Unarmed Security Officer
- New CT Security Guard Training: State requirements for new unarmed security guards to get their guard card.
- Rookie CT Security Guard Training: No additional requirements for your 1st year.
- Pro Renewal CT Security Guard Training: How to renew your CT guard card after 5 years.
Armed Security Officer (Blue Card Holders)
- New CT Security Officer Training: State requirements for new armed security guards to get their Blue Cards.
- Rookie CT Security Officer Training: No additional requirements for your 1st year.
- Pro Renewal CT Security Officer Training: State armed security officer registration renewal requirement every year on Blue Card issuance anniversary.
New Unarmed Security Guard Connecticut – Fees & Training Detailed Info
Connecticut state law requires that you take a mandatory 8 class for Security Officer Certification to get your CT Guard Card. You need your CT Guard Card to work either as a Contract Security Officer and or an In-House Security Officer.
Type of Security Guard License Required & Issuing Authority
Connecticut law enacted in 2008 mandates the training and licensing of private and public safety security officers. This law requires that all private security training must be approved and that all criminal justice private security trainers be certified by The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (State Police).
Department of Public Safety
Special Licensing and Firearms Unit
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Monday through Friday 9am-4:30pm
(860) 685-8046
www.CT.gov/DPS
Security Guard Application and Licensing Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a Criminal Background Check by the State Police
- Complete the 8-hour mandated Guard Card class
- You must carry your license (guard card) at all times while you’re performing duties associated with your security officer employment.
- When performing your security officer duties, you must show your CT guard card for inspection upon request of a law enforcement officer.
CT Guard Card Application Procedure
After completing your 8-hours of security officer training to complete the application process:
- Get 2 sets of fingerprints taken. You’ll get Blue and Green fingerprint cards.
- Complete Form DPS-135-C Security Guard Certificate. This will require a passport type photo taken within 6 months of the application date. One (1) color photograph, 2” x 2” with blue or white background.
- Make copies of your finger print cards and your completed DPS-135-C form for your records. Also keep a copy of the payment receipt for your completed -hour guard card course.
- Make a copy of your current drivers license or state ID.
- If you’re a naturalized US citizen, make a copy of your Naturalization papers.
- Mail to the Department of Public Safety address above with “Attention: Security Guard Application” as part of the address:
- Your completed DPS-135-C Security Guard Certificate with your photo affixed.
- Your Blue & Green fingerprint cards
- A copy of your current drivers license or state ID
- A copy of your Naturalization papers, if applicable.
- Personal checks and or money orders for (be sure to print clearly your Full Name and correct mailing address in the check memo lines with the words “Security Guard Card App” and verify current fees on CT state website):
- Application Fee of $100.00 payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut”
- FBI Background Check Fee of $16.50 payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut”
- State of Connecticut Background Check Fee of $50.00 payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut”
Note: It is suggested you use a Certified Return Receipt available from the US Postal Service when mailing in your package. This will help ensure delivery and location if the packet is misplaced.
Find information about how you can renew your CT guard card.
Security Guard Employer Registration
Once you start working as a guard, your employer must register you with the state. The registration of security guards consists of the following:
- The standard application (DPS-688-C)
- Two (2) color photographs, 2” x 2” (passport style)
- A registration fee of $40.00
- Copy of Security Officers Identification Card
The check or money order for security guard registration must be made payable to the “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.”
Security Guard Training Requirements & Fees
You are required to take a minimum of 8 hours of classroom instruction in a basic security officer training program that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Basics about the Security Industry, including its history
- How to be a Security Officer, such as search and seizure laws, work place violence, terrorism, communication skills, First Aid/CPR/AED and fire safety.
- CT State laws pertaining to the security industry
- CT State laws about self defense and use of force (use of force continuum)
- CT State laws about citizen’s arrest
Security Guard Training for Veterans
If you are a Veteran, the cost of your security guard training maybe reimbursed through the Department of Veterans Affairs Form VA-22-0803 “Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees.”
Security Guard Training Providers in Connecticut
Connecticut requires that all private security training be approved and that all private security trainers be certified by The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection. Below are a few security guard training companies in Connecticut. A complete security guard training school list maintained by Safety Department can be found online.
