Georgia Security Guard License & Guard Card Training

How to Get Your Georgia Security Guard License Online

Georgia registers security guard employees through the Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, and every application now runs through the Secretary of State’s GOALS system — the paper form is gone.

Start with the training. The courses below are online and self-paced, and your certificate is the document the board asks you to show. After that it is GOALS, the background check, and eight hours of continuing education every two years.

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

State-approved training

Courses Available in Georgia Security Guard License & Guard Card Training

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

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

After completing the required Georgia security guard training, you must complete the licensing process required by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.

  1. Step 1: Complete Your Required Training

    Make sure you have completed the training required for the Georgia security guard employee license you are applying for.

    Keep documentation showing that you successfully completed your required training.

  2. Step 2: Create or Use Your GOALS Account

    Georgia uses the Secretary of State's GOALS online licensing system for professional licensing.

    You can use GOALS to apply for, manage, and verify professional licenses.

  3. Step 3: Submit Your Security Guard Employee Application

    Georgia no longer accepts paper applications for these licenses. Applications are submitted through the state's online licensing system.

    When applying, be prepared to provide the documentation required by the Georgia Board, which can include proof of training, employment information, identity/citizenship documentation, and background information.

  4. Step 4: Complete the Background Check Requirements

    Follow the current Georgia instructions for the required background check and supporting documentation.

  5. Step 5: Wait for Your License

    Do not assume that submitting an application automatically authorizes you to work. Follow the current instructions from the Georgia Board and your employer regarding when you may begin employment.

  6. Step 6: Keep Your License Current

    Georgia security guard employees are also subject to continuing education requirements. The Georgia Board currently states that security guard employees must complete eight hours of continuing education every two years.

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 security guard certification cover all cities and towns in Georgia?
Yes, your security guard certification in Georgia is valid throughout the entire state, covering all cities and towns including Atlanta, Columbus and more!

What qualifications do you need to become a security officer in Georgia?
To become a security officer in Georgia, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and free of felony convictions. You must complete a 24-hour basic security officer training course, which covers legal authority, emergency response, and patrol techniques. Armed security officers need additional firearms training and live range qualification. A background check, including fingerprinting through the Georgia Bureau ofInvestigation (GBI) and the FBI, is required.

What disqualifies you from being a security guard in Georgia?
Failure to meet required educational or professional licensing or certification.Any felony conviction. Any outstanding criminal charge pending adjudication. Sufficient misdemeanor convictions to establish a pattern of disregard for the law.

How much does it cost to take a Level II training course to become a security officer in Georgia?
The cost of a Level II security officer trainingcourse in Georgia can vary depending on the training provider, and location, ranging from $100 to $250. Security Guard School offers this course for 99.99.

What are the levels of security guards in Georgia?
There are three levels of security guards in Georgia: Unarmed Security Guard, Armed Security Guard, and Specialized Security.

Are Level II non-commissioned security guards allowed to carry a firearm in Georgia?
No, Level II non-commissioned security guards in Georgia are not allowed to carry a firearm unless they have a security officer commission.

How do I get my security guard license in Georgia?
Complete a GBPDSA-approved security training course that provides at least 24 hours of instruction. You will need to apply to and be hired by a security company that is licensed by theGeorgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.

Do I need fingerprinting for a Georgia guard card?
Yes. Georgia requires GBI and FBI fingerprint-based background checks for both unarmed and armed registrations. Your sponsoring security company submits the results with your application, so you don't file directly with the state.

Do I need a weapons permit for an armed security license in Georgia?
Yes. Armed officers must hold a valid Georgia Weapons Carry License from their county probate court, plus complete state-approved firearms training and a live-fire qualification before being commissioned to carry on duty.

How often do I renew my Georgia security license?
Georgia security registrations are renewed on a set cycle through your employer and the state board. Armed commissions require staying current on firearms qualification, so keep your training and weapons license active to avoid a lapse.

Can I get my Georgia guard card online in Atlanta?
Yes. Our 24-hour training is fully online and self-paced, so guards in Atlanta and anywhere in GA can finish the coursework the same day. Fingerprinting and state registration are handled through your Georgia employer.

From the field

Expert Advice for Security Professionals