The security guard profession in Georgia is regulated to ensure public safety and professional conduct. Individuals seeking employment must navigate state-mandated requirements, which differ based on whether they serve as an unarmed or armed officer. This process is overseen by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (GBPDSA). It involves meeting initial eligibility criteria, completing mandatory training, and submitting a formal state registration application.
Meeting the Initial Prerequisites
The foundational requirements for any security guard applicant in Georgia must be satisfied before starting the training or application process. Prospective guards must be at least 18 years old for general security employment, though the minimum age is higher for armed officers. Applicants must also prove they are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Many employers require candidates to possess a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) equivalency. A comprehensive criminal background check is required to establish good moral character. This involves submitting fingerprints through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) for processing by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
The board reviews the results for any disqualifying criminal history, such as felony convictions or crimes involving the illegal use of weapons or moral turpitude. Any criminal conviction, including pleas of nolo contendere, allows the board to inquire into the facts and circumstances before granting eligibility. Securing a clean background report is a prerequisite for all subsequent steps.
Choosing Between Unarmed and Armed Licensing
Security guard work is divided into unarmed and armed roles, each with distinct requirements. Unarmed security officers are not required to be individually registered with the GBPDSA. The employing licensed security company is responsible for ensuring unarmed guards meet training standards and maintaining their employment records.
The armed security path requires formal state registration and a weapons permit due to the responsibility of carrying a firearm while on duty. This role requires the applicant to be at least 21 years of age. The decision to pursue armed status dictates the required training curriculum, application fees, and background check depth.
Armed guards must apply for an exposed weapon permit, often called a “blue card” registration. This requires demonstrating proficiency with the specific type of weapon they plan to carry. The choice between unarmed and armed work determines both the complexity of the registration process and the types of security assignments available.
Completing Mandatory Training Requirements
All prospective security personnel must complete a mandatory minimum number of training hours through a GBPDSA-approved provider. Unarmed security officers must complete at least 24 hours of classroom instruction before assignment. This training covers core competencies necessary for the job, delivered by a state-certified instructor.
The foundational curriculum includes subjects such as:
- The legal powers and limitations of a private security officer.
- Report writing and emergency procedures.
- Patrol techniques and observation skills.
- Incident response to prepare the guard for various scenarios.
This instruction ensures unarmed guards understand their legal authority, which is generally limited to that of a private citizen.
Armed security officers must complete the basic 24-hour course plus an additional 15 hours of specialized firearms training. This instruction focuses on the safe use, handling, and storage of a weapon, and the legal aspects of using deadly force. The training culminates in a mandatory qualification course where the officer must demonstrate proficiency with the exact weapon they intend to carry.
Submitting Your Official State Registration Application
The formal registration process follows the successful completion of training and prerequisites. All applications must be submitted online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s professional licensing portal, known as GOALS, as paper submissions are no longer accepted. The required forms ask for detailed personal information, a five-year history of residence and employment, and a full disclosure of any arrests or convictions.
The submission package must include supporting documents, such as proof of training completion and the receipt from the GAPS fingerprinting process. Applicants seeking armed registration must also include a Weapon Permit Form and official range scores from the firearms qualification course. All applicants must submit a secure document to prove identity and legal residency.
The employing security company often sponsors the registration and must submit an Affidavit of Employment on the applicant’s behalf. Once the application is submitted with the required fees, the GBPDSA reviews the file, which can involve a waiting period for the background check results and application processing. Potential licensees must apply for registration within 180 days of completing their prelicensure training.
Launching Your Career and Maintaining Licensure
Upon successful approval by the GBPDSA, the security guard’s registration is formalized, and they are authorized to begin working with their sponsoring company. New guards should focus their job search on companies specializing in their trained security work, such as industrial or corporate roles. The registration is valid for a set period and requires renewal to remain active.
The official registration must typically be renewed every two years. The board may require continuing education as a condition of this renewal for all registered personnel. Armed officers must re-qualify annually with the specific firearm they are authorized to carry.
This yearly qualification involves demonstrating shooting proficiency and ensuring they are current on laws regarding the use of force. Maintaining licensure requires staying current on all fees, keeping personal information updated with the state, and ensuring that all continuing education or re-qualification requirements are met before expiration. Failure to maintain these ongoing requirements can result in suspension of the license.