2 training course to become a security officer in Colorado?
The cost of a Level 2 training course to become a security officer in Colorado varies by location and training provider but generally ranges from $100 to $300 for the required course. If you're seeking armed security certification, additional firearms training can cost another $100 to $200. In addition to training costs, you may also need to pay for background checks, fingerprinting, and local licensing fees, which can add another $50 to $150 depending on the city or county.

What are the levels of security guards in Colorado?
In Colorado, security guard levels are generally categorized into unarmedand armed guards, though specific terms and requirements vary by city orcounty. Unarmed guards perform basic security tasks without carrying a firearm and typically require general security training and local licensing. Armed guards, who are authorized to carry firearms, must complete additional firearms training and obtain a weapon permit. Some cities, like Denver, may have specific titles or levels for security officers based on training and duties, but there is no standardized statewide classification.

Are Level 2 non-commissioned security guards allowed to carry a firearm in Colorado?
No, Level 2 non-commissioned security guards in Colorado are not allowed to carry a firearm. Only security guards who complete additional firearms training, pass a background check, and obtain the necessary permits specific to their city or county are authorized to carry a firearm while on duty as an armed security guard.

How do I get my security guard license in Colorado?
To get your security guard license in Colorado, you must meet the specific requirements of the city or county where you plan to work, as there is no statewide licensing. Typically, you need to be at least 18, pass a criminal background check, and complete any required training. After fulfilling local training requirements, you apply for a license through the local regulatory or law enforcement agency, such as the police department. If you plan to carry a firearm, additional firearms trainingand a permit are required.

From the field

Expert Advice for Security Professionals