Unarmed Security Officer
- New GA Security Guard Training: State requirements for new unarmed security guards.
- Rookie GA Security Guard Training: No additional requirements for your 1st year.
- Pro GA Security Guard Training: No state renewal requirements after your 1st year working as an unarmed security guard.
Armed Security Officer
- New GA Security Officer Training: State requirements for new armed security guards.
- Rookie GA Security Officer Training: No additional requirements for your 1st year.
- Pro GA Security Officer Training: State armed security officer registration renewal requirements for August 31 of odd-numbered years.
New Unarmed Security Guard Georgia – Fees & Training
No license or registration of unarmed security guards is required by Georgia. However, Georgia does require that you complete some security training classes before you go on duty.
Type of Security Guard License Required & Issuing Authority
No license or registration of unarmed security guards is required by Georgia. However, Georgia does require that you complete some security training classes before you go on duty.
Security Guard Training Requirements & Fees
You are required to take a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction in a basic security officer training program that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
1. Role of Private Security
a. Crime Awareness and Prevention
b. Private Security and the Criminal Justice System
c. Ethics and Professionalism
2. Legal Aspects
a. Principal Misdemeanors and Felonies
b. Overview of Title 43-38 as it relates to the Security Profession
c. Overview of Board Rules 509 et al
d. Arrest and Proper Use of Force
e. Liability
f. Courtroom testimony
3. Patrol and Observation
a. Patrol techniques
b. Information gathering
c. Crimes in progress
d. Officer Safety
e. Note taking and Report Writing
4. Incident Response
a. Responding to Emergencies
b. Crowd control and evacuation
c. Fire control and Prevention
d. Hazardous Materials
e. Bomb Threats and Terrorism
5. Security Resources
a. CCTV Operation and Video Documentation
b. Alarm systems
c. Access Control
d. Electronic Article Surveillance
6. Customer Service Issues
a. Public relations
b. Interpersonal Communications
7. First Aid Overview
Security Guard Background Check & Fingerprinting Fees
None required by the State of Georgia. Your employer may require a background check.
Security Guard Application & License Fees
None required.
Security Guard Other Requirements
The only requirements are those specified by your employer.
Security Guard Uniforms in Georgia
If you wear a uniform as an unarmed guard:
- You must wear a patch or armband on the upper left sleeve of your uniform with the word SECURITY shown in three quarter inch block lettering. Lettering of the word SECURITY shall be dark on light background or light on dark background. Patches or armbands may be applied by velcro closure bands, elastic bands or sewn patches.
New Armed Security Guard Georgia – Fees & Training
If you want to carry a firearm on duty as a security guard in Georgia, you are considered an Armed Security Officers. Your employer must register you with the state as an armed security officer. Registration includes the state performing a background check on you. You can be either a Private Security Guard or and In-house Security Guard.
Your security guard registration form sent into the state must include the dates and location that you completed your required training along with your instructor’s name and training license number.
Type of Security Guard License Required & Issuing Authority
- Security Guard License Type: Employee Registration Card
- Security Guard License Length: Expire on August 31 of each odd-numbered year
- Security Guard Licensing Authority and Website: Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies
- Security Guard Licensing Phone Number: 478.207.2440
- Security Guard Licensing Address:
Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies
237 Coliseum Dr
Macon, GA 31217
Security Guard Training Requirements & Fees
In addition to the 24-hour basic training curriculum for unarmed security officers in Georgia, you must take specialized training in the type of firearm you will carry as a security officer. You will be licensed to carry an exposed firearm unless your employer justifies your need for a concealed carry permit.
The holder of any weapon permit issued by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies must re-qualify annually with the weapon carried or assigned. Proof of range scores must be retained by your employer.
Employee registration cards and/or weapon permits issued by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies expire on August 31 of each odd-numbered year. A penalty fee is assessed to any employee applicant renewing their registration or weapon permit after August 31 and through September 31 of the renewal period. Failure to renew a registration or weapon permit by September 31 shall have the same effect as a revocation of said registration card or weapon permit. Reinstatement of a revoked employee registration or weapon permit is at the discretion of the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, which may require that a completed application for employee registration and/or a completed application for permit to carry firearms, including all applicable fees and other required information to be submitted as if it was a new application.
Handgun Training Curriculum
If you will carry on duty as security guard a handgun, you must complete the following firearm training curriculum that meets the minimum requirements of the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
- You must get a minimum passing score of 80% must on a written exam addressing the topics listed below as proctored by a firearms instructor licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
- You must get a minimum passing score of 80% on the firing range, proctored by a firearms instructor licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.
You must qualify for your weapon permits with the same type weapon you will carry. A minimum of 144 rounds of ammunition must be fired as practice and 2 strings of 48 rounds with the highest score used for qualification.
