Becoming a security guard in Georgia requires following a specific, regulated path toward certification. Obtaining a license is mandatory for certain security roles and is overseen by the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies (GBPDSA). The Board establishes clear standards for eligibility, training, and conduct. Adhering to this official process ensures all security personnel meet the required professional and legal qualifications set by the state.
Determining Your Security Guard License Type
The first step involves determining the specific type of security role you intend to pursue, as this dictates the application requirements. Georgia law makes a fundamental distinction between unarmed security guards and armed security guards. Unarmed security guards are not required to register with the GBPDSA, though they must still comply with the training standards set by the Board.
Armed security guards must be formally licensed and registered with the state. This registration is necessary for any employee who will carry a weapon while performing their security duties. The distinction is crucial because the level of regulation, mandatory training hours, and application complexity all increase substantially for armed positions.
Meeting the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
All individuals seeking employment as a security guard in Georgia must satisfy a set of foundational criteria established by state regulation. An applicant must be at least 18 years old to work in an unarmed capacity, though some employers may prefer applicants to be 21 for armed roles. Applicants must also be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien authorized to work in the country.
A high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, such as a GED, is a standard educational prerequisite. Character requirements are assessed through a mandatory background check. Applicants must not have any felony convictions or a history of crimes involving the illegal use of a dangerous weapon or moral turpitude. The Board maintains the discretion to review certain past convictions based on the nature of the crime and the time elapsed since the offense.
Required Training and Certification
The state mandates specific training requirements, which differ based on whether the guard will be armed or unarmed. Unarmed guards must complete a minimum of 24 hours of board-approved classroom instruction. This foundational course covers topics such as the legal authority of private security, patrol and observation techniques, and incident response.
The training must be provided by a school or instructor officially certified by the GBPDSA. Armed guards must complete the 24 hours of basic instruction plus an additional 15 hours of specialized firearms training. This firearms course includes classroom education on the legal use of a weapon and a mandated proficiency testing component on a firing range. Upon successful completion, applicants receive a certificate of completion which must be retained as proof of training for the application process.
Navigating the Official Application Process
Once all training and eligibility requirements are met, the next phase involves the formal submission of an application to the GBPDSA. A key aspect of the process is the mandatory fingerprinting and background check submission. Applicants must register with the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) to have their fingerprints taken electronically.
These prints are submitted to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and the FBI for a comprehensive criminal history check. The application package requires additional documentation, including proof of training completion and a passport-style photograph of the applicant. Armed guards must submit a non-refundable application fee of $70. Unarmed guards do not require a state registration but must still pay for the background check and training.
The employer plays a significant role in the registration process. The application for an armed security guard registration is submitted by the licensed security agency on behalf of the employee. This employer sponsorship is often a prerequisite for the registration to be granted. The employee must apply for registration within 180 days of completing the board-mandated pre-licensure training.
Maintaining and Renewing Your License
After the security guard registration is issued, compliance with ongoing requirements is necessary to maintain its validity. Registration for an armed security guard is valid for two years from the date of issue. To renew the registration, employees must complete continuing education (CE) requirements.
Registered security employees must complete eight hours of CE prior to each renewal. This instruction covers specific topics like Homeland Security, firearms-related training, and other industry-related instruction. Armed guards must also requalify annually with the firearm they carry, and the proof of range scores must be retained. Employees must notify the Board of any changes in employment or address to ensure continuous compliance and avoid a lapse or revocation of the registration.