How to Become a Security Guard in Arizona

This article will take you through the process you’ll have to follow if you want to become a security guard in Arizona.

Security Officer Job Description and Requirements

One of the first things to know about this position is that these individuals need to register with the Department of Public Safety.

There are a few categories of security guards that don’t need registration, but they’re still under DPS jurisdiction.

To be accepted, the main requirements are:

• Minimum 18 years old
• Allowed to work in the USA
• Passing a background check
• Having some pre-service training

The Department makes a difference between multiple security-related job roles, such as:

• Armed security guards
• Corporate officers

Armed security guards and agency associates need to be at least 21 years old as well as undergoing additional training.

Training of a Security Guard in Arizona

All guards need some training appropriate for their future positions.

Unarmed Security Guard Training

In Arizona, the minimum training of an unarmed security guard is of 8 hours, pre-service.

This process has to be completed after an employment offer was received.

The Department mandates that the candidates need to learn about:

• Orientation
• Communications
• Security guard procedures
• Criminal law/ arrest law
• Use of force
• First response/ crime scene preservation
• Emergency response procedures
• Ethics
• Uniform/ grooming

The registration needs to be renewed periodically and this can only be done after undergoing 8 hours of knowledge refreshing training.

Armed Security Guard Training

These guards need to train as follows:

• 8 hours pre-service
• 16 hours for a firearm

The instructor for firearms training needs a license from the Department.

Their instruction must be from one of these institutions:

• The Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training Board
• The National Rifle Association
• A federal law enforcement agency

The concealed weapons training doesn’t replace the DPS-mandated firearms safety training.

The armed security guards need to refresh their firearm training every year.

Background Check for a Security Guard

As mentioned, all future security guards need to pass a background check.

The background criminal check has to be completed through the FBI, with the help of your fingerprints.

There are some cases in which the instructor can collect the fingerprints.

Other institutions can also perform this check.

All felony convictions are disqualifying from becoming a security guard.

In some cases, exceptions may be allowed for the very old felonies.

The Department of Public Safety has a list of all the disqualifiers for this position.

These include:

• Being deemed mentally incompetent
• Being a danger to self or others
• Being Dishonorably discharged from the armed services

Applying for a Security Guard License in Arizona

The security guard application form can be downloaded from the website of the Department.

It has various sections that need to be filled out by different people and at different times.

You’ll also need a series of extra documents:

• A passport-style photograph
• A copy of an ID
• A copy of the DD214 form for those with military experience
• Paying the fees

The ID copy can be of a driver’s license or passport.

The fees are as follows:

• For an unarmed guard:
  • $22 for fingerprint processing
  • $50 for registration
• $122 for an armed guard

Unarmed security guards are allowed to become armed guards, but they need to complete extra steps.

These individuals will need to:

• Provide proof of employment
• Complete the firearm training
• Provide another set of fingerprints
• Provide another photo

The fingerprints don’t need to be resubmitted if the application takes place within 90 days from the previous license application.

A new photo is needed if the appearance of the individual changed, otherwise this can be skipped.

Security Guard Salary Information

Security guards that just got hired will earn less than those with some experience.

On average, in Arizona, salaries are generally higher in cities like Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, or Glendale.

Regional Salary in Arizona

Additional Information

Security guards are expected to submit a new photo if they change their appearance even if they don’t want to change their status from unarmed to armed guards.

The registration of an armed security guard is specific to the agency, and they’ll receive a card.

If some guards choose to work for another agency, they can show their current card to their future employer.

If they get employed, they’ll need to undergo the registration process again and receive a new card.

Security Guard License by State