If you are looking to start your career as a Security Guard or make a career change, Arizona is an ideal place to do so. The Security Industry is exponentially growing throughout the state. It is the sixth largest and the 14th most populous state in the US. It is also home to the Grand Canyon, which attracts approximately 4.5 million visitors each year.
In this article, we will share what you need to know on how to become a Security Guard in Arizona, including licensing, required training, salary expectations, and the best places to apply for jobs in this fulfilling career.
Unarmed Security Guard Requirements in Arizona
Arizona is one of the few states where security guard training is not always required before applying for a security guard position, making it a great place to begin your career.
While there is no training required, there are different licensing requirements depending on your employment.
- You must be licensed if you work for an individual security guard agency or contractor
- You don’t need a license if you are working directly for a private company
If you do require a security license, keep in mind that you cannot legally wear a security guard uniform until you obtain an Arizona security license from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Licensing Unit.
Licensing qualifications include:
- Being 18 years of age or older
- Be a US citizen or legal resident
- Criminal history check
- Completing the correct paperwork
- Complete the eight-hour pre-assignment unarmed training course
- Pay the $50 registration fee and the $22 FBI fingerprinting certification fee to the Department of Public Licensing.
You must submit your Security Guard license application before doing your criminal history check to avoid processing delays. Your criminal history background check is conducted through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). To get started, download and fill out your contact information and job details on the Security Officer Request for Live Scan Service form. This form has been pre-filled with the information required to ensure it is processed correctly and submitted directly to the BSIS.
Guard cards are issued for a period of 2 years, and guards should start the renewal process 60 days before expiration to ensure there is no gap in time.
Armed Security Guard Requirements in Arizona
To become an armed security guard in Arizona, you must complete state-required security training, which must be renewed each year. Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Submit fingerprints
- Submit two passport-style photos
- Submit proof of identification such as a copy of your driver’s license or passport
- Not have been convicted of a felony, sexual offense, or crime that questions the honesty and integrity of the person
- Take and pass the required examination and qualification
Arizona Security Guard Training
As previously mentioned, Arizona requires unarmed security guards to attend eight hours of training at a state-certified training facility. The training will educate the applicant in the security procedures that will allow them to perform the duties of an unarmed security guard and provide state-certified training needed to be issued the two-year unarmed security guard license. The training will include:
- Orientation (guard industry / Veterans Security)
- Criminal Law & Laws of Arrest
- Uniform & Grooming
- Communications
- Use of Force
- General Security Guard Procedures
- Ethics
- Crime Scene Preservations & First Response
- Emergency Response Procedures
For those looking to become an armed security guard, an additional class must be taken. This is the 16-hour armed security guard course. It's two, eight-hour days and includes a live fire range qualification and written test. The training course will cover force laws, firearm marksmanship, legal issues, liability, and more. The total fees are around $122 and cannot be taken online.
Further, unarmed training must be completed first before taking the armed course. You do not need to have your paperwork submitted, but you must have completed the unarmed training and have your training verification form to show it. All armed guards are required to take the annual refresher training course each calendar year. It includes written tests and range qualifications.
PalAmerican’s company-paid and on-the-job training ensure that newcomers to security are ready to perform with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. Security Officers can take advantage of specialized training courses for their specific site to sharpen their skills, knowledge, and abilities to meet a career goal. At a minimum, PalAmerican provides over 40 hours of training and has an online learning platform with over 200 courses available for all staff.
Check out PalAmerican's customized version of the MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) certification program.
How much money do Security Guards make in Arizona?
It is an ideal time to get your foot in the door of this rapidly growing industry. Unarmed Arizona Security Guards earn an average of $30-40K per year; that is without considering all the growth opportunities within the security industry. Armed Security Guards earn an average of $40-55K per year.
If you want to learn more about what a Security Guard does, here is an article about Security Guard Responsibilities.
Unsure about how to submit a strong resume for a security position? Here is a downloadable template and helpful guide on how to write the ideal Security Guard resume.
How to get a Security Guard job in Arizona
If you are interested in starting a meaningful career in security and making a difference in your community, PalAmerican Security is one of North America’s fastest-growing, best-managed and most admired corporate culture security companies. If you think you have what it takes, check out our careers page.
There are endless opportunities to create your own career path with our Promotion-from-within Philosophy. See how far your career goes with The PalAmerican Family!
Be sure to listen to The Difference Makers podcast and read our blog to learn more about us and the exciting world of security.
PALAMERICAN CAREERS
