Unarmed Security Officer
- New WA Unarmed Security Guard: You need required training to become a new unarmed security guard.
- Rookie WA Unarmed Security Guard: No requirements for your 1st year.
- Pro WA Unarmed Security Guard: You need to renew your security guard license every year.
Armed Security Officer
- New WA Armed Security Officer: You need required training to become a new armed security guard.
- Rookie WA Armed Security Officer: No requirements for your 1st year.
- Pro WA Armed Security Officer: You need to renew your security guard license every 1 year.
Washington Security Guard Training & License Info
In Washington, the Public Protection Services Department of Licensing issues security guard licenses.
Washington Security Guard Training Requirements & Fees
Requirements
To be licensed as an unarmed private security guard, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a United States citizen or resident alien.
- Be employed by, or have an employment offer from, a licensed private security guard company.
- Have no criminal convictions that directly relate to your capacity to perform the duties of a private security guard or that hinder public safety. (See Recommended Sanctions to determine length of time from date of conviction that must pass before you can re-apply for licensure.)
- Complete the pre-assignment training requirements and pass the security guard exam at a drivers licensing office.
How to Apply
Apply directly to the security guard company you wish to work for. To apply, submit all of the following:
- Complete and mail in your Private Security Guard License Application.
- Mail in with your application a non-refundable application free of $111 (check or money order only).
- Also, mail in 1 completed fingerprint card with your application.
Pre-assignment Training for Security Guards
Pre-assignment training must include the following areas of required knowledge and be a minimum of 8 hours:
Basic Principles
- Basic role of the security guard.
- Washington State licensing laws.
- Observation.
- Proper actions, reactions, ethics and diversity.
- Homeland Security – Terrorism and Surveillance.
Legal Powers and Limitations
- Citizen arrest.
- Authority to detain, question, or search a private citizen.
- Authority to search or seize private property.
- Use of force.
- Building relationships with law enforcement.
- Avoiding liability
Emergency Response
- How to define what is or is not an emergency situation.
- Response to fires.
- Response to medical emergencies.
- Response to criminal acts.
- Bomb threats.
Safety & Accident Prevention
- Hazardous materials including MSDS.
- Accident reporting.
Report Writing. It’s a Legal Document
- Elements and characteristics of a report.
Post-assignment training study guide: Security guards
The following topic areas are used for post-assignment training and training must be a minimum of 8 hours.
Basic Role of Private Security Guards
- Security awareness
- Private security guards and the criminal justice system
- Information sharing
- Crime and loss prevention
Legal Aspects of Private Security
- Evidence and evidence handling
- Use of force
- Court testimony
- Incident scene preservation
- Equal employment opportunity (EEO) and diversity
- State and local laws
Security Officer Conduct
- Ethics
- Honesty
- Professional image
Observation and Incident Reporting
- Observation techniques
- Note taking
- Report writing
Principles of Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Building relationships with law enforcement
- Customer services and public relations
- Workplace violence
Principles of Access Control
- Enter and exit control procedures
- Electronic security systems
Principles of Safeguarding Information
- Proprietary and confidential
Emergency Response Procedures
- Critical incident response (e.g., natural disasters. accidents, human caused events)
- Evacuation processes
Life Safety Awareness
- Safety hazards in the workplace/surroundings
- Emergency equipment placement
- Fire prevention skills
- Hazardous materials
- Occupational safety and health requirements (e.g., OSHA related training, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)
Job Assignment and Post Orders
- Assignments and tasks
- Patrol
FAQs about Getting Your Washington Security Guard License
- How long will it take to receive my license? Up to 60 days to issue your license after we receive your completed application, fees, and fingerprint card. The process may take longer if the Washington State Patrol rejects your fingerprints.
- Where will I take the exam? Exams are scheduled at Driver Licensing Offices around the state. Your exam will be mailed to the licensing office you chose on the application. When you complete the exam, it will be returned to the licensing department to be scored.
- When will I get the results of the exam? About 10 days after you take your exam, you will be mailed a result letter indicating your score.
- How often can I take the exam? You must wait at least 7 working days between exams. There’s no limit to the number of times you can take the exam.
- How do I get rescheduled if I don’t pass? You are mailed a re-exam application with the results letter if you don’t pass. To be rescheduled, complete and return the application with a check or money order for the fee. It costs $25 each time you re-exam.
How to Renew Your Washington Security Guard License
You must renew your security guard license every year in Washington. Your guard license expires 1 year from the date of issuance. You can check your security license expiration date online. To renew your license, send the Public Protection Services Department of Licensing the following:
- The renewal notice sent to you in the mail.
- The $85 fee. (Late renewal: $90. Late renewal fee isn’t required if you’re submitting a renewal with a transfer or rehire application.)
- Make sure you complete 8 hours of annual refresher security guard training.
Temporary registration cards aren’t to be used for guards with expired licenses. Also, if you don’t renew on time, your license will be cancelled and you while have to take the initial security guard training and security officer exam over again.
How to Transfer Your Security Guard License
Active License
If you’re transferring a license that will expire within 60 days, submit all of the following:
- A completed Private Security Guard License Application.
- Be sure to mark both the transfer and renewal boxes.
- A check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the transfer fee of $25 and the renewal fee of $85.
Expired License
If the license has already expired, submit all of the following:
- A completed Private Security Guard License Application.
- Be sure to mark both the transfer and late renewal boxes.
- A check or money order (payable to the Department of Licensing) for the transfer fee of $25 and late renewal fee of $90.
Duplicate Security License Fees
If you need another copy of your security guard license, it will cost $10. You might need another copy of your security guard license if yours becomes damaged from wear or accident that makes it unreadable.
Washington New Armed Security Guard Training & License Info Requirements
In Washington, the Public Protection Services Department of Licensing issues security guard licenses. If you carry a firearm while on duty working for a licensed private security guard company, you must have an armed private security guard license. You must complete all training and licensing requirements for an unarmed security officer in Washington too.
Requirements
To be licensed as an armed private security guard, you must:
- Be licensed as an unarmed private security guard.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a current firearms certificate issued by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (WSCJTC). For a list of firearm instructors, visit the WSCJTC website.
How to Apply
Apply directly to the security guard company you wish to work for. To apply, submit all of the following:
- A completed Private Security Guard License Application.
- A non-refundable application of $121 ($111 + $10)
- 1 completed fingerprint card.
- If you’re an alien resident, proof of your alien firearm license.
Transfer or Renew Washington Armed Security Guard License
You need to follow the annual renewal and training requirements for an unarmed security license in Washington. Plus you need to re-certify that you are still allowed to be armed in the state of Washington.