Working in private security requires understanding a specific process established by Michigan state law. This guide details how to obtain the necessary credentials to work as a security officer in Michigan. Aspiring guards must meet defined, non-negotiable requirements governing employment in this capacity. Successfully completing these steps is the path to beginning a career protecting people and property within the state.
Understanding the Michigan Security Guard Registration
The official designation in Michigan is not “Guard Card,” but registration under the Private Security Guard Act, Act 330 of 1968. The state does not issue a direct license or card to individual security guards. Instead, the regulatory structure focuses on the security company, which must hold a state license. Individuals are registered with the state as employees of that licensed agency.
The path to becoming a security guard is tied to securing employment with a state-licensed security firm. The licensed agency ensures its employees meet all state requirements and maintains a roster of active security officers. An individual cannot apply for registration independently before being hired. The agency initiates the required background checks and formal registration process after extending an offer of employment.
Meeting the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Registration as a security guard requires meeting several foundational prerequisites outlined in state law. Applicants for an unarmed position must be at least 18 years of age. A high school diploma or its recognized equivalent is required as the minimum educational qualification.
Applicants must be a United States citizen or a registered resident alien with valid work authorization. The most stringent requirement involves the mandated criminal background check. Disqualifying factors are clearly defined and serve as an absolute bar to registration. A felony conviction at any time prevents registration.
A conviction for certain misdemeanor offenses within the five-year period preceding the application date will also disqualify an individual. These prohibitive misdemeanors include:
Crimes involving dishonesty or fraud.
Unauthorized divulging or selling of information.
Impersonation of a law enforcement officer.
Illegal use, carrying, or possession of a dangerous weapon.
Two or more alcohol-related offenses.
A conviction for assault.
Completing the Mandatory Training and Education
The Private Security Guard Act does not mandate a fixed number of training hours for unarmed guards. The law delegates responsibility for training and professional standards primarily to the licensed employing agency. Although state law does not require specific hours, most licensed security firms require foundational training as a condition of employment and registration.
Most security agencies require new hires to complete a foundational training program, often involving eight or more hours of instruction. This employer-mandated curriculum typically covers the role of private security, legal aspects of security work, patrol and observation techniques, and incident response procedures. This internal training ensures the employee is prepared to represent the company and comply with the state’s ethical and legal expectations.
Requirements for armed security officers are substantially more stringent. Armed guards must adhere to all state and federal firearms laws. This includes obtaining necessary permits, such as a Concealed Pistol License (CPL), to carry a weapon in the state. The employing agency will also mandate extensive firearms training, proficiency testing, and ongoing re-qualification to ensure safe and lawful armed service.
Navigating the Official Application Process
Registration finalization is an administrative process managed by the licensed security agency. The employer initiates the process by submitting the applicant’s information for a preliminary name-based background check. If this initial check is cleared, the applicant may receive provisional clearance, allowing them to work for up to 90 days while the full background investigation is completed.
The most time-consuming step is the electronic submission of fingerprints, known as Live Scan. The applicant must visit an approved Live Scan vendor to have their fingerprints captured and submitted to the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The state processing fee for this background check is approximately $49.25, plus separate fees charged by the vendor and the FBI.
The licensed security agency submits all required documentation to the state. This includes the employee’s application, confirmation of eligibility, and successful completion of background checks. Registration is finalized only after the state processes the full background check results and officially adds the individual to the agency’s employee roster. The individual cannot work past the 90-day provisional period without this final approval.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Registration
Once a security guard is registered, maintaining that status remains primarily the responsibility of the sponsoring security agency. The agency’s license must be renewed every two years, and the guard’s registration is linked to this cycle. The state requires the licensed employer to conduct a new criminal background check on all registered employees every two years, coinciding with the agency’s license renewal.
Registration is only valid while the guard is actively employed by the sponsoring licensed agency. If a guard leaves their job, the employer must notify the state, and the registration becomes inactive. To resume work, the individual must be hired by a new licensed agency, which initiates the process of adding them to its roster and ensuring a current background check is on file.
The state does not mandate continuing education requirements for unarmed guards. However, many licensed agencies require annual refresher training to maintain service standards and ensure compliance with company policies. Armed guards often complete more frequent, specific re-qualification training for weapons proficiency as part of the agency’s internal standards.
Career Outlook for Licensed Security Guards in Michigan
The job market for licensed security guards in Michigan is active, driven by the state’s diverse industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and finance. Entry-level duties involve maintaining a visible presence, patrolling designated areas, controlling access points, and monitoring surveillance equipment. Security officers document activity and provide initial response to emergency situations.
Salaries for unarmed security guards generally range from an entry-level annual wage of approximately $32,900 to about $39,900. Armed security positions command a higher wage, typically ranging from around $43,800 to over $51,500 per year. The specific pay rate is influenced by location, post complexity, and the officer’s level of experience.