License: ARMED SECURITY GUARD/OFFICER

Department of Commerce and Insurance Division of Regulatory Boards Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower
500 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243-1158
(615) 741-6382

ARMED SECURITY GUARD/OFFICER<BR><BR>Employed by a contract security company or a proprietary security organization to protect persons and/or property from criminal activities. May be armed or unarmed, depending on whether he or she has met all armed guard applicant requirements and is authorized by written directive to carry a firearm.<BR><BR>REQUIREMENTS:<BR>At least 18 years of age for registration as an unarmed security guard, 21 for registration as an armed security guard, US citizen or resident alien, be legally mentally competent, be of good moral character, free of habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction or dependence, have no disability which would prevent performance of duties, free of convictions including probation for 5 years for serious crimes or crimes involving firearms, shoplifting, or violence. Must meet the training requirements.<BR><BR>TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:<BR>Training includes an examination covering subjects in which the individual must have training. All candidates must complete a four hour basic course including 1 hour each of orientation, legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer, emergency procedures, and general duties with additional training for carrying the weapons or other devices that are less than lethal that he will use. An armed guard must complete eight additional hours in the classroom covering legal limitations on the use of a firearm, handling of a firearm, and safety and maintenance of firearms, and an additional four hours of marksmanship training and achieve a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner. <BR><BR>RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:<BR>Every two (2) years. Prior to renewal, Armed security guards must complete four hours of refresher training and requalify in the use of a firearm by achieving a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner.

  • Registry
  • State exam required
  • Specific course required
  • Continuing education required
  • Experience required
  • Specific type of conviction prohibited
License information updated 07/19/2022