Connecticut Security Guard Uniforms
Connecticut General Statutes 29-161s and Sec. 29-161x-6 of the regulations of Connecticut State Agencies regulates what type of badge a uniformed security guard should wear. The badge must be rectangular not less than 2 inches in width and not less than 2½ inches in height. The badge must have straight sides, top and bottom. The badge must be free of protruding angles or design on all 4 sides. The badge must contain the word SECURITY, the security agency’s name and the security agency’s state license number, which must be sufficiently prominent to be identifiable at all times. The badge must be metal, woven or embroidered. Silk screening is not allowed.
The security guard uniform’s hat emblem may be of any design or shape, bearing the agency’s name.
Aside from the existing statutory restrictions of certain seals and designs, no restrictions are placed on color or any type of design that might be embossed or otherwise placed on the badge face.
Renew Unarmed Security Guard Connecticut – Fees & Training Detailed Info
CT Guard Card Renewal Procedure
Your CT Guard Card is good for 5 years. After 5 years, you must renew you guard card with a Renewal Application and pay a $50 fee. Your employer should have the renewal form available for you or you may request a form from the Department of Public Safety.
New Armed (Blue Card) Security Guard Connecticut – Fees & Training Detailed Info
Type of Security Guard License Required & Issuing Authority
Connecticut state law requires that you take a mandatory 8 class for Security Officer Certification plus additional firearm training and certification to get your CT Guard Card also known as the CT Blue Card. (The CT Gold Card is for bail enforcement agents.) Usually the firearm training is 7-8 hours.
Department of Public Safety
Special Licensing and Firearms Unit
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Monday through Friday 9am-4:30pm
(860) 685-8046
www.CT.gov/DPS
Armed Security Guard Application and Licensing Requirements
- Be at least 21 years old
- Pass a Criminal Background Check by the State Police
- Complete the 8-hour mandated Guard Card class
- Possess a CT state pistol permit (another 7-8 hours of training in addition to the Guard Card class) and an appropriate firearm for security employment
- You must carry your Blue Card license (guard card) at all times while you’re performing duties associated with your security officer employment.
- When performing your security officer duties, you must show your CT guard card for inspection upon request of a law enforcement officer.
Armed Blue Card Application Process
- Complete your 8-hours of security officer training to complete the application process.
- Complete your pistol permit training requirements.
- A valid Temporary State Permit to Carry Pistols or Revolvers (DPS-11-C) must be presented in person at DESPP (Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Headquarters). Proof of legal and lawful presence in the United States is required. Acceptable forms of proof include a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or documentation of permanent residence from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Complete forms DPS-799-C and DPS-164-C and sign it in the presence of an official when your photo is taken. Your photograph and signature will be taken at DESPP.
- Submit an affidavit signed by an instructor certified by the State, the National Rifle Association, or the Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection stating that the applicant successfully completed a safety or training course in the use of pistols or revolvers. Such statement shall specify that the instructor was so certified at the time that he taught the course, and shall include your full name and the date, location and duration of the course.
- Submit a complete set of fingerprints with separate checks or money orders to cover the federal processing fee of $16.50 and the state fee of $70.00, both made payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut” for the required criminal background checks.
- Submit an additional check or money order for $35.00 made payable to “Treasurer, State of Connecticut” for the processing of the Eligibility Certificate.
- When applicable, criminal and/or mental health records must be submitted (C.G.S. 29-36g).
- Renewal applicants must submit a DPS-129-C and follow instruction for pistol permit renewal above including citizenship and legal resident alien requirements.
- Include a self-addressed, stamped #10 envelope.
Find information about how you can renew your CT armed guard card (Blue Card).
Things That Will Get Your Armed Security Guard Application Denied
Your armed guard applications will not be issued or be renewed if:
- You have a FELONY CONVICTION in any jurisdiction.
- You are an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)).
- You were CONVICTED of a MISDEMEANOR CRIME of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. This means an offense that (1) is a misdemeanor under federal or state law; and (2) has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent or guardian of the victim, or by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, or by a person who is cohabiting with or who has cohabited with the victim or spouse, parent, or guardian, or by any person similarly situated to a spouse, parent or guardian of the victim.