A minimum of 15 hours of instruction is required for the firearm training curriculum for handguns, administered by an instructor who is licensed by the Board, consisting of the following:
1. Use of deadly force to include Georgia Laws 16-3-21 & 17-4-20, Official Code of Georgia Annotated. = 1 hour
2. Liability issues, which shall include Georgia Laws 16-1-3(5), 16-1-3(6), Title 42, USC Sec. 1983. = 2 hours
2.a. Issues to be covered shall include the 3 situations which justify use of deadly force.
– Defense of self from greatly bodily harm or death
– Defense of a third person from great bodily harm or death
– To prevent the commission of a forcible felony
3. Instruction in ballistics to include selecting the proper ammunition and factors that affect trajectory, over-penetration and ricochet. = 1 hour
4. Types of handguns. = 3 hours
4.a. Nomenclature
4.b. Selection of a handgun
4.c. Selection of proper ammunition
4.d. Care and cleaning of a handgun
4.e. Proper techniques for storage, loading and unloading a handgun
4.f. Selection of the proper holster and equipment for your weapon
4.g. Weapon retention techniques.
5. Firearm range qualifications. = 8 hours
5.a. Proper stance
5.b. Proper grip and draw
5.c. Sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control
5.d. Firearm range safety
5.e. Range procedures and rules of conduct
5.f. Course of fire as set by instructor to include, but not limited to, the following:
| Distance (yards) | Rounds |
| 3 | 24 |
| 7 | 18 |
| 15 | 6 |
Your employer must submit on your registration form the specific duties that the you will be assigned, along with complete justification of the necessity of carrying of a concealed in order for you to get a concealed weapon permit.
Semi-Automatic Pistol Training Curriculum
If you will be carrying a semi-automatic pistol while on duty as a security guard, you must complete the following curriculum as set by the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency. You must pass with a minimum score of 70%.
You must qualify for your weapon permits with the same type weapon you will carry. A minimum of 144 rounds of ammunition must be fired as practice and 2 strings of 48 rounds with the highest score used for qualification.
A minimum of 16 hours of instruction is required for the firearm training curriculum for semi-automatic pistols consisting of the following:
1. Use of deadly force to include Georgia Laws 16-3-21 & 17-4-20, Official Code of Georgia Annotated. = 1 hour
2. Liability issues, which shall include Georgia Laws 16-1-3(5), 16-1-3(6), Title 42, USC Sec. 1983. = 2 hours
2.a. Issues to be covered shall include the 3 situations which justify use of deadly force.
– Defense of self from greatly bodily harm or death
– Defense of a third person from great bodily harm or death
– To prevent the commission of a forcible felony
3. Ballistics to include selecting the proper ammunition and factors that affect trajectory. = 1 hour
4. History and development of the semi-automatic pistol. = 1 hour
5. Safety and functional operation of the semi-automatic pistol including. = 2 hours
5.a. Operational safety
5.b. Proper loading and unloading
5.c. Mechanical safety
5.d. Magazine removal
5.e. Locking and unlocking the slide
6. Four basic failures or malfunctions that could occur and methods for clearing semiautomatic pistols. = 1 hour
6.a. Failure to feed
6.b. Failure to fire
6.c. Failure to extract (double feed)
6.d. Failure to eject (smoke stack/stove pipe)
7. Firearm range qualifications = 8 hours
7.a. Proper stance
7.b. Proper grip and draw
7.c. Slight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control
7.d.Firearm range safety
7.e. Range procedures and rules of conduct
7.f . Range commands for semi-automatic pistol
7.g. Course of fire.
| Distance (yards) | Position | Total Rounds | Time (seconds) |
| 3 | Hip | 6 | 10 |
| 7 | Point shoulder | 12 | 40 |
| 15 | Point shoulder (6 rounds)Kneeling (6 rounds) | 12 | 45 |
| 25 | Kneeling (6 rounds)Standing with or without a barricade (12 rounds) | 18 | 120 |
Your employer must submit on your registration form the specific duties that the you will be assigned, along with complete justification of the necessity of carrying of a concealed in order for you to get a concealed weapon permit.
Shotgun Training Curriculum
If you will be carrying a shotgun on duty, an instructor needs to qualify you to carry a shotgun according to Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency regulations. You must pass with a score of 80% on the firing range, proctored by a firearms instructor licensed by the Board. All armed personnel must comply with the requirements of Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency Rule 509-4-.01.
If the agency you work for uses a 12 gauge riot-type shotgun, or other type shotgun approved by the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency, your agency must provide training to you, if you’re authorized to carry a shotgun, according to the curriculum approved by the Board prior to issuance of a weapon to you.
