November 15, 2023

Security Guard HUB

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Armed Security Guard Training Requirements

3 min read
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What training do you need to become a full-fledged armed security guard? While the armed security guard training requirements vary per state, let’s look at the very basics of what you need to apply and qualify. 

Applying as an Armed Security Guard

Because firearms are involved, there are certain requirements you need to meet before you can apply as an armed security guard. 

First, the age requirement. To carry handguns, you need to be at least 18 years of age. To carry long guns, you need to be at least 21 years of age. Therefore, the youngest you can be to apply as an armed security guard is 18. (Simple enough, right?)

Second, the permit to openly carry guns. Some states require professional permits to carry guns, others allow non-professional permits if you already have them. States that do not allow open carrying of handguns are California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, New York, and South Carolina. States that do not allow open carrying of long guns are California, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Jersey. All other states require one permit or another.

Third, the basic requirements for the security guard card. Armed and unarmed security guards sometimes have different training lanes. However, more often than not, armed security guard requirements simply add extra to the unarmed security guard requirements. Based on your state, employer, or agency, you need to know which of the basic requirements to take before you can advance to armed security guard requirements. 

Armed Security Guard Training Requirements

The training requirements depend on your state, so it’s important to know what is specifically required in your state, or by your employer or agency. However, here are the kinds of training you can expect.

  • Firearm handling and safety. The training covers the basics of firearm handling and safety. To qualify as an armed security guard, this is one of the most basic competencies  you will be required to have. 
  • Marksmanship. Part of correctly handling a firearm is knowing how to hit what you want to if you actually need to use the gun. It’s a training that inspires confidence in both yourself and those you are serving. 
  • Self-defense. Being allowed to carry firearms means that in the event of a violent incident, you will need to be able to claim self defense or defense of others if you end up firing your gun. Knowing these laws and how to claim them will help you correctly manage future situations. 
  • Weapons retention. One of the biggest risks of openly carrying a weapon is the possibility of having the weapon taken by an opponent. Weapons retention training helps you hang on to your firearm and prevent it being taken from you at close quarters. This way, even if the situation is volatile, you don’t end up handing your weapon to your opponent. 

The trainings seem like a simple list, but each element is part of what you need to become an armed security guard. Do your research on the requirements of your state, learn what you can acquire through your employer or agency, and fulfill every requirement to reach your goal.