- You were discharged from custody within the preceding 20 years after having been found NOT GUILTY OF A CRIME BY REASON OF MENTAL DISEASE OR DEFECT pursuant to C.G.S. 53a-13.
- You were CONFINED TO A HOSPITAL for any psychiatric disability (C.G.S. 17a-495) within the preceding 12 months by order of a judge of a probate court.
- You are subject to a RESTRAINING ORDER or PROTECTIVE ORDER issued by a court in a case involving the use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force.
- You are subject to a Firearms Seizure Order issued pursuant to C.G.S. 29-38c prohibiting possession of firearms.
- You are an ILLEGAL ALIEN in the United States.
- You are UNDER the AGE of 21 years.
- You have renounced your United States citizenship.
- You have been discharged from the Armed Forces under a dishonorable condition.
- You are prohibited by federal law, Section 922 (g) or (n) of Title 18 of the United States Code
- You have a MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION in Connecticut of one of the following crimes:
- Illegal possession of controlled or hallucinogenic substances, as specified under C.G.S. 21a-279
- Criminally negligent homicide – 53a-58
- Assault in the third degree – 53a-61
- Assault of a victim 60 or older in the third degree – 53a-61a
- Threatening- 53a-62
- Reckless endangerment in the first degree – 53a-63
- Unlawful restraint in the second degree – 53a-96
- Riot in the first degree – 53a-175
- Riot in the second degree – 53a-176
- Inciting to riot – 53a-178
- Stalking in the second degree – 53a-181d
Security Guard Employer Registration
Once you start working as a guard, your employer must register you with the state. The registration of security guards consists of the following:
- The standard application (DPS-688-C)
- Two (2) color photographs, 2” x 2” (passport style)
- A registration fee of $40.00
- Copy of Security Officers Identification Card
The check or money order for security guard registration must be made payable to the “Treasurer, State of Connecticut.”
Note: Employers may submit the “Application for Registration of Employee” and the “Application for Security Officer Firearms Permit” at the same time, providing that ) separate checks are submitted, one for the registration fee of $40.00, and one for $62.00 for the “Security Officer Firearms Permit.” The Security Officer Firearms Permit will expire the same time as the Connecticut State Pistol Permit no matter when it was applied for.
Armed Security Guard Blue Card Training Requirements & Fees
Security officers must carry the weapon used in qualification. Security officers must range qualify for each weapon they carry. The instructor must complete the scoring side of form DPS-1030-C for each additional weapon to be carried.
The Blue Card Course includes:
- A detailed review of Connecticut general statutes concerning employment and licensing in private detective and security services
- Use of force of persons and premises
- Alternatives to the use of deadly force
- Criminal codes
- U.S. federal firearms regulations and current Connecticut gun laws
- Firearm safety
- Fundamentals of Safe Gun Handling
- How Guns Work and their Differences
- Loading, Unloading & Checking For Safety
- Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting
- Shooting of Handgun
- Carrying and shooting techniques for uniformed and non-uniformed personnel
- Marksmanship skills
- How to fill out Permit Application
A written examination and live course of fire firearm qualification for security services personnel is required. Upon successful completion of the program, the participant may then apply to a security or private detective company for their Blue Card License and their state pistol permit to be amended as Class 1 by the Connecticut State Police for armed security services employment.
Armed Security Guard Training for Veterans
If you are a Veteran, the cost of your Blue Card security guard training maybe reimbursed through the Department of Veterans Affairs Form VA-22-0803 “Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees.”
Armed Security Guard Training Providers in Connecticut
Connecticut requires that all private security training be approved and that all private security trainers be certified by The Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection. Below are a few security guard training companies in Connecticut that provide pistol permit training. A complete security guard training school list maintained by Safety Department can be found online.
Renew Armed Security Guard (Blue Card) Connecticut – Fees & Training Detailed Info
CT Armed Guard Blue Card Renewal Procedure
You must re-qualify every year with the weapon you carry while on duty to main your Blue Card. You must take 4 hours of training each year. Renewal applicants must submit a DPS-129-C and follow instruction for pistol permit renewal above including citizenship and legal resident alien requirements. Your employer should have the renewal form available for you or you may request a form from the Department of Public Safety.
This yearly training is around $150 to $200 depending on where you take your training.