Security officers help keep people, buildings and events safe. If you live in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona and want to start a security career, it helps to understand how the state regulates the work. In Arizona, the process is often called getting a “guard card,” although the official term is a security guard registration certificate. This guide explains who can apply, the training required, the difference between armed and unarmed work, and practical steps for getting hired, using information from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Arizona law.
How Arizona regulates security guards
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) licenses security guard agencies and registers individual security guards. Arizona law says that an agency licensee must provide training for each person employed as a security guard before that person acts as a guard. You can find the department’s licensing information on the DPS Licensing page.
In practice, most new officers work with an employer, which is a licensed security guard agency, and the agency arranges the required training and helps with the registration paperwork. Always confirm that the company hiring you is properly licensed.
Basic qualifications
Under A.R.S. 32-2622, an applicant for a security guard registration certificate must, among other things:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States who is authorized to seek employment in the United States.
- Not have been convicted of a felony or be under indictment for a felony.
- Not have been convicted, within the five years before applying, of certain misdemeanors, including those involving personal violence or force, misconduct involving a deadly weapon, dishonesty or fraud, arson, theft, domestic violence or sexual misconduct.
- Not be on parole, community supervision, work furlough, home arrest or other release, and not be named in an outstanding arrest warrant.
- Meet the other conditions in the statute, which also cover certain mental health adjudications and registered sex offender status.
The statute lists all conditions, so read it in full. If you are unsure whether a past record affects you, ask the DPS or a licensed agency before you spend money on training.
Unarmed security guard training
Arizona law requires an agency licensee to provide eight hours of pre-assignment training for each person employed as a security guard before the employee acts as a guard. The training must be given by an instructor who is certified by DPS, using a curriculum established by the department (A.R.S. 32-2632). The training is documented on a DPS training verification form that the guard, the instructor and the agency sign.
Renewal applicants must complete eight hours of refresher training within ninety days before submitting their renewal application, again taught by a certified instructor.
Armed security guard requirements
Carrying a firearm on duty requires additional steps. Under A.R.S. 32-2632 and Arizona Administrative Code R13-6-603, a guard who will use a firearm as part of the job must complete:
- The standard pre-assignment training described above, and
- Sixteen hours of firearms-safety instruction before being assigned to a position requiring a firearm, and
- Eight hours of annual refresher firearms-safety instruction before renewing the registration.
Firearms training must be given by a DPS-certified firearms safety training instructor. Armed applicants must also meet additional legal requirements, including not being prohibited from possessing a firearm. DPS provides the Unarmed and Armed Training Verification form, which documents this training.
Many employers hire unarmed officers, and armed positions are often a later step. Ask any prospective employer about whether they pay for training and what they expect.
Step-by-step: getting your guard card
- Check your eligibility. Confirm your age, work authorization and criminal history against the list above.
- Find a licensed agency or training provider. Employers often arrange training. If you pay for a course on your own, make sure the instructor is registered with DPS and that the training counts toward the DPS verification form.
- Complete the training. Attend the full eight hours, and the firearm hours if applying for an armed position. Keep copies of everything.
- Complete the application. Follow the current DPS instructions for the registration application, including training verification and any fingerprint or background requirements. DPS updates its forms, so always use the latest ones on its website.
- Wait for approval. Do not act as a security guard in a position that requires registration until your employer confirms that you are properly cleared to work.
- Keep it current. Track your renewal date, complete your refresher training on time and keep your personal details updated.
What employers look for
- Reliability and punctuality: guards often work alone or with little supervision.
- Observation skills: noticing small changes and reporting them clearly.
- Clear writing: daily activity reports and incident reports must be accurate.
- Calm communication: de-escalation and courteous customer service matter as much as authority.
- Physical readiness: some sites involve long periods of standing or patrolling on foot, often outdoors in Arizona’s heat.
- Integrity: you may be trusted with keys, access codes and valuable property.
Common job settings
- Corporate offices, apartment communities and shopping centers
- Hospitals, schools and universities
- Construction sites and warehouses
- Special events, such as concerts and sports
- Mobile patrols and gated communities
Browse the Security category on SmartLinksJobs for current Phoenix and Arizona listings, and always read the job description for site conditions, schedule and training.
Beware of scams and unfair fees
Because Arizona requires registration and training, scammers sometimes sell “instant guard cards” or ask you to pay a “placement fee.” The Federal Trade Commission explains that honest employers never ask you to pay to get a job. Learn more on the FTC job scams page. Verify an agency’s license with DPS and be cautious about paying anyone before you have a written job offer and clear explanation of costs. A genuine employer will explain who pays for training, uniforms and the registration.
Career growth in security
Experienced officers may become shift supervisors, site managers, trainers or dispatchers. Some move into loss prevention, corporate security, emergency management or law enforcement careers, which have their own separate requirements. Keep a record of your training, performance and any commendations to support your next application.
Quick checklist
- I am 18 or older and legally authorized to work in the USA.
- I have checked the legal disqualifiers in A.R.S. 32-2622.
- I will use a DPS-licensed agency and DPS-certified instructors.
- I have my training verification form and application ready.
- I know my renewal date and refresher training requirements.
A security career begins with careful preparation and a professional attitude. Take each step in order, verify everything with official sources and keep exploring SmartLinksJobs for security opportunities across Arizona.
This guide is general information and not legal advice. DPS rules, forms and fees change, so always confirm current requirements on the official DPS website.