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Security Guard
Total cost: $240-$415
Yes
License Required?
8 hrs
Unarmed Training
12 hrs
Armed Training
$240-$415
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
Application Fee
$50
Fingerprint / Background Check Fee
$40
Training Fee
$100-$200
Varies by training provider
Unarmed License Fee
$50
Armed License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
State Regulation
VerifiedRequired
License Requirement
state
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Alabama requires state-level licensing for all security guards through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB). Both unarmed and armed guards must be licensed.
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
8 hrs
Hours Required
Training Topics
Provider Requirements
Training must be completed by an ASRB-certified trainer
Armed training available
12 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must demonstrate proficiency with duty firearm at an approved range
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
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Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedRequired
Guard Card
Security Officer License
Card Name
Processing Time
30 days temporary permit issued upon training completion
Valid Period
2 years
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Security Guard Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
Yes
Company License
Yes
Insurance Required
Yes
Bonding Required
Employer Training Obligations
Not sure if you need a security guard license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $50 |
Fingerprint Fee | $40 |
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $100-$200 |
Unarmed License Fee | $50 |
Armed License Fee | $75 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $240-$415 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
4 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
4 hours of refresher training required
Firearms Requalification
Annual re-qualification required per Rule 832-X-1-.08
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Alabama does not offer reciprocity for out-of-state security guard licenses.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alabama with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Alabama issues a temporary 30-day license upon completion of initial training, which cannot be extended. Felony convictions permanently disqualify unless a full pardon is granted, and violent misdemeanor convictions disqualify for 10 years.
Alabama requires all security guards to be licensed through the Alabama Security Regulatory Board.
Armed guards must complete a separate 12-hour firearms training course.
Temporary permit is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.
Employer security companies must maintain a valid agency license.
temporary permit valid for 30 calendar days, cannot be renewed/extended
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Official Sources
Security Guard requirements in Alabama verified against Alabama Security Regulatory Board (ASRB), March 2026.