TN Armed Guard Certification Course

Ready to Become an Armed Guard?

In Tennessee, all armed security guards must meet the armed guard registration requirements to be authorized to carry a firearm on the job. This course satisfies the training requirement imposed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118 (b) for applicants seeking to earn an armed security registration card.

As required by law, this is a 16-hour course that includes 4 hours of unarmed guard training and 8 hours of classroom instruction with a focus on authority, duties and legal responsibilities of security guards/officers, use of force laws in Tennessee, gun safety, and proper selection of weapons and gear. The final 4 hours are spent in live fire training on the range.

Range training includes hands-on time with weapons to improve mindset, marksmanship, and manipulation skills, as well as defensive shooting tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Eligibility Requirements:

Below are the eligibility requirements for an armed guard license (see Tenn. Code Ann § 62-35-117). Note that a security guard who holds an armed guard license may work either an armed post or an unarmed post (no need to separately obtain an unarmed guard license).

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien (green card holder)
• Must have never been declared by any court to be incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease (unless you've since been declared competent)
• If previously convicted of any felony or serious misdemeanor (involving violence, firearms, or theft), the applicant must have completed serving any sentence or probation at least five years prior to applying for the security guard license
• Must not be addicted to drugs or alcohol;
• Must not have any disability that prevents you for safely performing security duties; and
• Must be of good moral character.

Successful applicants must meet the training requirements and submit electronic fingerprints for processing TBI and or FBI criminal history check. This course satisfies the training requirement (see Tenn. Code Ann. § 62-35-118 (b).