To work as an armed security guard in Tennessee, you must be at least 21 years old.

General Training (4 hours): This training covers the basics of security work, such as orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard, emergency procedures, and general duties.

Firearms Training (8 hours): This training covers the legal limitations of using a firearm, handling, and safety and maintenance.

Marksmanship Training (4 hours): You must complete a silhouette target course approved by the commissioner and achieve a minimum score of 70%.

Additional Training: If you carry any less-than-lethal devices, such as a baton, electronic control device, or chemical spray, you must complete training specific to each device.

Your employer is responsible for keeping records of this training.

All training courses must be taken by a certified trainer approved by the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.

Yes! The course has been thoroughly reviewed and fully approved by Private Protective Services and meets all requirements under Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118, which states that all candidates must complete a four-hour basic course including one (1) hour each of:

(A) Orientation

(B) Legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer

(C) Emergency procedures

(D) General duties

Complete at least eight (8) additional classroom hours of firearms training administered by a certified trainer and pass an examination covering at least the following subjects:

(A) Legal limitations of the use of a firearm

(B) Handling of a firearm

(C) Safety and maintenance

Complete at least four (4) hours of marksmanship training administered by a certified trainer, and achieve a minimum of seventy percent (70%) on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner.

This course consists of 2 days of training, with 8 hours each day (total 16 hours of training).

This course costs $160.

Armed Class = $160

Fingerprints = $35.15 (fingerprinting costs may vary)

License Fee = $105

Estimated Total = $300.15

You’ll need:

• Pistol
• Magazine
• Holster
• Duty Belt or Sturdy Belt
• Ear & Eye Protection
• 50 Rounds Ammo

Please note that you must use factory-manufactured ammunition.

Reloaded or “recycled” ammunition is not allowed.

Yes. We have several types of pistols to choose from, and you can use the weapon for free if you register for the class.

You must, however, purchase 50 rounds of ammunition; reloads are not allowed.

The authorized calibers are:

• 380
• 9MM
• 32 caliber
• 38 caliber
• 40 caliber
• 45 caliber
• 357 Sig.

Yes, you can qualify with a standard 12-gauge shotgun.

No, rifles are not approved.

Yes. you will need to pay a fee of $30 per additional pistol.

You will also need 25 rounds of ammunition and a spare magazine for each additional pistol.

Yes. Handgun permit training does not meet the 16 hours of qualifying trining required for the armed guard license.

Yes, you’ll need to get your fingerprints re-recorded for the license.

You must have completed the unarmed security guard license class within twelve (12) months of the selected training date. In that case, you will be eligible for the unarmed-to-armed upgrade class.

Training can be waived if you supply any one of the following:

• P.O.S.T Certificate
• Latest In-service (within last year)
• Letter from Dept. of H.R. or Personnel stating they are FT Sworn Peace Officers (The letter must include the weapon’s make, model, and caliber)
• You will still need to complete fingerprinting and pay the application fee.

Yes. Individuals who are Retired, Reserve Officers, or no longer employed as active police officers will have to take the armed security guard license training course.

No, carrying a firearm while working as a security guard before receiving your armed security guard registration card is illegal.

Working While Your Application Is Pending

You can work as an unarmed security guard while waiting for your license if you:

• Submit a completed application form
• Submit proof of fingerprinting
• Submit a recent head-and-shoulder photograph
• Pay the application fee
• Keep a copy of the completed application on you at all times you are on duty

You can only work in this capacity for 75 business days from submitting your application.

You cannot work as an armed security guard until you receive your registration card.

The course will consist of firing 50 rounds at different distances and times:

• You will fire 30 rounds at a distance of 2-3 yards
• You will fire 15 rounds at a distance of 5-7 yards
• The remaining five rounds will be fired at a distance determined by the instructor, but it will be at least 10 yards
• At least five rounds of the 50-round qualifying course should be fired using the duty ammunition the security guard intends to carry.

The course will consist of firing ten rounds at different distances:

• You will fire 3 rounds of buckshot at 5-7 yards while standing
• You will fire 5 rounds (3 slugs and 2 buckshot) at a distance of 12-15 yards, firing 3 shots standing and 2 shots kneeling
• You will fire 2 slugs at a distance of 20+ yards, firing 1 shot standing and one shot kneeling

The armed security guard license course is NOT a beginner class.

We recommend that all students learn to operate a pistol safely, proficiently, and confidently before registering for the class.

Each student has three opportunities to pass the final exam.

Students can attend the next scheduled armed security guard class (marksmanship training) free of charge to have time to practice and improve their skills.

Yes, but doing so will cost $20 more than the traditional armed security guard license class.