A minimum of 2 hours of additional classroom training is required in a basic shotgun training program as follows:
1. History of Shotgun =15 minutes
2. The Modern Shotgun = 15 minutes
2.a. General Description
– The Pump Shotgun (Slide Action)
– The Automatic Shotgun (Self Loader)
3. The Police Shotgun = 15 minutes
3.a. Shotgun Parts
– Stock
– The Shotgun Action (The Self-Loader and Slide Action)
– Barrels (Length, Bore Size and Choke)
4. Shotgun Ammunition = 15 minutes
4.a. Components of the Shotshell
– Shot sizes, description of
– Penetration
– Spread
5. Why the Shotgun is used = 15 minutes
6. Shooting Position and Techniques = 30 minutes
6.a. Standing Position
6.b. Kneeling Position
6.c. Sitting Position
6.d. Prone Position
6.e. Skip Firing
7. Safety = 15 minutes
7.a. Carrying or holding the Shotgun
7.b. Safety in the Automobile
Your employer must submit on your registration form the specific duties that the you will be assigned, along with complete justification of the necessity of carrying of a shotgun in order for you to get a shotgun permit.
For compliance with the Armored Car Industry Reciprocity Act of 1993, affected licensees may elect to receive annual classroom and range training in weapons safety and marksmanship. This training must be provided by a qualified training instructor. Written confirmation of the licensee’s compliance with the annual training requirements must be submitted to the Board for each affected individual no later than December 31st annually.
Security Guard Background Check & Fingerprinting Fees
Your employer must submit two sets of your fingerprints with your armed security officer application. Fingerprinting for all applications is required through Cogent Services. The ORI number to use when registering is GA920240Z. The Verification Code is 920240Z. The Reason for registering is Private Detective/Security Business.
- Fingerprint Fee: $52.75 = $44.25 state and Federal fingerprint fee + $8.5 Georgia Applicant Processing Services (GAPS) fee
Security Guard Application & License Fees
The company that employs you as an armed guard submits your registration and pays the following fees:
- Armed Security Guard Registration Application Fee: $70
- Fee for Additional Weapon or Change of Weapon Type: $ 25.00
- Replacement Fee for Lost or Destroyed Registration Card: $ 25.00
You should allow 25 business days for processing of your security guard registration application. During the 25 days, the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency receives the application, performs data entry of basic information for tracking purposes, receives fingerprint results from Cogent Services and reviews the details provided in the application.
Security Guard Other Requirements
To be an armed guard in Georgia, you must:
- Be a United States citizen 18 years of age or older. submit a copy of your current Secure and Verifiable Document(s) such as driver’s license, passport.
- Be a legal permanent resident of the United States 18 years of age or older, or a qualified alien or non-immigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act 18 years of age or older with an alien number issued by the Department of Homeland Security or other federal immigration agency. Submit a copy of your current immigration document(s) which includes either your Alien number or your I-94 number and, if needed, SEVIS number.
- If you’re licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency to carry a firearm, you shall NOT carry any firearm which is not in operable condition and capable of firing live ammunition, and when carrying such a weapon, you shall have on your person live ammunition capable of being fired in the weapon which you carry.
- If you’re licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency to provide security services, you shall NOT carry a firearm while performing services for a private security agency or in-house security agency except while providing actual security services or while going directly to and from work (no stopovers allowed en route to or from work).
- Under no condition shall you carry any sort of firearm or have anyone accompanying you who is carrying a firearm while soliciting new or prospective clients.
- The issuance of an exposed weapons permit shall authorize the holder of such permit to carry a revolver of no greater caliber than a .357, or to carry a semi-automatic handgun
of no greater caliber than a .45.
Security Guard Employment Termination
Upon death, resignation or termination of a security guard employee, the employer shall notify the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency within 30 days of the termination of employment of any security guard by mailing to the office of the Division Director the guard’s registration and weapon permit cards.
Security Guard Job Transfer
If you transfer from one employer to another, the employer must make a new application and submit the appropriate fee to the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency. The Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency may issue the registration with weapon permit to you before receiving the results of the criminal background check, based upon a current registration with weapon permit with another employer.
Security Guard with Multiple Employers
If you worked as an armed guard for more than one agency simultaneously, each employer must complete application for registration on your behalf. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. The Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency may issue the registration with weapon permit to you before receiving the results of the criminal background check, based upon a current registration with weapon permit with another employer.
Getting a Armed Security Guard Permit with Criminal Convictions
With a misdemeanor criminal record, you may still by able to work as an armed security guard. However, with a serious criminal record, you probably won’t be able to work as an armed security guard. The following rules are what the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency uses when you have a criminal record.
- The Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency may register an employee who has previously been convicted of a misdemeanor provided that the criminal record does not show evidence of disregard for the law, which may be cause for the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency to deny any application for registration and/or permit to carry firearms.
- Any felony conviction may be cause for the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency to reject an application for employee registration and/or weapon permit. However, the Board may inquire into the nature of the crime, the date of conviction or plea, and other underlying facts and circumstances surrounding such criminal conviction and, in its discretion, may allow the employee to be registered.
- Under no circumstances shall the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency issue an exposed or concealed weapon permit to any applicant who has been convicted of a felony without first having been provided with proof of a pardon or restoration of civil rights which specifically states the restoration of the right to carry firearms.
Weapons Discharge Report
Any time you, if you’re a holder of an exposed or concealed weapons permit, discharges the weapon which your permit authorizes the you to carry other than on a supervised range, your employer must immediately report to the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the weapon by you. The report must be made within 10 business days of the date of discharge and must be made on forms provided by the Georgia Board of Private Detective And Security Agency.
Security Armed Guard Uniforms in Georgia
If you wear a uniform as a registered armed guard:
- Your uniform must not be confusingly similar to any uniforms used by any law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia.
- Your uniform must state the name of the company under which your registration has been issued.
- You must wear a patch or armband on the upper left sleeve of your uniform with the word SECURITY shown in three quarter inch block lettering. Lettering of the word SECURITY shall be dark on light background or light on dark background. Patches or armbands may be applied by velcro closure bands, elastic bands or sewn patches.
- You can’t wear a uniform while soliciting a new or prospective client unless requested by the new or prospective client.
Pro Armed Security Guard Georgia – Fees & Training
You must renewal your armed security guard registration before August 31 of each odd-numbered year. You also need to complete 8 hours of continuing education credits for your registration to be renewed.
Type of Security Guard License Renewal Required & Issuing Authority
- Security Guard License Type: Employee Registration Card
- Security Guard License Length: Expires on August 31 of each odd-numbered year
- Security Guard Licensing Authority and Website: Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies
- Security Guard Licensing Phone Number: 478.207.2440
- Security Guard Licensing Address:
Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies
237 Coliseum Dr
Macon, GA 31217
Security Guard Renewal Application & License Fees
Your employer must renew your registration online and pay the renewal registration fees.
- Armed Security Guard Registration Renewal Fee: $ 65.00
- Late Renewal Fee: $ 80.00 (after September 30th of odd-numbered years)
Security Guard Continuing Education Training Requirements & Fees
As a registered armed security officer in Georgia, you must complete 8 hours of continuing education each time your registration is renewed.
If you obtain your first security officer registration employees within the second year of the renewal cycle (after September 1 of the even-numbered year), you don’t have to
obtain security guard continuing education hours for the first renewal of your registration.
Your employer sends in copies of your continuing education certificate to the Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies.
Your 8 hours of security officer training must include:
- 2 hours in Homeland Security, to include, but not limited to, indicators of terrorism and cooperation with Homeland Security agencies
- 2 hours in Firearms-related training
- 4 hours in industry-related training
Acceptable Security Officer Continuing Education Providers
You don’t have to get pre-approval of specific training programs. An acceptable Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) is defined as any individual, organization, institution, association, firm, or other entity that provides ongoing training services to the private detective or security profession that directly relates to the scope of practice. This training must be facilitated or provided by an instructor licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies.
Associations
You can get your continuing education credits with instruction provided by legitimate private detective and/or security associations. This includes, but is not limited to, state and national associations that are properly incorporated and in good standing with the appropriate incorporating body.
Company Training
Your employer may develop continuing education courses to provide training solely for their own registered employees.
Institutions, Individuals and Firms
Institution, individuals and firms that provide security officer continuing education training for profit must meet the criteria as listed in Rule 509-3-.12 (4).
Distance and Online Learning
You can take your security officer registration renewal classes through distance learning, such as online Internet-based training and correspondence courses. Institutions that provide training for profit must meet the criteria as listed in Rule 509-3-.12 (4).
Requirements of Approved Continuing Education Providers Rule 509-3-.12 (4)
An ACEP must meet the following requirements:
- Mandatory attendance sheet or roster to be signed or initialed by the participant. Electronic signatures are acceptable for distance learning purposes.
- A written agenda, course outline, or syllabus must be developed that covers the subject matter presented.
- A certificate must be presented to each participant upon successful completion of the training. The certificate must contain, but is not limited to, the name of the participant,
course topic, number of continuing education hours achieved, name and signature of provider or facilitator, and date(s) of training. - Training offered by instructors who are not licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies, including POST certified instructors and subject-matter experts, must be provided under the direction of an instructor licensed by the Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies.
Security Guard Training Records
It is the sole responsibility of you and your employer to provide proof to the Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies proof of completion of the required continuing education hours. Security guard training providers must retain records of training for a minimum of 5 years. The Georgia Board of Private Detectives & Security Agencies reserves the right to conduct an audit of registered security guard records to determine compliance with continuing education requirements.